ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60073234

State of Florida • Gainesville, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Adult Protective Investigator investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation involving vulnerable adults, including people living in the community and alternative care facilities. The role assesses and mitigates risks, with the vulnerable adult’s safety as the first priority. Investigators meet in person with vulnerable adults within 24 hours of receiving a report to assess safety concerns and mental capacity. When needed, they coordinate emergency services, medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention for people who cannot make decisions for themselves.

The position works with state agencies, law enforcement, prosecutors, medical personnel, community services, advocacy groups, and other community resources. Investigators gather and analyze information through interviews, observations, criminal-history checks, prior Adult Protective Services involvement, and other records. They connect vulnerable adults with services to improve quality of life and help prevent further harm.

This is a demanding field role requiring independent judgment, tact, patience, and a calm, professional demeanor during emergency and non-emergency interactions. Employees must attend a mandatory 6–8-week training course. The position requires night, weekend, and holiday work and is designated essential; employees may be required to work during emergencies or natural disasters, including beyond normal work hours or days. Field work may involve hazardous conditions. The posting states that vacancies may be filled in OPS or Career Service. Salary is $37,000.08 annually, or $1,423.08 bi-weekly.

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 credit hours from an accredited college or university 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; provide proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance documentation 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; assess service needs and facilitate appropriate service delivery; conduct fact-finding interviews; and write professional, accurate investigative reports.
• Ability to understand and apply relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; 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 exercise tact, patience, and courtesy with vulnerable adults and maintain a calm, professional demeanor during emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Ability to perform field assignments independently and use initiative and judgment; typing and good time-management skills.
• Physical ability to walk on varied terrain and use stairs; 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 applicable statutory screening requirements.
• Complete the application profile in full and provide verifiable work history, education, training, knowledge, skills, and abilities; explain employment gaps and provide supervisor names and phone numbers for all employment periods.
• U.S. citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States.
• For male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, Selective Service registration before age 26 or a Letter of Registration Exemption, as applicable.

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.
• Examples of relevant professional experience include Guardian Ad Litem or similar child advocate, family support worker, group home worker, teacher’s assistant or aide, daycare worker, therapeutic assistant, behavioral health technician, family intervention specialist, home health aide, nurse (LPN or RN), nursing facility assistant, EMT, or other welfare, education, or medical work in high-paced, high-stress settings requiring critical decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation involving vulnerable adults, and work to prevent recurrence.
• Meet in person with vulnerable adults 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 necessary.
• Gather information through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior APS involvement, and relevant 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 organizations involved in adult protective investigations.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate investigative work assignments and complete field assignments using independent judgment and initiative.
• Write professional, accurate investigative reports and collect and synthesize evidentiary materials.
• Perform job duties in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Work nights, weekends, holidays, and during emergency situations or natural disasters as required.

Benefits

• Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with the cost of insurance coverage for use of a private vehicle for work purposes.
• Career Ladder program with targeted Adult Protective Services and professional development courses; eligible employees who complete the program after one year of successful employment receive a salary increase.
• State employee benefits package; specific benefits are not itemized in the posting.
• Training and opportunities for advancement and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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