Job Description

NOVA (Network of Victim Assistance) is a comprehensive victim services organization in Bucks County. With a 50+-year history, NOVA has expanded to include a continuum of prevention and direct services to prevent and address the needs of victims of sexual abuse and other serious crimes. NOVA is known for its exceptional services and professionalism across many disciplines and the community. As a mature and fiscally sound organization, establishing sustainability is key to our future success, serving all victims who need assistance, educating the community on violence prevention, and providing top-ranked professional training.

POSITION SUMMARY

Utilizes interview protocols to conduct forensic interviews for alleged victims of abuse as requested by law enforcement, children and youth services, or the district attorney. Prepares written documentation of interviews and testifies in related court proceedings. Reports to the Children’s Advocacy Center Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts forensic interviews with children in conjunction with law enforcement, DA’s Office, Bucks County Children and Youth, and/or State Department of Public Welfare
• Facilitates a team interview process at the Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center with representatives from Bucks County Children and Youth Services, Police Departments, DA’s Office, victim services, and other agencies involved in the investigation of child abuse, keeping in mind the needs and mandates of the involved agencies. Balance the needs of the family and child, the agencies, and “best practices” in investigating child abuse
• Demonstrates particular sensitivity to traumatized children and caretakers and the specific needs of victims dealing with multiple risks: physical and mental disabilities, poverty, single-parent home, foster care, and children with developmental disabilities
• Documents all interviews conducted, including summaries of the forensic interview
• Works with victim services and the rest of the multi-disciplinary team to recommend treatment and medical services as appropriate
• Provides testimony at court proceedings when necessary
• Attends and participates in regular Bucks County Multi-Disciplinary Team Case Review
• Assists in designing quality assurance and review practices
• Attends and participates in regular forensic interview peer review
• Assists with other agency activities as requested, including but not limited to:
  • development of protocols to facilitate inter-agency investigations
  • conceptualizing project and grant proposals
  • case tracking, including data collection and entry
  • ensuring compliance with the standards of the National Children’s Alliance
• Acts as liaison for the CAC in the community
• Initiates and maintains collaborative relationships with relevant organizations in order to improve and expand CAC’s ability to provide services to abused children
• Answers inquiries regarding CAC, including services and referral protocol
• Seeks and pursues opportunities to develop and provide outreach regarding CAC

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

• Successful completion of the Sexual Assault Counselor Training (SAC), annual training requirements, and continuing education requirements as applicable
• Participates in job-related professional development activities
• Annual attendance of NOVA’s Staff Retreat (1 day)
• Attend and actively participate in a staff or agency committee
• Meets regularly with the Coordinator for support, direction, supervision, and feedback

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to engage in trauma-informed practices
• Ability to work in a confidential setting and adhere to NOVA’s confidentiality practices
• Conduct all relationships with honesty and integrity
• Effectively work independently and within a team
• Ability to adapt to changing work environments, evolving work priorities, and the needs of the organization

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, plus 2 years post-master’s experience strongly preferred
• Experience in the field of child abuse and/or the criminal justice system
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and computer experience
• NOVA may require employees to participate in drug testing
• Proficiency with Office 365

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Must complete required training to uphold the standards of a forensic interview defined by the National Children’s Alliance
• Must meet all required background checks (criminal, FBI, child abuse) at hire and every five years after that
• Must provide proof of a valid driver’s license
• Must provide proof of valid car insurance with a minimum liability coverage of $100,000/$300,000 upon hire and biannually after that

NOVA is an AA/EOE. The compensation package includes the following components:

• Competitive Annual Salary
• Medical & Dental (1st day of the month following hire; Employee premiums paid in full by NOVA)
• Short-term & long-term disability (After 90 days of employment; Premiums paid in full by NOVA)
• Life insurance policy (After 90 days of employment; Premium paid in full by NOVA)
• Quarterly contribution to Profit Sharing Pension Plan (1st quarter following one year of employment. Continued contributions are reviewed quarterly
• Voluntary contribution to 401K Plan (1st quarter following one year of employment)
• Generous Paid-Time-Off policy (after 90 days of employment) and 12 paid holidays per year

Accommodations: If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please notify us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.

If you possess these qualifications, are energetic and passionate about the mission of NOVA, and enjoy a friendly, team-oriented environment, we would like to hear from you! Please submit your resume with a cover letter telling us why you are the person for this job, and your salary requirements to Careers@novabucks.org (Subject line: Forensic Interviewer)

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