ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60021722

State of Florida • LAKE WALES, FL

3d • 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 the risks they face. Clients may live in the community or in alternative care facilities. The position prioritizes client safety and requires prompt action, including an in-person meeting within 24 hours of receiving a report to assess safety concerns and mental capacity. When needed, the investigator coordinates emergency services, medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention for people unable to make decisions for themselves.

Investigators gather information through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior Adult Protective Services involvement, and other records. They work with state agencies, law enforcement, prosecutors, community organizations, advocacy groups, medical personnel, and other resources to investigate allegations, prevent recurrence, and connect vulnerable adults with services. This is an essential field position that may involve hazardous conditions and work during emergencies or natural disasters, including outside normal work hours and days. A mandatory 6–8-week training course is required. The department offers an Adult Protective Services Career Ladder opportunity after one year of successful employment, subject to completing targeted courses.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service, with 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; 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 documentation must be provided 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; write professional, accurate investigative reports; conduct fact-finding interviews; 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, establish and maintain effective working relationships, and use computer systems in a paperless environment.
• Ability to maintain tact, patience, courtesy, and a calm, professional demeanor while handling emergency and non-emergency calls; exercise independent judgment and initiative in field assignments; and demonstrate typing and time-management skills.
• Physical ability to walk over varied terrain and use stairs; assist with evacuations; hear and see accurately, with corrective devices if needed; perform repetitive movements with arms, hands, neck, and head; drive 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 applicable background screening.
• Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must meet applicable Selective Service registration or exemption requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered based on agency needs at the time of selection.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation of 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, medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention when necessary.
• Gather case information through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior APS involvement, and 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.
• Work during emergency situations or natural disasters, potentially before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days.

Benefits

• Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with insurance costs associated with using a private vehicle for work.
• Career Ladder opportunity to receive a salary increase after one year of successful employment and completion of targeted courses.
• State of Florida employee benefits; details are available through the state benefits website.

What This Job Offers

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