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Child Forensic Interview Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

SSA/FTS (Clinton and Eaton County)

Charlotte, MI · On-site +1

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... of child welfare including child protective services, prevention, foster care, licensing, and ... Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview. This position is ...

Services Specialist Assistant 8-E10

Lansing, MI · On-site

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview. If you have ... child. Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New ...

Showing results 41-51

Child Forensic Interview information

What is a child forensic interview?

A Child Forensic Interview is a structured conversation with a child conducted by a trained professional to obtain information about possible events the child may have experienced or witnessed, such as abuse or other crimes. The goal is to gather accurate and reliable information in a manner that is developmentally appropriate and minimizes trauma to the child. These interviews are typically part of investigations by law enforcement or child protective services and are often recorded to preserve the child's statement for legal proceedings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child forensic interviewer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Forensic Interviewer, you need a background in psychology, social work, or criminal justice, along with specialized training in forensic interviewing and child development. Familiarity with recording equipment, case management systems, and protocols such as the National Children's Alliance standards is typically required. Exceptional communication, empathy, and the ability to build trust with children while remaining neutral are crucial soft skills. These skills and qualifications are essential for eliciting accurate information in a sensitive manner, ensuring child safety, and supporting effective investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by child forensic interviewers, and how can they be addressed?

Child Forensic Interviewers often encounter challenges such as building trust with children who may be scared or traumatized, navigating interviews with children of varying developmental levels, and managing emotionally difficult subject matter. These challenges can be addressed through specialized training in trauma-informed interviewing techniques, ongoing supervision and peer support, and self-care practices to prevent burnout. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including law enforcement and social services, also helps ensure interviews are conducted ethically and effectively while supporting the child's well-being.

What is the difference between Child Forensic Interview vs Child Therapist?

AspectChild Forensic InterviewChild Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a background in psychology, social work, or criminal justice; often certified in forensic interviewing techniquesRequires a degree in psychology, social work, or counseling; licensure or certification in therapy or counseling
Work EnvironmentConducted in forensic or investigative settings, such as law enforcement agencies or child advocacy centersPerformed in clinical settings, schools, or private practices, focusing on therapy and mental health
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement, child advocacy, forensic agenciesHealthcare, mental health clinics, private practice

While both roles involve working with children, Child Forensic Interviewers focus on gathering information for legal cases using specialized interview techniques, whereas Child Therapists provide mental health treatment to support emotional well-being.

Are child forensic interviewers in demand?

Child forensic interviewers are in increasing demand due to the need for specialized skills in interviewing children involved in abuse or neglect cases. Employment opportunities are often available in law enforcement agencies, child advocacy centers, and social services, with a focus on training in interview techniques and child development. The role requires strong communication skills and adherence to legal and ethical standards.

How do I become a child forensic interviewer?

To become a child forensic interviewer, individuals typically need a background in social work, psychology, or criminal justice, along with specialized training in interviewing techniques and child development. Certification programs, such as those offered by the National Children's Alliance, are often required or preferred, and candidates must pass background checks and gain experience working with children in related settings.

What does a child forensic interviewer do?

A child forensic interviewer conducts interviews with children who may have experienced abuse or neglect to gather information for investigations. They use specialized techniques to ensure the child's comfort and to obtain accurate, reliable testimony, often working closely with law enforcement, social services, and mental health professionals. The role requires strong communication skills, knowledge of child development, and adherence to legal and ethical standards.

What job categories do people searching Child Forensic Interview jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Child Forensic Interview jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Child Forensic Interview jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Child Forensic Interview job openings:

SSA/FTS (Clinton and Eaton County)

State of Michigan

Charlotte, MI • On-site, Remote

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


State Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated states


Job description

Salary : $1,922.40 - $2,647.20 Biweekly
Location : Charlotte, MI
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 4308-26-Eaton-054-FILL-SSA/FTS
Department: Health and Human Services - Counties
Opening Date: 07/24/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: UNITED AUTO WORKERS (UAW)
Job Description
The MDHHS mission is to provide opportunities, services, and programs that promote a healthy, safe, and stable environment for residents to be self-sufficient. We are committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all employees are treated with dignity, respect and fairness. For more information, please visit our MDHHS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan.
This position performs a variety of activities to support the implementation of case plan implementation and permanency planning for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who receive services in the areas of child welfare including child protective services, prevention, foster care, licensing, and adoption.
To be considered, you MUST:
  • Attach a copy of your official transcripts showing you meet the below educational requirements. These must be signed by the registrar or show the university seal. We do accept electronic official transcripts.
  • Attach an up to date resume.
  • Attach a cover letter.
  • For candidates who do NOT possess a State of Michigan Driver's license but have a license from another state, please provide an official two year driving record from the state in which you currently hold a valid license.

Required Education and Experience
Education
Completion of two years of college (60 semester or 90 term credits) with a minimum of 15 semester (23 term) credits in one or a combination of the following human services areas: social work, sociology, psychology, forensic psychology, education, community development, law enforcement, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed, education of the gifted, family ecology, community services, family studies, family and/or child development, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services, a human services-related counseling major, or interdisciplinary studies in social science.
Experience
Services Specialist Assistant 8
No specific type or amount is required.
Services Specialist Assistant 9
One year of experience equivalent to a Services Specialist Assistant 8.
Services Specialist Assistant E10
Two years of experience equivalent to a Services Specialist Assistant 8 or one year equivalent to a Services Specialist Assistant 9.
Additional Requirements and Information
Position Location:
The physical location of this position is Clinton and/or Eaton County. Based on operational needs and within established limits, remote work and alternate or hybrid work schedule requests for this position may be considered.
Selected candidates who have been approved to work remotely or a hybrid schedule must complete that work within Michigan. Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview.
This position is only open to all qualifying candidates.
What is it about this position that would make me want to apply? This position will perform a variety of activities to include the following:
  • Accompany Services Specialist on visits with youth and family members.
  • Transport family members to facilitate family involvement.
  • Report observations made during visits to the Services Specialist and propose recommendations as needed.
  • Participate in Team Decision Meetings, as needed.
  • Participate in pre-placement conferences with Services specialist
  • Assist the Services Specialist in interviewing and engaging with relatives and prospective adoptive parents.
  • Assist the Services Specialist in the home study.
  • Supervise parent-youth, sibling, relative and/or potential adoptive relative's visitations. Observe interactions, intercede when required, and report any incidents/observations to the Services Specialist.

MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran's Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran-Friendly Employer.
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award.
More details on benefits for our new hires are below:
Rewarding Work: State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state's military and veterans; rebuild our state's infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems.
Insurance Benefits: The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees' annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at www.mi.gov/employeebenefits.
Retirement Programs: The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state's contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at http://www.mi.gov/orsstatedc.
Vacation and Sick Leave: Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions.
Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child.
Paid Holidays: Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.
Bonus Programs: Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums.
Military Pay Differential: Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if miliary pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual.
Tax-Advantaged Programs: In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income.
Student Loan Forgiveness: Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Please view Student Loan Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition Reduction: Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan.
Professional Development: To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs.
Alternative and Remote Work Schedules: Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek.
Great Lakes and Great Times: Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park-just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan's affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer.
Updated: 2/28/24
01
SRVSPLA - Do you possess one of the following?At least two years of college (60 semester or 90 term credits) with a minimum of 15 semester (23 term) credits in one or a combination of the following human services areas: social work, sociology,psychology, forensic psychology, education, community development, law enforcement, behavioral science, gerontology, special education, education of the emotionally disturbed, education of the gifted, family ecology, community services, family studies, family and/or child development, counseling psychology, criminal justice, human services, a human services-related Counseling major, or interdisciplinary studies in social science?
  • Yes
  • No

02
What, if any, experience do you have with the child welfare system? Please describe if applicable. If not applicable, please enter "N/A."
03
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

04
If you answered yes to the previous question, please list the state issued by, license number, expiration date. If no, type N/A. (If you have a driver's license issued outside the State of Michigan, you must attach a 2yr driving history to your application.)
05
How would you reach and serve various groups or traditionally underserved communities?
06
*Please select from the options below: (Please note, actions that have been expunged, formal counseling, and layoff actions need not be reported.) Please select all that apply.
  • I have been dismissed within the last two years
  • I have resigned in lieu of discipline or dismissal within the last two years
  • I have been issued a disciplinary suspension in the last two years.
  • I am currently suspended with or without pay pending the outcome of an investigation
  • I have received a written reprimand within the last two years
  • I have received an unsatisfactory rating within the last two years
  • I have signed a last chance agreement with MDHHS within the last two years
  • I certify that none of the above circumstances apply to me

07
If you selected that you have been dismissed within the last two years, resigned in lieu of dismissal within the last two years, were issued a disciplinary suspension within the last two years, are currently suspended with or without pay pending the outcome of an investigation, received a written reprimand within the last two years, received an unsatisfactory rating within the last two years, or signed a last chance agreement with MDHHS within the last two years, please provide an explanation below. If none of the above apply to you, please enter 'N/A'.
08
*Do you have an Intentional Program Violation from the Department of Health and Human Services?
  • Yes
  • No

09
*Do you have any substantiated cases of abuse or neglect reported on the Department of Human Services Central Registry?
  • Yes
  • No

10
If yes, please explain in detail what changes you have made to mitigate your previous actions. If no, enter "N/A."
11
*Do you have any objection to being finger printed or drug tested?
  • Yes
  • No

12
*Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
  • Yes
  • No

13
Have you ever been found responsible in a confirmed case of child abuse or neglect?
  • Yes
  • No

14
*Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor?
  • Yes
  • No

15
Have you lived outside the State of Michigan in the previous 5 years? (Selected applicants who have lived outside the State of Michigan within the previous 5 years will need to provide a Central Registry record for the State(s) in which they resided in for the previous 5 years prior to being hired.)
  • Yes
  • No

16
From the options below, which accurately describes your current status? (A current state employee works fo

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