Forensic Interviewer

Why Join CALICO?

Since 1997, CALICO (Child Abuse Listening, Interviewing and Coordination Center) has served as a multidisciplinary hub in Alameda County, bringing together detectives, child welfare workers, prosecutors, and other professionals to respond to child abuse, conduct forensic interviews, and connect children and families with critical services.

Each year, CALICO supports 500–600 children, adolescents, and adults with developmental disabilities most of whom have experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence.

At CALICO, you’ll gain hands-on experience in trauma-informed forensic interviewing, multidisciplinary collaboration, and supporting healing for children and families.

Join us and help create safety, healing, and justice for children and families in need.

Position Description: The Forensic Interviewer (FI) is a key member of CALICO’s Multidisciplinary Team, responsible for conducting developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed interviews with children and adults with developmental disabilities who have experienced abuse or trauma. This role requires a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice to ensure safety, support healing, and promote justice for children and families.

FI positions at CALICO are typically part-time. Candidates may apply for a full-time role, which combines forensic interviewing with additional program support, including assisting the Executive Director with grant writing, reporting, and program development (for those interested). Part-time applicants focused solely on conducting interviews are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

Forensic Interviewing & Multidisciplinary Collaboration (50%)

• Conduct developmentally appropriate, unbiased forensic interviews following a national, research-based model.
• Attend and stay updated with basic and advanced forensic interviewer training.
• Develop a working knowledge of the Alameda County Child Abuse Protocol and relevant laws.
• Consult with multidisciplinary team members (e.g., child welfare workers, detectives, prosecutors) before and after interviews.
• Schedule CALICO appointments and facilitate agency coordination.
• Maintain accurate intake and interview documentation.
• Participate in monthly staff and case review meetings.
• Participate in peer review sessions on forensic interviews.
• Testify in court hearings upon subpoena.
• Demonstrate professionalism, exceptional interpersonal skills, and cultural competence.
• Respond to after-hours weekday, weekend, and holiday emergency requests from law enforcement and Alameda County Child and Family Services on a rotating on-call basis.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.

Other Assigned Duties (50%)

The specific responsibilities will be tailored to the skills and expertise of the selected candidate and may include:

• Collect agency data and assemble reports.
• Act as a community liaison and representative of CALICO.
• Support CALICO’s Training Coordinator with the annual collaborative training.
• Assist in delivering educational presentations.
• Assist the Executive Director with program support, including grant writing, reporting, and program development (for full-time candidates interested in these opportunities).
• Contribute to a positive, forward-thinking, and collaborative work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.
• Completion of Child Forensic Interview Training (CFIT).
• Experience and comfort working with trauma-impacted children and adults is required.
• At least two years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Forensic interviewing or comparable work with children
  • Child Protective Services
  • Victim Advocacy
  • Counseling
• Strong communication skills with children (ages 2½–17) and adults with developmental disabilities.
• Ability to manage a range of emotions in high-pressure situations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, coupled with organizational abilities.
• Positive, outgoing attitude with a resourceful, self-motivated, and detail-oriented approach.
• Ability to collaborate and form professional relationships.
• Proficiency in computer data entry and word processing.
• Excellent listening skills and ability to synthesize information quickly.
• Bilingual Spanish/English candidates are preferred but not required.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and floating holidays

Paid wellness days

Health, vision, and dental insurance

Matching 403(b) retirement plan

Bilingual Spanish/English preferred but not required. Candidates who are bilingual will be given priority consideration.

All other candidates are encouraged to apply.