As a Forensic Interviewer, you play a vital role in advancing KIDS Center’s mission to lead our region’s response to child abuse. In this role, you conduct developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, research-based, and legally sound forensic interviews of children referred for child abuse evaluations.
You will help create a safe, respectful, and child-focused environment where children and caregivers are treated with dignity, care, and professionalism. Through careful listening, neutral interviewing practices, and objective documentation, you support high-quality assessments while preserving the integrity of the investigative process.
Throughout each case, you will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary team partners, including law enforcement, DHS Child Welfare, medical providers, mental health professionals, and Family Advocates. You will gather caregiver history and debrief, support the evaluation process, participate in case consultation and peer review, and contribute to coordinated, evidence-based services for children and families impacted by abuse.
This position requires emotional steadiness, sound judgment, strong communication, cultural humility, and the ability to work with children, caregivers, and professionals in sensitive and high-stress situations. The Forensic Interviewer represents KIDS Center with professionalism, integrity, and commitment to our values of trust, care, integrity, empathy, impact, humility, excellence, equity, and teamwork.
What You’ll Do
· Conduct developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, research-based, and legally sound forensic interviews of children in accordance with Oregon Forensic Interviewing Guidelines, National Children’s Alliance standards, and applicable legal requirements.
· Use neutral, forensically sound interviewing techniques that support child-focused, evidence-based assessments and preserve the integrity of the investigative process.
· Provide case-related observations and professional input based on knowledge of child development, trauma, memory, disclosure processes, child abuse dynamics, and evidence-based forensic interviewing practices.
· Conduct post-evaluation debriefings with parents and caregivers, provide education regarding the evaluation process, identify relevant support needs, and communicate follow-up recommendations or referrals to Family Support Specialists, as appropriate.
· Provide testimony in grand jury, criminal, juvenile, or civil proceedings as requested and appropriate.
· Represent KIDS Center with professionalism, ethical conduct, and commitment to our mission, values, and multidisciplinary partnerships.
What We’re Looking For
· Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, sociology, child development, criminal justice, or a related field; and
· Four years of direct experience working with children, families, victims of abuse, child welfare, behavioral health, advocacy, law enforcement, or another child abuse-related profession; or
· Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, sociology, child development, criminal justice, or a related field; and
· Two years of direct experience working in a child abuse-related profession; or
· Any satisfactory combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position.
Preferred Certification and Experience
· Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
· Experience working in a Children’s Advocacy Center or multidisciplinary team setting.
· Completion of Oregon Child Forensic Interviewing Training is preferred. Candidates who have not completed approved forensic interviewing training must complete OCFIT or another KIDS Center-approved training prior to conducting forensic interviews independently.
Position Details
Type: Full-time, Hourly
Schedule: KIDS Center Hours are M-F 8-5 based on client and program needs
Location: Bend, OR on-site work at KIDS Center / Mobile Clinic
Compensation: $60,000 – $75,000 annually
Benefits: KIDS Center is committed to supporting the well-being of our team so you can do this important work in a sustainable way. We offer:
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- 23 days of PTO to start in addition to 10 paid holidays
- 401(k) retirement plan with 4% employer match
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities, including support for evidence-based practices
- A supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment
To Apply
If your qualifications, experience, and goals align with this position, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected].
OUR MISSION:
We lead our region’s response to child abuse.
About Our Services
KIDS Center is the only entity in Central Oregon offering comprehensive child abuse evaluations. Evaluations include a head-to-toe medical exam and child-friendly forensic interview.
To strengthen families and promote long-term healing, KIDS Center also provides family advocacy and mental health services to children and families impacted by abuse.
Children are referred to KIDS Center by community partners in law enforcement, DHS Child Welfare, medical providers, and licensed mental health professionals. Children and families can engage in KIDS Center advocacy and mental health services without participating in an evaluation. All of KIDS Center services are provided at no cost.
KIDS Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with all applicable laws, including Oregon’s Workplace Fairness Act and Equal Pay Act, and provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Employment with KIDS Center is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.
A state of Oregon and National criminal background check and a Department of Human Services Child Welfare background check are required for employment at KIDS Center
Pay: $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
