Forensic Interviewer (Internal Applicants Only)

Supervisor: Colleen McIngalls

Salary: Range 63-$52.93 (step one) - $67.09 (step ten) hourly

Please note that in 2027, King County employees will receive a 3.75% wage increase.

Work Schedule:  Monday-Friday, our core business hours are 8:00am – 5:00pm, an alternative schedule is subject to supervisor approval. 

Work Location: This is an in-person position, with occasional telecommuting available for non-interview duties, subject to supervisor approval and the scheduling needs of forensic interview appointments. The primary workstation for this role is located at the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center and Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC), the interviewer may be asked to occasionally work at a three location since being identified by the Children's Justice Center of King County.

The Forensic Interviewer conducts the initial, detailed, neutral and developmentally appropriate investigative interviews in cases of child physical abuse, sexual abuse, criminal neglect, commercial sexual exploitation, and other cases involving children, adolescents, or vulnerable adults where it is determined that the specialized skill and experience of a forensic interviewer is needed. This is complex work requiring specialized knowledge and training in forensic interviewing, child development, the dynamics of child abuse, and the impact of trauma. The Forensic Interviewer exercises substantial decision-making responsibility and independent judgment in daily activities where the consequences are great.

This is the third Forensic Interviewer position at the CJCKC and will be based in South King County, initially working out of the Maleng Regional Justice Center (MRJC) and the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) while the CJCKC identifies a permanent third interview location.

The CJCKC is a small, highly skilled and collaborative team. Although we work from multiple locations, we meet regularly as a team, connect routinely on cases and projects, and genuinely enjoy the work we do together.

Responsibilities

Forensic Interviewing

• Schedule and conduct forensic interviews with children who are involved in child abuse and violent crime investigations as a potential victim or witness, within the age and special needs categories identified by the King County Special Assault Network (SAN) Protocol
• Use critical thinking and shared decision-making with multidisciplinary team (MDT) partners to identify cases that are appropriate for a forensic interview but fall outside the protocol criteria
• Conduct interviews using a research-based forensic interview protocol, adapting to the child's age, development, culture, language, and individual needs, with an equity and social justice lens
• Enter all necessary case data into the CJCKC case management system accurately and on time, in accordance with established workflows and reporting requirements
• Maintain child interview video recordings and provide access to law enforcement and to defense attorneys in accordance with SAN Protocol and statutes. Coordinate with other parties on the viewing of recordings as appropriate

Case Coordination and Consultation

• Work with the CJCKC multidisciplinary team, law enforcement detectives and DCYF/CPS social workers, on case coordination and planning for investigations involving allegations of child abuse and/or exposure to violent crime
• Consult on incoming child abuse cases with assigned agency personnel
• Coordinate with law enforcement, the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), prosecuting attorneys, victim advocates, medical and mental health providers, and other community partners to ensure investigations and services are provided with the best outcomes for children in mind
• Serve as a subject matter expert for MDT partners on child development, disclosure, the impact of victimization and exposure to violence on children, and available resources for children and families
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with partners at all levels, using diplomacy and sound judgment

Court and Legal Process

• Give testimony in court as necessary
• Participate in other court-related activities, including defense interviews, review of defense expert reports, and provide relevant literature to deputy prosecutors regarding issues in a case
• Assist with the onboarding and training of deputy prosecutors assigned to Special Assault cases

Training, Peer Review, and Community Outreach

• Participate in ongoing peer review meetings in accordance with professional, state and National Children's Alliance (NCA) accreditation standards
• Train new child interviewers within King County
• Assist in statewide training of law enforcement, child protection social workers, and forensic interviewers
• Provide educational presentations to the public and to professionals as needed
• Attend MDT and network meetings with community agencies to promote collaboration, consult on forensic interview needs, and provide outreach to MDT partners, including communities and populations currently underserved by the CJCKC in South King County
• Assist with CJCKC activities, including creating educational materials, training, and outreach for the families of victims, the public, and professionals

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in meetings, committees, and taskforces as needed
• Actively participate in CJCKC-sponsored training and events
• Provide coverage for other CJCKC interviewers and staff as needed
• Complete all required data reporting requirements
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned and as business needs evolve and change

• Master's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field, or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates a commitment to this subject matter and work
• Experience working with child victims of abuse, including sexual abuse
• Demonstrated skill in communicating with children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults
• Knowledge of child development, the dynamics of child abuse, and the impact of trauma on children and families
• Ability to convey pertinent case information clearly, verbally and in writing, including testifying in court
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with court personnel, MDT partners, attorneys, and the public
• Skill in maintaining a professional demeanor in highly sensitive matters involving confidentiality and discretion
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage competing priorities and a changing schedule
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook), virtual meeting tools (e.g., Zoom), and digital case management and video recording systems
• Ability to receive and give constructive feedback, including through peer review
• Willingness to work on a collaborative team and within the philosophy and mission of the CJCKC and the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
• Ability to travel throughout King County on occasion; may need to occasionally provide training and attend events on nights and weekends
• A commitment to Race, Equity and Social Justice

The Most Competitive Candidates Will Possess

• Completion of specialized forensic interview training and extensive experience conducting forensic interviews of children
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with child development, child abuse, the impact of trauma on children, and the multidisciplinary team response to child abuse
• Experience testifying in court as a fact witness
• Knowledge of resources for child victims and witnesses in South King County
• Experience working with child trafficking survivors, and an understanding of the unique needs of these youth
• Work experience in a variety of settings, including child advocacy centers, prosecutor's offices, medical and mental health settings, child protection, and advocacy
• Language skills or cultural experience that strengthen the CJCKC's ability to serve the diverse communities of South King County