Forensic Interviewer, Therapist Family Advocate

The Cottage Sexual Assault Center & Children's Advocacy Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to raising awareness and supporting the healing of individuals, families, and communities affected by sexual violence and child abuse. Based in Athens-Clarke County, The Cottage provides free and confidential services staffed by professional social workers. The organization guides survivors and their families through the legal system and the trauma of abuse.

The Cottage welcomes individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, races, religions, or immigration statuses to access its resources.

This is a full-time, on-site role located in Athens, GA. The Forensic Interviewer, Therapist and Advocate’s main responsibilities are providing Forensic Interviews, Victim Assistance Program (VAP) Counseling, and Family Advocacy.

Forensic Interviewer: The Forensic Interviewer is responsible for conducting forensic interviews of children for Clarke County per the request of Law Enforcement, Department of Family and Child Services (DFCS), and/ or the District Attorney’s Office. This position is responsible for maintaining effective relationships with partner agencies and assisting with the Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings.

Therapist: The Therapist involves providing VAP services and counseling to children.

Family Advocate: Family Advocacy involves speaking to caregivers and providing support and resources before, during, and after the forensic interview/forensic medical exam. This role is responsible for the facilitation of the forensic interview process.

This is a full-time position with full health and dental insurance benefits (excluding vision) along with a retirement package and flexible spending account for health care and dependent care. This position will occasionally need to respond via phone during nights/weekends to provide guidance for The Cottage 24/7 crisis hotline and Accompaniment Advocates. This position is supervised by the Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Salary Range: 50-55K annually

Applicants must hold a Master’s Degree in Social Work and/or some other related field/work experience. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred. The Cottage seeks to maintain and improve our services for all survivors regardless of gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, race, color, socio-economic status, religion, age, ability, and national origin/immigration status.

If interested, please email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 2-3 professional references to Annelise Allgood at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. For priority consideration, please submit your application by March 1st.

• Conduct Forensic Interviews of children & adolescents during regular work hours (Monday-Friday between 8am-5pm).
• Be available to conduct forensic interviews of children after hours when needed using Child First Protocol
• Enter all conducted/attempted forensic interviews into Child Services Database

• Provide court testimony in Juvenile Court and Superior Court
• Receive proper supervision and guidance while preparing for court
• Document each subpoena received
• Assist the lead forensic interviewer with all other forensic interview related duties

• Call caregivers prior to the forensic interview and/or forensic medical exam to explain the process and answer questions
• Pass along any relevant information to the forensic interview/forensic medical exam investigative team
• Complete intake paperwork with the caregiver prior to the forensic interview.
• Facilitating forensic interview and forensic medical exam process at the Family Protection Center (i.e. coordinating with investigative team, troubleshooting issues during interview/exam, etc.)
• Provide advocacy, support and resources to caregivers
• Follow-up with caregivers after the forensic interview/forensic medical exam.
  
  This can include answering questions, counseling/groups referrals, and referrals for other resources
• Assist in intern training so that they may be able to provide family advocacy