ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60025166

State of Florida • Miami Beach, FL

20d • 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 the safety and independence of vulnerable adults, including people in crisis who may be unable to protect themselves.

The investigator assesses safety concerns and mental capacity, meets in person with vulnerable adults within 24 hours after receiving a report, and coordinates emergency services when needed. These services may include medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention when a person cannot make decisions for themselves. The position involves gathering and evaluating case information, coordinating with government agencies and community partners, and connecting clients with services.

This is a Florida Department of Children and Families Career Service position in Miami, Florida. The role requires field work and may involve exposure to hazardous conditions. It is designated as essential, and incumbents are expected to work during emergencies or natural disasters, including before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days. A mandatory 6–8-week training course is required.

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 or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service, with the stated honorable service status; 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 of family dynamics and functioning.
• Ability to research and use internet sites to gather information; assess service needs and facilitate service delivery; conduct fact-finding interviews; and collect and synthesize evidentiary materials.
• Ability to write professional, accurate investigative reports and understand and apply relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; actively listen; communicate effectively; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to use computer systems and work in a paperless environment; typing and good time-management skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative, maintain a calm and professional demeanor, and demonstrate tact, patience, and courtesy when dealing with vulnerable adults and emergency or non-emergency calls.
• Must be physically able to walk across varied terrain and climb stairs; assist with evacuations and clients entering or leaving properties and vehicles; hear and see accurately, with corrective devices if needed; perform repetitive movements with arms, hands, neck, and head; drive a vehicle; sit or stand for up to two hours without a break; and remain alert while on duty.
• Must successfully complete required state and national criminal-history screening and other applicable background screening.
• Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must meet the stated Selective Service registration or exemption requirement before hire.
• Employment is limited to U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers; participation in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program is required.

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.
• Relevant professional experience may include work as a 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, nursing facility assistant, EMT, or another welfare, education, or medical professional in a high-paced, high-stress environment requiring critical decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize and assess the safety and mental capacity of vulnerable adults, including meeting with them in person within 24 hours of receiving a report.
• Coordinate emergency services when needed, including medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention.
• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation, and work to prevent recurrence.
• Gather information through interviews, observations, and analysis of 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 to improve their quality of life.
• Build working relationships with community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other community resources.
• Complete field assignments independently and prepare accurate investigative reports.

Benefits

• Vehicle insurance allowance to assist with insurance costs related to use of a private vehicle for work.
• Career Ladder program with targeted courses in Adult Protective Services and professional development; after one year of successful employment, eligible employees may participate and receive a salary increase upon completion.
• State employee benefits package described as highly competitive; details are available through the State benefits website.
• Training and opportunities for advancement and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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