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Forensic Interviewing Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Interviewing information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$26.3K

$63K

$97.3K

How much do forensic interviewing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic interviewing in Chicago, IL is $62,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,600.00 and $71,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Forensic Interviewing jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Forensic Interviewing job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Interviewing job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,999 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty- Forensic Psychology - Chicago Campus

Kansas Health Science Center

Chicago, IL

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

Founded in 1979, The Chicago School is an independent professional graduate school with a dynamic student body and a professionally accomplished faculty. Our curriculum and training opportunities prepare graduates to deliver outstanding professional services emphasizing the ability to understand and work with diverse populations.

Position Summary:

The Forensic Psychology Department at The Chicago School, Chicago Campus is currently seeking qualified adjunct professors to teach in their M.A. Forensic Psychology: Professional Counselor Licensure Track program. Teaching opportunities may be available in Fall (August - December), Spring (January - April), and Summer (May - June) semesters. Most courses are taught in the on-ground modality with weekly class meetings on the Chicago campus. Additionally, there are selected courses that are offered as synchronous remote (via Zoom) class meetings and in the on-ground/blended modality (8 week course with mixed asynchronous work and two in-person weekend intensives).

We offer a wide variety of graduate-level courses in areas such as:

Broad and general counseling/clinical skills, techniques, and theories (e.g.- Clinical and Diagnostic Interviewing, Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Psychopathology, etc.)

Specialized/advanced counseling/clinical theories and skills (e.g.- Trauma and Crisis Intervention, Family Systems and Family Therapy, Group Therapy, etc.)

Forensic-specific domains (e.g.- Mental Health Law, Introduction to Forensic Psychology, Forensic Documentation/Report Writing/Testifying, etc.)

Assessment (e.g. Assessment in Counseling, Research Methods, etc.)

Interested individuals must submit their CV and a cover letter to apply. Applicants should specify in their cover letter the content areas that they are most interested in teaching, the semesters and days/times that they may be available, and the preferred modality. Instructors for blended courses are required to complete an online pedagogy course prior to teaching in this modality.

For more information about The Chicago School visit www.thechicagoschool.edu, or email the Chair of the Forensic Psychology Division, Dr. Ana Belmonte at abelmonte@thechicagoschool.edu.

Principal Duties:

Active participation in lectures and related instructional activities (e.g., discussion forums).

This includes creation of lecture materials and classroom activities in accordance with a provided syllabus.

Timely grading of assignments and providing detailed, quality feedback.

Being available outside of regular class meetings to address student's questions and concerns.

Maintain communication with department administration and faculty.

Adjuncts will be provided master course syllabi with required course texts prior to beginning the teaching assignment. They will also be connected with a core faculty member (course lead) for onboarding and assistance throughout the semester.

Position Qualifications:

Doctoral degree in related field from a regionally accredited institution

Teaching experience preferred

Professional experience in area of expertise or course content

Commitment to academic excellence, service to the community, research, and diversity.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

This job posting, and all others for adjunct faculty roles with The Chicago School, are posted as "evergreen" roles. This means that there is usually an ongoing need for departments to hire 1-2 adjuncts each semester (usually for teaching specialized topics), and they prefer to keep a running pool of applicants to select from when the need to hire arises. Given this information, please note that your application to our evergreen roles will be reviewed on an as needed basis and you may not hear back immediately. If you would like an update on your application status, you can email National-HR@thechicagoschool.edu. We sincerely appreciate your interest in working with us and hope this won't deter you from continuing to submit your application for any current or future roles you may be interested in.

The Chicago School offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. Some of our key benefits include: generous paid time-off, medical and dental coverage, company-paid life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts (FSA), tuition reimbursement, professional development, and regular employee appreciation events.The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Company:

The Chicago School