ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60020360

State of Florida • Gainesville, 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 related risks. Clients may live in the community or in alternative care facilities. The role prioritizes the safety, independence, and well-being of vulnerable adults, including people who may be unable to protect themselves.

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 such as medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention. They gather information through interviews, observations, and reviews of criminal history, prior Adult Protective Services involvement, and other records; coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors; connect clients with agency and community resources; and build working relationships with organizations involved in adult protective investigations.

The role requires independent judgment and initiative in field assignments, a calm and professional manner when handling emergency and non-emergency calls, and tact, patience, and courtesy in dealing with vulnerable adults. Employees must complete a mandatory 6–8-week training course and may be exposed to hazardous conditions in the field. This is an essential position requiring night, weekend, and holiday work, as well as work during emergencies or natural disasters, potentially before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service with honorable discharge or service status reflecting honorable service; or an associate degree or 60 or more college credit hours and two years of professional work experience or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service with honorable discharge or service status reflecting honorable service; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid driver's license.
• Operational private vehicle for daily work activities; provide proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance coverage 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 family dynamics and functioning.
• Ability to research and use 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 a calm, professional demeanor and use tact, patience, and courtesy when handling emergency and non-emergency calls and working with vulnerable adults.
• Typing and good time-management skills.
• Physical ability to walk on varied terrain and stairs; assist with evacuation of people during emergencies; see and hear 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 and other applicable background checks.
• Candidate profile must be complete and employment history, education, training, skills, and other qualifications must be verifiable.

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.
• Meet with vulnerable adults 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.
• Gather and assess 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 independently and prepare professional, accurate investigative reports.
• Work during night, weekend, and holiday hours and during emergency situations or natural disasters as required.

Benefits

• Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with insurance costs arising from use of a private vehicle for work.
• Career Ladder program offering targeted courses in Adult Protective Services and professional development, with eligibility for a salary increase after one year of successful employment and program completion.
• State of Florida employee benefits; the posting refers applicants to the State benefits website for details.
• Opportunities for training, advancement, and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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