ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60072289

State of Florida • Marianna, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Adult Protective Investigator investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation involving vulnerable adults, and works to mitigate risk factors and prevent further harm. Clients may live in the community or in alternative care facilities. The role prioritizes vulnerable adults’ safety and requires timely, compassionate responses, including meeting with the adult in person within 24 hours of receiving a report to assess safety concerns and mental capacity. When necessary, the investigator coordinates emergency services, medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention.

The investigator gathers information through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior Adult Protective Services involvement, and other records. The role coordinates with state agencies, law enforcement, prosecutors, medical personnel, community services, advocacy groups, and other resources. It also connects vulnerable adults with services intended to improve their quality of life and support their safety and independence.

This is an essential position that may require work at night, on weekends, and holidays, as well as work before, during, and beyond normal hours during emergencies or natural disasters. Field work may involve exposure to hazardous conditions. A mandatory 6–8-week training course is required. The position requires an operational private vehicle for daily work activities; the Department provides a vehicle insurance allowance. The role is based in Marianna, Florida.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service with honorable discharge or current honorable service; or an associate degree or at least 60 college credit hours and two years of professional work experience, law enforcement experience, or active military service as specified in the posting; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid driver license.
• Operational private vehicle for daily work activities; proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance coverage must be provided within 30 days of employment.
• Ability to attend a mandatory 6–8-week training course.
• Experience in emergency, tactical, or customer/public complaint interactions using communication technology, including basic computer and typing skills.
• Knowledge of interviewing and observation techniques, and of family dynamics and functioning.
• Ability to research and use internet resources to gather information; assess service needs and facilitate service delivery; and write accurate, professional investigative reports.
• Ability to conduct fact-finding interviews and understand and apply relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to collect and synthesize evidentiary materials and plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to listen actively, communicate effectively, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to use computer systems and work in a paperless environment.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative, maintain a calm and professional demeanor, and use tact, patience, and courtesy when dealing with vulnerable adults.
• Good time management and typing skills.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including walking across varied terrain and stairs, assisting with emergency evacuations, seeing and hearing clearly (with corrective devices if needed), repetitive movements, driving and assisting clients in and out of properties and vehicles, sitting or standing for up to two hours without a break, and remaining alert while on duty.
• Successful completion of required state and national criminal history screening and applicable background checks.
• Candidates born male on or after October 1, 1962, must meet the stated Selective Service registration or exemption requirements before hire or promotion.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered based on agency needs.
• A pre-interview assessment or work sample may be required for interview eligibility.
• Professional experience in welfare, education, medical, behavioral health, caregiving, or other high-paced, high-stress work involving critical decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation involving vulnerable adults and work to prevent recurrence.
• Meet with vulnerable adults in person within 24 hours of receiving a report to assess safety concerns and mental capacity.
• Coordinate emergency services, medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention when needed.
• Gather case information through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior APS involvement, and other records.
• Coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors to support justice for vulnerable adults.
• Connect vulnerable adults with agency and community resources and services.
• Build relationships with community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other community resources.
• Complete field assignments and investigative reports, and collect and synthesize evidentiary materials.
• Work during emergency situations or natural disasters, including before, during, and beyond normal work hours when required.

Benefits

• Career Ladder program with targeted courses and potential salary increase after one year of successful employment and completion of the program.
• Vehicle insurance allowance to assist with insurance costs for use of a private vehicle for work purposes.
• State of Florida employee benefits package; specific benefits are not itemized in the posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level