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Forensic Interviewing Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Interviewing information

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.

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.
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Infographic showing various Forensic Interviewing job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Forensic Interview Specialist (DL) - Kauai

Hawai`i State Judiciary

Honolulu, HI

$5.5K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Specific Description Recruitment Number 26-076LM, Forensic Interview Specialist (DL), SR-22, Kauai. Note: This position requires a current and valid driver's license to operate a motor vehicle. Summary of Duties Conducts developmentally appropriate, video recorded forensic interviews of alleged child abuse victims and/or child witnesses to crimes; testifies in court; provides training and consultation in forensic interviews; assists with coordination of child abuse cases; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Information about Hawaii Children's Justice Centers Minimum Qualification Requirements Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree in psychology, child development, social work, criminal justice or a related field, OR excess work experience as described below in the experience section or any other progressively responsible administrative, professional or other analytical work experience which provided knowledge, skills and abilities comparable to those acquired in four (4) years of successful study while fulfilling a prescribed college curriculum leading to a baccalaureate degree may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. The education or experience background must have demonstrated the ability to write clearly and comprehensively materials such as reports and analyses; read and interpret complex written material; perform research; and solve complex problems logically and systematically. Specialized Experience: Two and one-half (2-1/2) years of progressively responsible professional child interviewing experience which demonstrated knowledge of: 1) Assessments of child abuse and/or child witnesses to crimes of violence.

2) Appropriate display of tact, discretion, and the capacity for obtaining the cooperation and confidence of children to solicit sensitive information from them. Applicants must possess the ability to: 1) View and deal with sensitive and graphic child abuse related information, including crime scene photo evidence. 2) Use judgment required to collect, assemble, and develop facts and other pertinent data.

3) Think logically and objectively, to analyze and evaluate facts, evidence and related information, and arrive at sound conclusions. 4) Present interview findings in a clear and concise manner, in both written and oral reports. 5) Testify in court in a credible and effective manner.

Non-Qualifying Experience: There are some types of experience which are related to interview or investigative work but which are not acceptable and applicants who offer only these kinds of experience will be disqualified. Experience is not acceptable if: (a) It has not afforded training in, or required the application of the knowledge, abilities and skills described above. (b) It has been acquired in essentially clerical, para-professional or other support level tasks or assignments.

Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience: 1) Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, child development, social work, criminal justice or a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of specialized experience. 2) Possession of a juris doctorate degree from an accredited law school may be substituted for one (1) year of specialized experience. Selective Certification Requirement - Driver's License: This position requires a current and valid driver's license to operate a motor vehicle.

Supplemental Information Any additional information may be attached to your online application, submitted by email to Recruitment@courts.hawaii.gov, or mailed to the following address: Hawaii State Judiciary, Human Resources Department, 426 Queen Street, First Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Education: If you are using education as a substitute for experience, you must submit a copy of your official transcripts or diploma at the time of application. If you are selected, you will need an official transcript (not a copy) indicating the completion of the training or the awarding of the appropriate degree

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