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Forensic Interviewing Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

SSA/FTS

Bay City, MI ยท On-site +1

$24.03 - $33.09/hr

... forensic psychology, education, community development, law enforcement, behavioral science ... interviewing and engaging with relatives and prospective adoptive parents. Assist the Services ...

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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 Michigan?

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

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Forensic Interviewing jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Forensic Interviewing job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Interviewing job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution.

Forensic Interviewer (part-time)

The Guidance Center

Southgate, MI โ€ข On-site

$23.82/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

As a recognized leader in our field, The Guidance Center provides a broad range of services that have helped children, adults and families unlock potential and build better lives since 1958. With 25 programs we offer treatment, prevention, growth and education services to more than 14,200 people annually. Together we: Nurture development. Foster resilience. Cultivate well-being.
We have an exciting opportunity for a part-time Forensic Interviewer to join our team of talented professionals.
We have a market-based compensation structure. The estimated salary for this position will vary based on a candidate's transferable work experience and qualifications. This is a salary grade 105. Hourly rates start at $23.82. The range provided is just one component of total compensation including a comprehensive benefit package of affordable medical plans, employer paid dental, vision and long-term disability, 401(K) with employer contribution, flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent, paid time off, and 11 paid holidays.
As a Forensic Interviewer in the Kids-TALK Program, you will be responsible for:
  • The Forensic Interviewer for the Kids-TALK Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) is responsible for providing developmentally and legally sound forensic interviews of children and adolescents.
  • The goal of a forensic interview is to obtain a statement from a child, in a child-centered, developmentally-sensitive, unbiased and truth-seeking manner.
  • The Forensic Interviewer conducts sensitive and thorough forensic interviews with alleged victims of child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and other forms of trauma or child witnesses to violent crime.
  • Interviews are conducted in accordance with the State of Michigan Forensic Interviewing Protocol.
  • The Forensic Interviewer collaborates with other members of the Multidisciplinary Team as part of an ongoing investigation of child abuse, neglect or violent crime to which a child is a witness.
  • Regular working hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5pm. Some evening or weekend hours will be required.

Requirements
To qualify for this position, you will need the following:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services Related Field is required.
  • Experience and/or certification as a Forensic Interviewer preferred. Individuals with training and experience in the Michigan Forensic Interviewing Protocol are priority candidates.
  • One (1) year of experience working with abused/neglected children and adolescents and a multidisciplinary team is required.
  • A working knowledge of the dynamics of child maltreatment and/or knowledge of child development is required.
  • Candidates should be able to demonstrate superior communication skills, a strong commitment to customer service and the ability to work in a cooperative manner with diverse professional groups.
  • Knowledge of the criminal justice system, Children's Protective Services/Foster Care Services and/or the courts is required.
  • The ability to engage children 17 and under from diverse ethnic, racial and socio-economic backgrounds is essential.
  • Valid driver's license and favorable driving record is required.
  • Additional qualifications include: a nonjudgmental approach that reflects cultural competency and sensitivity to the unique needs and diverse experiences of individual children and their families, the ability to develop collaborative relationships with other providers, the ability to assess and intervene within complex family and community systems, and a willingness to be flexible, patient and creative.
  • Must have the ability to appropriately handle crisis situations and manage sensitive case information.

The Guidance Center believes that our team members are our most valuable resources, and we invest in them accordingly. We offer our employees a competitive salary, flexible scheduling opportunities, a team-oriented work environment and much more!
The Guidance Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a welcoming place for everyone.