ABUSE COUNSELOR - 60073881

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

40d • Onsite

About The Position

This is professional work protecting children and vulnerable adults as a Team Member at the Florida Abuse Hotline. The employee(s) allocated to this class, assess allegations of abuse, neglect or abandonment of children, and abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. The employee(s) will determine if the information meets statutory criteria for an investigation or referral to an appropriate agency.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably)
• An associate degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university and two years of professional work experience or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably)
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both orally and in written form.
• Ability to attend an approximate 4 – 9-week training course that could be scheduled during day, weekend, and evening hours. Training schedules may vary from actual working schedules based on business needs.
• Operate Under Stress: Make high-stakes decisions in chaotic environments.
• Stay Compassionate, Not Consumed: Keep your empathy and care for others. Don’t let other people’s pain or emotions take over your well-being.
• Work Independently & Within Systems: Self-motivated but also adherent to policy and chain of command.
• Recognize Patterns of Risk: Spot indicators of abuse or neglect through subtle behavioral cues
• Prioritize and Escalate: Quickly determine when intervention or immediate action is needed.
• Handle Sensitive Conversations: Talk respectfully with distressed adults, children, or professionals.
• Crisis De-escalation: Managing callers in emotional or volatile states.
• Active Listening & Interviewing: Extracting relevant information without leading or pressuring.
• Critical Thinking: Rapid synthesis of limited information to assess safety or urgency.
• Documentation: Accurately and neutrally recording facts in high-pressure situations while maintaining strict confidentiality in both written and verbal communications.
• Multi-Tasking: Handling case notes, systems, and calls simultaneously.
• Professional Communication: Clear, calm, and empathetic tone across varied populations.
• Technological proficiency: Ability to utilize personal computer systems and associated applications, as well as learning how to navigate and utilize new systems when necessary.
• Flexibility & Availability: Ability to work a schedule that includes evening, night, and weekend hours. Ability to report to work during natural disasters as essential personnel.
• U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers.

Nice To Haves

• Examples of professional work experience could be, although not limited to: Intake Specialist, Case Management, Contact Center Experience (Inbound Calls, Complaint Resolution), Guardian Ad Litem or similar child advocate role, Family Support Worker, Group Home Worker, Teacher/Teacher's Assistant/Aide, Daycare Provider/Worker, Therapeutic Assistant, Behavioral Health Technician, Family Intervention Specialist, Home Health Aide/CNA, Healthcare Practitioner (LPN, RN) or similar profession, Nursing Facility Assistant, Paramedic/EMT, Firefighter, Law Enforcement Dispatcher/Communications Officer, Security/Safety Officer, Emergency Management Deputy/Director or similar position, Investigator (sworn/non-sworn) for a government entity
• Other welfare, education, first responder, emergency management or medical professional jobs that occur in high-paced, high-stress environments that require critical decision-making to occur.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough assessments via telephone and analyze information received electronically to assess for indicators of abuse, neglect, or abandonment of children and for indicators of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults.
• Research appropriate information systems to determine prior history to assist in the safety and risk assessment of alleged victim(s).
• Enter reports in the appropriate information system.
• Assign cases to appropriate Department of Children and Families County units for investigation.
• Receive and refer, as appropriate, complaints against vendors, related licensed facilities, and department employees that may include human rights violations, inappropriate treatment, and inadequate services.
• Provide supportive assistance and referral services for persons in need.
• Maintain professional respect with field investigative staff, supervisors, and other adult and child protective service professionals in both public and private sectors.
• Performs other related work as required.

Benefits

• Growth Opportunities: With 12,000 employees across the state DCF promotes opportunities and training for all. Our jobs are among the most challenging, complex, and difficult in State government. They are also among the most rewarding. All employees are encouraged to take advantage of available Department opportunities for advancement and professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED