ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60020360

State of Florida • Gainesville, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Adult Protective Investigator investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation involving vulnerable adults in the community and alternative care facilities. The role focuses on assessing and mitigating risk, prioritizing client safety, and helping vulnerable adults preserve their safety and independence. Investigators may need to act quickly in crisis situations and exercise independent judgment while completing field assignments.

The position is with the Florida Department of Children and Families in Jacksonville, Florida. It is an essential position that requires night, weekend, and holiday work, as well as work during emergencies or natural disasters, potentially outside normal work hours. Field work may expose employees to hazardous conditions. The department requires a valid driver license and operational private vehicle for daily work activities; a vehicle insurance allowance is provided. Candidates must be able to attend a mandatory 6–8-week training course.

The department offers a Career Ladder program. After one year of successful employment, employees may be eligible to complete targeted courses in Adult Protective Services and professional development and receive a salary increase upon completion. The department also encourages training, advancement, and professional development opportunities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service with an honorable discharge or current service reflecting 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 and an operational private vehicle for daily work activities; proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance documentation is required 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.
• Skill in researching and using internet sites to gather information.
• Ability to assess service needs and facilitate appropriate service delivery.
• Ability to write professional, accurate investigative reports and conduct fact-finding interviews.
• Ability to 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 actively listen, communicate effectively, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to use computer systems and work in a paperless environment.
• Ability to use tact, patience, and courtesy with vulnerable adults and maintain a calm, professional demeanor during emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative, with good time-management skills.
• Physical ability to walk across varied terrain, enter residences and locations, and use stairs or stairwells; assist with evacuating people during emergencies; hear and see accurately, with corrective devices if needed; perform repetitive movements with arms, hands, neck, and head; drive a vehicle and assist clients in and out of properties and vehicles; sit or stand for up to two hours without a break; and remain alert while on duty.
• Successful completion of required State and National criminal history screening, including fingerprint-based checks; other background screening requirements may apply.
• Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must provide the required supporting documentation by the vacancy announcement closing date.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully authorized alien worker.
• Male candidates born 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.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize vulnerable adults’ safety and meet with them in person within 24 hours of receiving a report to assess safety concerns and mental capacity.
• Coordinate emergency services when necessary, including medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention when a person cannot make decisions for themselves.
• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, and work to prevent recurrence.
• Gather case information through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior Adult Protective Services involvement, and records found during investigations.
• Coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors to provide justice for vulnerable adults.
• Connect vulnerable adults with agency and community resources and services to improve their quality of life.
• Build relationships with organizations involved in adult protective investigations, including community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other community resources.
• Complete field assignments and investigative reports in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Work during emergency situations or natural disasters, including before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days, as required.

Benefits

• Vehicle insurance allowance to assist with insurance costs associated with using a private vehicle for work.
• Career Ladder program offering an opportunity for a salary increase after one year of successful employment and completion of targeted courses.
• The State of Florida offers an employee benefits package; specific benefits are available through the State’s benefits website.

What This Job Offers

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