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Forensic Interviewing Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Rimkus

Fire Consultant

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

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 ...

Rimkus Consulting Group

Fire Consultant

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

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 ...

New

Rimkus

Fire Consultant

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

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 ...

Rimkus-

Fire Consultant

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

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 ...

All JobsForensic Interviewing JobsForensic Interviewing Jobs in Minnesota

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 Minnesota?

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

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Forensic Interviewing jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Forensic Interviewing job openings:

Forensic Interviewing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Interviewing job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Assistant Public Defender

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$88K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Salary : $88,380.00 - $158,500.00 Annually
Location : Grand Rapids, MN
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01954
Department: Ninth Judicial District
Division: Grand Rapids Office
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Application Requirements
ATTACH COVER LETTER AND RESUME
The mission of the Trial Team (TT) is to improve the quality of representation in major cases through representation, advice, consultation, brainstorming, co-counsel, impact litigation and training.
Definition/Summary of Duties
The team is a statewide resource available to all Judicial District Public Defender Offices, with special emphasis on complicated cases in the multi-county Districts.
Case priorities of the TT include:
  • Cases with Forensic Issues: includes DNA, arson, mental illness, etc.
  • Child Deaths and other medical examiner cases
  • Criminal Sexual Conduct Cases (particularly where children are involved)
  • White Collar Crime
  • Statewide issue development (ie. DANCO, Source Code, McNeely)
  • Cases with potential constitutional issues.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Good knowledge of criminal law and procedure;
  • Good knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of legal research and investigation;
  • Good knowledge of judicial procedures and the Rules of Evidence
  • Good knowledge of the pleading and practice of effective presentation of court cases.
  • Good skills in conducting legal research and analysis of data
  • Good skills in determining proper courses of action and presentation of facts and arguments.
  • Ability to analyze legal documents and instruments
  • Ability to appraise and organize facts to present evidence and other material in written or oral form
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with prosecutors, judges, referees, and other professionals, as well as clients and the general public.
  • An understanding of the scientific method; a demonstrated interested in and experience with handling forensic science issues in court; contacts in the forensic science community to access as a resource in evaluating cases.

Education and Experience
Required Qualifications:
  • Graduation from an accredited college of law and admission to the Bar of the State of Minnesota or the ability to become admitted to the Bar of the State of Minnesota;
  • Five or more years of experience litigating cases; trial experience; a demonstrated history of handling cases involving forensic science; experience investigating and litigating forensic science issues.

Confidentiality Statement: Employees of the Board of Public Defense may not reveal information relating to the representation of a client without approval of the attorney of record.
This position requires a lot of travel, no requirement as to where the TT Attorney lives and a long-term commitment.
The State of Minnesota offers benefits through the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP). Benefits-eligible employees are entitled to the following insurance and pre-tax benefits:
Full time employee and part time employee benefits:
Medical insurance
Single coverage as low as $38.50 a month
Family coverage $262.66 a month
Dental insurance
Single coverage as low as $13.50 a month
Family coverage $55.40 a month
Basic Life insurance
6 week paid Parental Leave (eligible after 1 year of employment)
Retirement Savings
11 paid holidays
2 Floating holidayVacation and sick time along with leave of absence programs
Employee Assistance Program
These positions are eligibile for Student Loan Forgiveness
Optional benefits:
Additional Life insurance for yourself, spouse and children
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
Short and long-term disability insurance
Metro Pass
Deferred Compensation plan
Pre-tax expense accounts: dependent care account, medical and dental, transit expense
01
Name and Location of law school attended and date of graduation.
02
If you are a member of any other bar, please indicate jurisdiction(s) and date(s) of admission.
03
List any experience, law-related or otherwise, in which you have functioned as an advocate. Please include simulated e.g. moot court or trial practice.
04
What experience do you have working with a diverse community in either volunteer or paid positions? List organizations and job duties.
05
If you speak any languages other than English, please list.
06
What have you done in your life so far that demonstrates a commitment to public service?
07
Are you a member of the MN bar?
08
Describe your experience with interviewing another person to obtain information.
09
Are you a U.S. Citizen or authorized to be legally employed on an ongoing basis in the U.S. based on your Visa or immigration status?
  • Yes
  • No

10
Where did you learn about this job opportunity?
  • Neogov
  • State of Minnesota website
  • Friend/Colleague
  • College/Univeristy

Required Question

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