ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60055206

State of Florida • Brent, FL

35d • 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 risk factors. Clients may live in the community or in alternative care facilities. The role prioritizes vulnerable adults’ safety and requires prompt, compassionate action to help protect their safety and independence.

Investigators assess safety concerns and mental capacity, meet in person with vulnerable adults within 24 hours after receiving a report, and coordinate emergency services when needed. This may include medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention when a person cannot make decisions for themselves. The position also involves investigating allegations, gathering and analyzing case information, coordinating with partner agencies, and connecting clients with agency and community resources.

The position is in Career Service with the Florida Department of Children and Families in Pensacola, Florida. It is designated as essential and requires night, weekend, and holiday work. Employees may be called to work during emergencies or natural disasters, including before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days, and may encounter hazardous conditions in the field. A mandatory 6–8-week training course is required. A private operational vehicle and valid driver license are required for daily work activities; the Department provides a vehicle insurance allowance.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED 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 qualifying professional work experience, 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 license.
• Operational private vehicle for daily work activities; proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance coverage 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 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 deal with vulnerable adults with tact, patience, and courtesy, and to maintain a calm, professional demeanor during emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in completing field assignments; typing and good time management skills.
• Physical ability to traverse varied terrain and stairs; assist with evacuation of people served; hear and see accurately, with corrective devices if needed; perform repetitive arm, hand, neck, and head movements; drive to transport clients and assist them 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 and other applicable background screening.
• Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must meet the stated Selective Service registration or exemption requirement.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered in selection based on agency needs.
• 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 the safety of vulnerable adults and assess safety concerns and mental capacity.
• Meet with vulnerable adults in person within 24 hours of receiving a report.
• Coordinate emergency services when necessary, including medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention.
• Gather information through interviews and observations, and analyze criminal history, prior Adult Protective Services involvement, and records uncovered 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.
• Build relationships with community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other community resources.
• Perform field assignments independently and comply with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Benefits

• Career Ladder program offering targeted courses in Adult Protective Services and professional development, with eligibility after one year of successful employment and a salary increase upon completion.
• Professional development and training opportunities, including opportunities for advancement.
• Vehicle insurance allowance to assist with insurance costs related to using a private vehicle for work.
• Competitive employee benefits package; details are available through the State of Florida benefits website.

What This Job Offers

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