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Forensic Interviewing Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Interviewing information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$25.1K

$60.3K

$93.1K

How much do forensic interviewing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic interviewing in Milwaukee, WI is $60,253.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,200.00 and $68,000.00 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 job categories do people searching Forensic Interviewing jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Interviewing jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

Forensic Interviewing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Interviewing job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,253 per year, or $29 per hour.

Forensic Coordinator (Racine/Kenosha)

Wisconsin Community Services

Kenosha, WI • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Wisconsin Community Services
Forensic Coordinator -Racine/Kenosha

Job Summary

Provide ongoing service coordination, treatment planning, advocacy and monitoring to residents of Racine and Kenosha counties who are participants in the OARS Program (Opening Avenues for Re-entry Success), Conditional Release Program (CR), Outpatient Competency Restoration Program (OCRP) and/or Jail-Based Competency Restoration Program (JBCR).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Coordinate, plan, and ensure follow-through with community treatment for individuals participating in the OARS, CR, OCRP and/or JBCR Programs.
  • Engage and develop a supportive one-to-one therapeutic relationship with each participant.
  • Incorporate evidence-based practices into the provision of services including but not limited to Motivational Interviewing (MI), Trauma Informed Care (TIC), and Person-Centered Planning.
  • Utilize MI skills as a primary approach to enhance participant participation and success.
  • Monitor ongoing treatment needs and compliance with treatment for all program participants by providing assessment, treatment planning, assertive case management, symptom management, medication monitoring, crisis-intervention, and coordination of multi-disciplinary team meetings as per program protocols and the Department of Health Services (DHS) contract.
  • Responsible for developing and submitting court documents for CR and Competency participants as required: Predisposition Investigation, Treatment Plan, Treatment Plan Adjustment, Adjustment Summary, Discharge/Transition Plan as well as all Status Report documents.
  • Coordinate team staffings with DHS/Department of Community Corrections (DCC) and other treatment team members.
  • Maintain safety practices and continually assess potential risk when in the community and when working with participants.
  • Coordinate community support services (referrals) and/or directly aid participants with activities of daily living to include, but not limited to, coaching and hands on assistance in the areas of housing, money management, vocational/educational pursuits, scheduling and transportation for appointments.
  • Encourage and assist each participant with the development of a natural support system including family members, neighbors, friends, the community, etc.
  • Create and maintain participant service documents including but not limited to case notes, assessments, Adult Family Home/Rent Justification forms, release plans, Individual Service Plans (ISP), Quarterly Progress Notes (QPN), crisis plans, budgets, suicide risk assessments (SRA), trauma assessments, other risk assessments, and release of information (ROI) forms within expected program timeframes.
  • Comply with program and DHS quality standards, DHS Connect (EHR) and SharePoint protocols, format requirements and timeframes for all documents and communications.
  • Ensure maximum participant financial contribution and third-party payment toward cost-of-service provision by applying for appropriate insurance benefits, fully utilizing available assistance programs, county services and community resources.
  • Provide on-going communication and coordination with treatment providers, DOC/DCC, mental health institution staff, court personnel, prison/jail staff, and other service agencies, reviewing and responding to emails and phone messages within 24 hours.
  • Frequent home visits and transportation of participants in the community using personal vehicles.
  • Develop and practice MI skills through training, coaching, and participant contact to attain basic fidelity within 12 months/advanced fidelity within 24 months of employment as outlined in the program contract.
  • Participate in MI coaching sessions and complete DHS surveys as required.
  • Complete MI audio recording and written Test of Knowledge as required.
  • Build and nurture positive relationships with stakeholders and funder(s).
  • Timely collection of necessary medical records, lab results and information for participants per program protocol.
  • Rotational crisis line coverage.
  • Appear and testify at court hearings.
  • Attend training, meetings, and staffings.
  • Participate in new staff shadowing rotation.
  • Other job-related duties may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
  • Remote staff may be required to work from the Forensic office in Milwaukee.
  • On the last day of employment, staff will turn in all agency equipment to the supervisor/program director.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related Human Services field.
  • Experience in case management and service coordination; experience serving people with a mental illness, substance use disorder, or other special populations required
  • Valid driver’s license, automobile, and insurance sufficient to meet agency requirements required.
  • Meet all the employee requirements including references, criminal background check, and driver’s license check.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Communication – ability to provide information effectively with a diverse population - the persons we serve, supervisor, colleagues, and program partners in writing and oral communications.
  • Technological Aptitude – Ability to use general technological skills throughout daily job i.e., Email, Internet, company specified systems, (ex. Microsoft 365, Windows, Word, Excel).
  • Managing Priorities/Deadlines – Ability to maintain schedules, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
  • Problem-Solving Skills – Ability to think critically and be solution-oriented in a fast-paced environment and adapt to program changes and challenges.
  • Adaptability – Ability to manage change, deal with situations as they arise and work independently or as part of a team.
  • Teamwork – Ability to work as a team participate productively while also managing independent contributing duties and responsibilities.
  • Motivation – Possess a commitment to the assigned job, mission and core values of the organization while also supporting a respectful and harmonious work setting.
  • Professionalism – Ability to conduct oneself with a high level of integrity, ethics and boundaries.
  • Multicultural Sensitivity – The role involves working in the community and interacting directly with diverse populations, including clients, partners, and service providers. As such, the employee must demonstrate professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and strong interpersonal skills while representing the organization in a variety of settings.
  • Program Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Clinical skills and knowledge related to community based services for individuals who have a mental illness including assessment, treatment planning, monitoring and supportive services.
  • Knowledge of and experience in mental health and substance use services including assessment, treatment plan development, psychotropic medications, side effects and symptom management
  • knowledge of the legal system and forensic psychiatric issues; risk management; resourcefulness and flexibility responding to changing participant needs
  • Knowledge of substance abuse disorders; psychotropic medications; entitlements such as Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, Medicare, and Veterans benefits.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Driving throughout the southeastern WI region, the mental health institutions in Madison and Oshkosh and prisons statewide. Position requires the ability to drive for periods of time on any given day. Office work involves sitting at a desk and conducting computer work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The job is performed in a combination of an office setting, and in the field throughout the four-county region (including the inner city of Milwaukee). Requires travel to DHS, mental health institutions in Madison and Oshkosh and prisons statewide. Provides supervisory backup for 24hr Crisis Line when needed and be accessible to staff and/or program participants.

Wisconsin Community Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
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