1

Forensic Interviewer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Interviewer information

See Illinois salary details

$8

$20

$30

How much do forensic interviewer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic interviewer in Illinois is $20.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic interviewer?

A Forensic Interviewer is a trained professional who conducts structured conversations with children or vulnerable individuals involved in abuse, neglect, or other criminal investigations. They use specialized techniques to gather accurate, non-leading information while ensuring the interview is legally sound and trauma-informed. Their work helps law enforcement, child protective services, and legal teams make informed decisions while minimizing retraumatization for the victim.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forensic interviewer?

To thrive as a Forensic Interviewer, you need a strong understanding of investigative interviewing techniques, child development or trauma-informed care, and a relevant degree such as social work, psychology, or criminal justice. Knowledge of specialized protocols like the Child Advocacy Center model, familiarity with digital recording equipment, and relevant certifications such as forensic interviewer training are highly valued. Excellent communication, empathy, and active listening skills help build trust with interviewees and enhance collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are critical for gathering accurate information while minimizing trauma for victims and ensuring that interviews hold up under legal scrutiny.

What are common challenges faced by forensic interviewers, and how are they addressed?

Forensic Interviewers commonly encounter emotionally charged situations, working with vulnerable populations such as children or trauma survivors, which can be both challenging and rewarding. Managing personal resilience and avoiding burnout is crucial, and many workplaces provide ongoing training, supervision, and access to peer support or mental health resources. Interviewers often collaborate closely with law enforcement, social services, and legal professionals, which requires adaptability and strong teamwork skills. These supports and collaborative practices help ensure interviews are conducted ethically and effectively, while also sustaining the well-being of the interviewer.

Are forensic interviewers in demand?

Forensic interviewers are in growing demand due to increased awareness of child abuse and the need for specialized investigative skills. Employment opportunities are often available in law enforcement agencies, child advocacy centers, and social services, with a focus on strong communication skills and relevant certifications. The role typically requires a background in criminal justice or psychology and adherence to specific interview protocols.

Do you need a master's to be a forensic interviewer?

A master's degree is not typically required to become a forensic interviewer, but a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field is often preferred. Relevant training, certification, and experience working with children or in investigative settings are important for this role.

How do you become a forensic interviewer?

To become a 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 should have strong communication skills and the ability to work with vulnerable populations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Interviewer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Forensic Interviewer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Interviewer jobs in Illinois?

For Forensic Interviewer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Interviewer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Interviewer jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Forensic Interviewer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,253 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Forensic Interviewer II - CJC may underfill as Forensic Interviewer I - CJC

Utah County Sheriff

Justice, IL • On-site

$73K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

UTAH COUNTY OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

100 East Center, Suite 3800, Provo, UT 84606 Phone: (801) 851-8158

Fax: (801) 851-8166 Email: humanresources@UtahCounty.gov

http://www.utahcounty.gov

"The Value of Public Service Employment is vital to the success of our state, county, and local communities."

Utah County Government Employees start every day with the well-being of the entire community in mind:

How can I make my community a better place?

Who will need my help and protection?

How will I make a difference for someone?

We hire smart, compassionate, loyal, ethical, committed, innovative people.

Apply today and join our Team.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

The Children's Justice Center is a homelike facility which serves children and families who are experiencing the crisis and chaos that comes with the disclosure of significant physical or sexual abuse of a child.

Posting Date:July 15, 2026Closing Date: *open until filled

*All applications received byJuly 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST will be screened by the Human Resources Office. Those applicants meeting the specified qualifications and additional screening criteria will be referred for a hiring interview. The Human Resource Office will continue to consider qualified candidates as needed until the position is filled.

POSITION: Forensic Interviewer II - CJC POSTING #: 2372-0726srMay underfill as Forensic Interviewer I - CJC

Forensic Interviewer II - CJC - Applicants must possess and maintain licensure under the Mental Health Professional Practice Act (UCA 58-60) as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC).

Forensic Interviewer I - CJC - Applicants must possess and maintain licensure under the Mental Health Professional Practice Act (UCA 58-60) as a Certified Social Worker (CSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), or Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC).

The Opportunity:

Under general direction of the Associate Director - Children's Justice Center or Clinical Supervisor and as a member of the Utah Valley Special Victims Task Force, performs professional work in conducting forensically sound investigative interviews and in assessing individual child victims. Prepares individual reports and evaluations and testifies in court as required. This advanced classification level requires licensure and utilizes advanced knowledge and experience in child development and in providing therapeutic services to children.

Starting Pay: Forensic Interviewer II - CJC Grade 726 $73,528.00 - $84,468.80 AnnuallyForensic Interviewer I - CJCGrade 723 $59,633.60 - $68,515.20 Annually

Schedule: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday

Job Qualifications:

Forensic Interviewer II - CJC

1. Master's degree in social work, psychology, or a mental health program approved by the Department of Professional Licensing (DOPL).
2. Two (2) years of work experience serving children in a clinical setting.
3. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
1. Applicants must possess and maintain licensure under the Mental Health Professional Practice Act (UCA 58-60) as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC).
2. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and obtain a valid State of Utah driver's license within sixty (60) days of employment.
3. Selected applicants will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Job Qualifications:

Forensic Interviewer I - CJC
1. Master's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
1. Applicants must possess and maintain licensure under the Mental Health Professional Practice Act (UCA 58-60) as a Certified Social Worker (CSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), or Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC).
2. Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and obtain a valid State of Utah driver's license within sixty (60) days of employment.
3. Selected applicants will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Click here for a full job description

Benefits Package Includes:

100% paid premiums for health insurance

Up to 6.2% match in your 401(k)

Utah Retirement Systems (Pension and 401(k) options)

Pre-tax savings Health Savings Account (HSA)

Fourteen (14) paid Holidays

Dental and Vision Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

AAP/EEO Statement

It is the policy of Utah County Government to assure equal employment opportunity to its employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, genetic status of gender identity.

UTAH COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER