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Forensic Interviewing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Auditor

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Assisting attorneys and investigators in interviewing suspects and witnesses to obtain information ... witness in the area of forensic accounting. * US Citizen or Permanent Resident (required)

Fire Investigator

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$83K - $124K/yr

Conducts on-site, hands-on forensic fire analysis. This includes scene photography, interviewing witnesses and gathering information, taking possession of items, cause and origin determination ...

Fire Investigator

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$83K - $124K/yr

Conducts on-site, hands-on forensic fire analysis. This includes scene photography, interviewing witnesses and gathering information, taking possession of items, cause and origin determination ...

Peer Recovery Specialist

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$27.84 - $30.62/hr

Project 180 is a leader in the forensic treatment space, offering high-quality, specialized ... interviewing, and de-escalation techniques. Provide outreach services as needed, meeting clients ...

Peer Recovery Specialist

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$27.84 - $30.62/hr

Project 180 is a leader in the forensic treatment space, offering high-quality, specialized ... interviewing, and de-escalation techniques. Provide outreach services as needed, meeting clients ...

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Forensic Interviewing information

What is forensic interviewing?

Forensic interviewing is a specialized method of interviewing individuals, often children or vulnerable adults, who may have experienced or witnessed a crime or traumatic event. The purpose is to gather accurate and reliable information in a neutral, non-leading, and legally sound manner that can be used in investigations and court proceedings. Forensic interviewers are trained to minimize trauma and ensure the interview is conducted ethically and effectively. These interviews are usually recorded and may be observed by law enforcement or child protection professionals.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Interviewer, you need a background in psychology, social work, or criminal justice, along with specialized training or certification in forensic interviewing techniques. Familiarity with digital recording equipment, case management systems, and legal documentation protocols is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, active listening, and the ability to build rapport with vulnerable individuals are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure interviews are conducted ethically, accurately, and in a manner that preserves the integrity of the information for use in investigations or legal proceedings.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic interviewers when working with children, and how are they addressed?

Forensic interviewers often encounter challenges such as building rapport with children who may be frightened or reluctant to share sensitive information. Additionally, ensuring that questions are non-leading and developmentally appropriate is crucial to maintain the integrity of the interview. To address these challenges, interviewers receive specialized training in child psychology and trauma-informed practices, and they frequently work in multidisciplinary teams with law enforcement, social workers, and mental health professionals to provide a supportive environment for the child.

What is the difference between Forensic Interviewing vs Child Advocacy Specialist?

AspectForensic InterviewingChild Advocacy Specialist
CredentialsTraining in forensic interviewing techniques, certifications in child abuse investigationBackground in social work, counseling, or psychology, often with child advocacy certifications
Work EnvironmentInterview rooms, law enforcement agencies, child protective servicesCommunity centers, courts, child advocacy offices
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement, child protective services, forensic unitsNonprofits, government agencies, legal systems
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding forensic interview techniques, investigative rolesChild support, advocacy, legal proceedings

While both roles focus on child welfare, forensic interviewers specialize in conducting legally sound interviews to gather evidence, whereas child advocacy specialists provide support and advocacy for children involved in legal or protective processes.

Are forensic interviewers in demand?

Forensic interviewers are in increasing demand due to the need for specialized skills in interviewing children and vulnerable individuals in criminal investigations. Employment opportunities are often available in law enforcement agencies, child advocacy centers, and forensic organizations, with a growing emphasis on certification and training in interview techniques.

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 experience working with vulnerable populations is valuable.

What does a forensic interviewer do?

A forensic interviewer conducts interviews with children or vulnerable individuals to gather information about suspected abuse or neglect, often using specialized techniques to obtain accurate and detailed accounts. They work in settings such as child advocacy centers and may require training in trauma-informed interviewing and certification in forensic interviewing methods.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Interviewing jobs in California?

For Forensic Interviewing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Forensic Interviewing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Forensic Interviewing job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Interviewing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 62% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Clinical Therapist / Crisis Specialist (Bilingual Spanish), LAC+USC HUB

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description

For over 30 years, the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) has been the leader in building transformative programs that raise the standard of care for all victims of child abuse, neglect, and sexual assault in Los Angeles County. Today, VIP functions as a public-private partnership between the publicly funded VIP Children's Medical Village at the LAC+USC Medical Center and our non-profit, the VIP Community Mental Health Center, Inc. (VIP-CMHC). Our history of quality mental health care is due in large part to the dedicated and talented employees whose efforts have helped improve the lives of children, transitional age youth, and their families.


POSITION SUMMARY

The Bilingual Clinical Therapist/Crisis Specialist is responsible for crisis intervention and mental health screening operations to assess mental health needs, ensure the psychological well-being of patients, and provide appropriate recommendations at the LAC+USC Medical Center HUB Clinic. ย The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to VIP's HUB Clinical Supervisor, the Clinical Therapist/Crisis Specialist is responsible for the following:

Ability to work collaboratively with members of inter-disciplinary teams; and ability to provide ongoing clinical consultation to medical staff.

Demonstrated awareness of sensitivity to and competence in dealing with cultural and socioeconomic diversity of client population.

Conduct mental health screenings/crisis intervention, integrating forensic interviewing techniques and formulating recommendations.

Educate patient and family regarding the diagnosis, mental health needs, and provide appropriate mental health referrals.

Develop relationships and ongoing communication with DCFS workers and other staff.

Participate in training on intervention techniques.

Complete all required documentation in accordance with regulations (e.g. DMH).

Maintain all appropriate records including crisis intervention files and/or incident reports, clinical notes and other records as required.

Follow agency policies and procedures and participate in VIP in-service training programs.

Other duties as assigned.


BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D/Psy.D/MSW/MFT degree from an accredited university.

Fluency in English and Spanish.

Minimum two years documented experience in a mental health setting.

Self-starter, independent therapist with the ability to adapt to change in a fast working environment.

Must meet eligibility requirements to bill for DMH services.

Strong clinical and communication skills.

The ability to relate effectively and professionally with children, supervisor, co-workers and staff.

Strong computer skills, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word and web-based Electronic Health Record software (CareLogic).

Well organized, detail oriented and skilled with time/task management, able to adapt to frequent changes.

Strong problem-solving skills.

Forensic interviewing skills a plus.

Knowledge of Medi-Cal documentation requirements a plus.

Familiarity with CQI.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be willing to submit to a background investigation.

Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States.

Current registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) (AMFT, LMFT, ACSW, LCSW); unlicensed Ph.D./PsyD. is eligible for DMH waiver; must maintain an active CA BBS registration as a condition of employment.


BENEFITS & PERKS

Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Supplemental Insurance.

401(k) plan / Profit Sharing.

12 paid holidays per year.

Generous paid time off accrual.

Travel reimbursements at IRS rate.


FLSA STATUS

Full-Time (Exempt)ย 


SALARY

$68,480.00-$78,480.00 (Salary Range) DOE



OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.