CHILD FORENSIC INTERVIEWER/ VICTIM WITNESS ADVOCATE
This position combines the role of a Child Forensic Interviewer and a Victim Witness Advocate (VWA) into one full time position. The number of hours in each role will depend on the needs/requirements of the Office. This position is directly supervised by the Director of the Victim/Witness unit.
Please send cover letter, resume and references to Dina Guiel Lampiasi (Dina.GuielLampiasi@state.ma.us)
Role Objectives
- Child Forensic Interviewer- conducts forensic interviews with children and adolescents following an allegation of abuse, using research based & best practice interview techniques. The interviews are conducted at a Children’s Advocacy Center and as part of a Multi-Disciplinary response.
- Victim/Witness Advocate- responsible for providing crisis assessment and intervention, information and referrals, supportive counseling, and court advocacy services to victims, witnesses, and their families throughout the criminal justice process in compliance with The Massachusetts Victim Bill of Rights (M.G.L. c258B).
Responsibilities:
• Member of Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) responding to allegations of child sexual/physical abuse, neglect, witness to domestic violence, child exploitation and trafficking
•Become trained in a nationally/state recognized model of forensic interviewing with a minimum of 32 hours of instruction and practice.
•Maintain specialized skills in accordance with the National Children’s Alliance standards for Accredited Child Advocacy Centers (CACs)
•Testify in criminal, civil or family court if subpoenaed as a result of conducting a child forensic interview
•Facilitate monthly CAC case review meetings with Multi-Disciplinary Team members
•Attend Children’s Advocacy Center, Child Abuse Unit and Victim/Witness Unit meetings as requested by direct supervisor
•Facilitate pre and post interview meetings with MDT and non-offending caretakers.
• Management of cases primarily involving victims of violence and those who sustain serious physical, emotional, or financial injury;
•Inform victims and witnesses of crime their rights in the case involving them, information about the criminal justice process and their role in it
•Accompany victims and witnesses to relevant court proceedings to be available to provide information, offer support, answers to questions, and address concerns as they arise
•Assist victims of crime with their right to be heard throughout the criminal justice process
•Assist victims and witnesses with safety planning and access to services
•Collaborate with community agencies to reduce the secondary trauma associated with the aftermath of crime
• Responsible for learning about diverse socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and ethnic populations in Berkshire County and ensuring that service delivery is reflective of an individual’s unique needs;
Required Qualifications:
• Fluency or Conversational Abilities in Spanish
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail;
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to work independently and be part of a team;
• Strong computer skills, must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite;
• Strong interpersonal skills and be able to maintain a professional workplace etiquette
• Strong personal character and be able to handle sensitive and confidential information
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team setting;
• Working knowledge of the criminal justice system and interest in public service
All full time positions offer a State benefit package that includes health, life, disability, and dental/vision insurances, retirement plans, vacation, personal and sick leave and more. Payroll is paid bi-weekly and based on a 37.5 hour work week (normally 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of background check. All positions serve at the pleasure of the District Attorney. All positions require the candidate to:
- Fulfill the mandatory education and training requirements of the State Ethics Commission
- Become familiar with and to follow the provisions of the Office Personnel Policies, particularly with regard to confidentiality, sexual harassment, drug-free workplace and the usage of information technology resources
- Participate in trainings relevant to Office functions
- Interact in a respectful and professional manner with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel and office staff
- Complete work assignments in a timely, accurate and efficient manner
Berkshire District Attorney’s Office is an EEO Employer with a firm commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring practices.