ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60020858

State of Florida • Orlando, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Adult Protective Investigator investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation involving vulnerable adults living in the community or alternative care facilities. The role focuses on assessing and mitigating risk, prioritizing client safety, and helping vulnerable adults maintain safety and independence. Investigators meet in person with vulnerable adults within 24 hours of receiving a report to assess safety concerns and mental capacity. When necessary, they coordinate emergency services, including medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention. The position requires fieldwork, independent judgment, and collaboration with state agencies, law enforcement, prosecutors, medical personnel, advocacy groups, and community service organizations. It is an essential position that requires night, weekend, and holiday work, as well as work during emergencies and natural disasters, potentially before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days. Incumbents may encounter hazardous conditions in the field. The position is based in Orlando, Florida.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service, with honorable discharge or current service status reflecting honorable service; or an associate degree or at least 60 college credits and two years of professional work experience, law enforcement experience, or active military service; 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 training course lasting 6–8 weeks.
• 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 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 maintain tact, patience, courtesy, and a calm, professional demeanor while handling emergency and non-emergency calls involving vulnerable adults.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in completing field assignments; typing and good time-management skills.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including walking on varied terrain and stairs, assisting with emergency evacuations, hearing and seeing clearly (with corrective devices if needed), repetitive movement of arms, hands, neck, and head, transporting clients and assisting them in and out of properties and vehicles, sitting or standing for up to two hours without a break, remaining alert while on duty, and driving for work duties.
• Successful completion of required state and national criminal-history screening and applicable background screening.
• Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must meet the stated Selective Service registration or exemption requirements before hire or promotion.
• Complete the application in its entirety and provide verifiable employment, education, training, and qualification information; explain employment gaps and provide supervisor names and phone numbers for employment periods.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered based on agency needs at the time of selection.
• A pre-interview assessment or work sample may be required for interview eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation involving vulnerable adults, and work to prevent recurrence.
• 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 needed, including medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention when a person cannot make decisions for themselves.
• Gather information through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior Adult Protective Services involvement, and records identified during investigations.
• Coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors to support justice for vulnerable adults.
• Connect vulnerable adults with agency and community resources and services to address their needs and improve their quality of life.
• Build relationships with community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other organizations involved in adult protective investigations.
• Perform field assignments independently and in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Work nights, weekends, holidays, and during emergency situations or natural disasters, including outside normal work hours or days when required.

Benefits

• Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with the cost of insurance coverage related to work use of a private vehicle.
• Career Ladder program offering targeted courses in Adult Protective Services and professional development, with eligibility to participate after one year of successful employment and a salary increase upon completion.
• The State of Florida offers an employee benefits package; specific benefits are not detailed in the posting.

What This Job Offers

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