Executive Director & Forensic Interviewer

Job Summary:  The Executive Director for Windham County Safe Place Child Advocacy Center / Southeastern Unit for Special Investigations is responsible for the administrative aspects of the child advocacy center (CAC)/special investigation unit (SIU), as well as for conducting forensic interviews of children who have made allegations of sexual abuse or severe physical abuse. The Executive Director reports to the non-profit Board of Directors.  This is a 40 hour per week position with full benefits.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Perform the following program responsibilities which include, but are not limited to:

1. Manage day-to-day operations of the CAC/SIU, including coordinating multidisciplinary response to child abuse cases, personnel management, tracking case data, budgets, finances and facility maintenance.

2. Be responsible for program development including needs assessment and prioritization.

3. Coordinate the multidisciplinary team and ensure that team meetings, including Case Reviews, occur regularly and in accordance with best practices.

4. Seek and facilitate access to training opportunities for team members and CAC staff.

5. Assist in the coordination of services for children and their families, as needed.

6. Participate fully and in accordance with all responsibilities as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Vermont Children’s Alliance.

7. Maintain the CAC’s Associate Membership in good standing with the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) and work toward accreditation as a full member of NCA.

Conduct forensic interviews:

1. Using a solid knowledge base related to child sexual abuse, physical abuse, and investigation, interview children two to seventeen years of age following child abuse reports to DCF Central Intake.

2. Must complete (at CAC’s expense/scholarship) forensic training within three months of hire.

3. Participate in pre and post interview multidisciplinary case meetings.

4. Provide court testimony when required.

5. Be available for on-call response after hours and weekends.

Community Outreach:

1. Engage in community education and outreach regarding child abuse prevention, including working with Windham County schools to implement Act 1 mandates.

2. Communicate with all multidisciplinary team members/agencies to ensure all are aware of the CAC/SIU and its purpose, process, criteria and procedures. 

3. Represent the CAC/SIU in center related activities, including fundraising initiatives.

Grants Management:

1. Develop, procure, and mange outside funding such as state and federal grants and private and foundation donations.  Ensure all grant reports are submitted on time.

2. Work with the Board of Directors to assist them in their fundraising obligations.

Financial Management 

1. Ensure that all financial records are kept in accordance with sound bookkeeping standards and make financial reports to the Board of Directors on a regular basis.

2. Ensure that the annual 990 Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax form is filed with the IRS by its due date November 15th of each year.

Minimum Education and Experience:  Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field with a minimum of two years of experience.  Equivalent experience in a related field may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree. Master’s Degree preferred.  Prior experience working with abused children and their families preferred, as is knowledge of child development and investigating procedures.  Prior specialized forensic interview training desired, or must complete (at CAC’s expense/scholarship) forensic training within three months of hire.  Must possess the ability to engage children of all ages in forensic interviews and respond to cultural differences present among organizations, population and staff. Strong communication and organizational skills are required, as is the ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

Please send resume and cover letter to Rich Werner, Board Chair – rjw@wbmvt.com