Investigative Support Specialist- Level 3

The Investigative Support Specialist- Level 3 is responsible for the review of child abuse hotline reports from statewide intake to determine which cases meet criteria for CAC services and cultivates a strong, collaborative multidisciplinary team (MDT) within Hope House. Conducts forensic interviews at the request of law enforcement and/or Child Protective Services (CPS) and is also trained in comprehensive case management/family advocacy and assists as needed. The ideal candidate will promote and foster the organization's values of advocacy, integrity, innovation, people-first, and community., Statewide Intake Coordination

· Receive and review child abuse hotline reports for the Hope House service area to determine eligibility for CAC services in accordance with MDT protocols

· Document and maintain accurate Statewide Intake Report data, ensuring compliance with CAC accreditation and state reporting requirements

· Coordinate with MDT partners, including CPS and Law Enforcement, to review reports and identify cases requiring joint investigation of CAC services

Forensic Interviewing

· Conduct developmentally appropriate, legally defensible forensic interviews of children and youth using the CACTX Semi-Structured Narrative Model at the request of CPS or law enforcement

· Maintain accurate and timely documentation of forensic interviews, client contacts, and services in the secure case tracking system, including statistical reporting and case outcomes

· Provide court testimony and case-related statements as required in criminal or civil proceedings

· Participate in peer review, supervision, case review, and ongoing professional development to ensure adherence to best practices and model fidelity established by Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas and national CAC standards

· Provide after-hours response for urgent cases when needed to ensure timely forensic interviewing and support services

MDT Coordination

· Coordinate with MDT partners, including CPS, law enforcement, the District Attorney's Office, and service providers to schedule forensic interviews and ensure timely coordination of medical, mental health, and other CAC services

· Facilitate MDT case review meetings and maintain ongoing communication among partners to support coordinated investigations and service planning for children and families and document such in tracking spreadsheets and database

· Maintain strong working relationships with MDT partner agencies and monitor case progress to ensure effective collaboration and timely service delivery

· Support the development, review, and implementation of MDT protocols in collaboration with Hope House leadership and partner agencies

· Coordinate orientation, cross-discipline training, and technical assistance for MDT members to strengthen collaborative response efforts

· Maintain current knowledge of partner agency personnel assigned to CAC/MDT investigations and communicate updates that impact case coordination

· Coordinate visits with outer county agencies to ensure collaboration and team participation in accordance with CACTX Standards

· Oversee the Outcome Measurement System (OMS) and administer MDT surveys

Family Advocacy & MDT Collaboration

· Conducts trauma and suicide screenings, identify suicide risk, and create safety plans as needed

· Provides crisis assessment and intervention, risk assessment and safety planning, and ongoing family engagement to support children and family members at all stages of involvement with the CAC

· Assesses individual needs, cultural considerations for child/family, and helps to ensure those needs are being addressed in concert with the MDT and other service providers

· Assesses the child/family's response to participating in the investigation, prosecution, treatment, and support services, including communication with the MDT regarding factors impacting engagement

· Participates in information sharing with other MDT members, informs and supports the family regarding the coordinated, multidisciplinary response, and assesses the needs of children and caregivers at the CAC during the forensic interview

· Provides education and assistance to families ensuring access to victims' rights

· Assists non-offending caregivers in procuring concrete services and crime victims' compensation

· Provides referrals for, and education about trauma-focused, evidence supported mental health and specialized medical treatment, whether these be provided at the CAC or off-site

· Facilitates access to transportation to interviews, court, treatment, and other case-related meetings for non-offending caregivers

· Engages with the child and family to help them ensure understanding of their own unique situation regarding:

o investigation/prosecution process

o crime victims' rights

o child abuse dynamics and/or child trauma

· Participates in case reviews to communicate and discuss the unique needs of the child and family and associated services planning; and to help ensure the coordination of identified services and that the child and family's concerns are heard and addressed

Other Responsibilities

· Maintain a high level of child advocacy

· Perform job duties in accordance with professional ethics and organizational policies and procedures

· Maintain a professional, organized environment in the daily operations of the Hope House office

· Perform all other duties as designated by the Manager of Hope House

Do you have experience in Trauma recovery case management for child welfare?, Do you have a Bachelor's degree?, · Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

· At least 1 year experience working with CPS, law enforcement, the court system, and related community services desired

· Ability to interact with other professionals and co-workers in the spirit of cooperation and a mutual commitment to the goals of delivering the best possible services to the victims of child abuse

· Knowledge and understanding of child development, child sexual abuse, forensic linguistics, and the laws and implications related to interviewing children

· Must possess excellent people and computer skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and the ability to learn other computer programs applicable to the position

· Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus

· Ability to clearly convey and interpret information to others in a clear manner, oral and written

· Ability to work under time constraints and maintain effective job performance

· Ability to work independently and in a team environment

· Means and ability to travel to service areas as well as conferences and trainings

· Ability to work evenings, weekends occasionally as well as on-call rotation

· High moral and ethical standards

· Must maintain confidentiality

· Must pass all criminal background and reference checks, * Bachelor's (Preferred), * working with CPS, law enforcement, the court system: 1 year (Preferred)

Pulled from the full job description

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance, * Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan