ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60048301

State of Florida • Fort Pierce, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Adult Protective Investigator investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation involving vulnerable adults in community settings and alternative care facilities. The role focuses on assessing and mitigating risk, prioritizing the adult’s safety, and helping protect their safety and independence. Investigators meet vulnerable adults in person 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. They gather and analyze information, work with state agencies, law enforcement, prosecutors, and community organizations, and connect vulnerable adults with services and resources.

This is an essential position that may involve night, weekend, and holiday work, as well as work during emergencies or natural disasters before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days. Field work may expose incumbents to hazardous conditions. The role requires a 6–8-week mandatory training course and use of an operational personal vehicle for daily work activities; the Department provides a vehicle insurance allowance.

The position is based in Fort Pierce, Florida, with the Florida Department of Children and Families. It is a Career Service position. The advertised salary is $37,000.08 annually ($1,423.08 bi-weekly).

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent 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 as specified in the posting; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid driver license.
• An 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; write accurate professional 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 listen actively, communicate effectively, establish and maintain effective working relationships, and use computer systems in a paperless environment.
• Ability to deal with vulnerable adults using tact, patience, and courtesy; maintain a calm, professional demeanor on emergency and non-emergency calls; and use independent judgment and initiative in field assignments.
• Typing and good time-management skills.
• Physical ability to walk across varied terrain and use stairs; assist with evacuations; hear and see accurately, with corrective devices if needed; perform repetitive movements with the 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 background screening, including state and national criminal history checks and applicable statutory screening.
• Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must meet the Selective Service registration or exemption requirement described in the posting.
• Candidate Profile application must be completed in its entirety, with employment history, supervisor contact information, and explanations for employment gaps; claimed 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.
• Prioritize the vulnerable adult’s safety and meet with them in person within 24 hours of receiving a report to assess safety concerns and mental capacity.
• Coordinate emergency services, including medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention when needed.
• Gather information through interviews and observations, and analyze criminal history, prior Adult Protective Services 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 to improve their quality of life.
• Build relationships with community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other organizations involved in adult protective investigations.
• Perform field assignments and work during emergency situations or natural disasters, as required.

Benefits

• Career Ladder program with targeted courses and the opportunity for a salary increase after successful completion, following eligibility after one year of employment.
• Vehicle insurance allowance to assist with insurance costs associated with using a private vehicle for work.
• State employee benefits; the posting directs applicants to the State of Florida benefits website for details.
• Department opportunities for advancement, training, and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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