ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60055222

State of Florida • Starke, FL

5d • 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 associated risks. Clients may live in the community or in alternative care facilities. The role prioritizes the safety, independence, and well-being of vulnerable adults, including those in crisis, and requires prompt action and compassionate, professional service.

The investigator meets with vulnerable adults in person within 24 hours of receiving a report to assess safety concerns and mental capacity. When necessary, the investigator coordinates emergency services, including medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention when a person cannot make decisions for themselves. The position involves gathering information through interviews, observations, and review of criminal history, prior Adult Protective Services involvement, and other records; coordinating with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors; and connecting clients with agency and community resources.

This is a field-based role that requires use of an operational private vehicle for daily work activities. The position requires night, weekend, and holiday work and is designated as essential. Employees are expected to work during emergencies or natural disasters and may need to work before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days. Incumbents may encounter hazardous field conditions and must be able to perform the listed physical agility tasks.

The position requires successful completion of a mandatory 6–8-week training course and state and national criminal background screening. The department offers a Career Ladder program: after one year of successful employment, eligible employees may complete targeted courses in Adult Protective Services and professional development to qualify for a salary increase.

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 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 conditions; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Provide an official registrar letter or unofficial transcripts showing anticipated graduation dates and credits earned for diploma or degree requirements; proof of a conferred degree must be provided within 30 days of hire as a condition of employment.
• Valid driver license.
• Operational private vehicle for daily work activities; provide proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance documentation within 30 days of employment as a condition of employment.
• Ability to attend a mandatory 6–8-week training course.
• Successful completion of state and national criminal history screening, including fingerprinting and applicable background screening requirements.
• 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 use tact, patience, and courtesy with vulnerable adults and maintain a calm, professional demeanor while handling 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 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.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered in the selection process depending on agency needs.
• A pre-interview assessment or work sample may be required to be eligible for an interview.
• Professional work experience examples include Guardian Ad Litem or similar child advocate, family support worker, group home worker, teacher’s assistant or aide, daycare provider or worker, therapeutic assistant, behavioral health technician, family intervention specialist, home health aide, nurse (LPN or RN) or similar profession, nursing facility assistant, EMT, or other welfare, education, or medical professional work in a high-paced, high-stress environment requiring critical decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize vulnerable adults’ safety and meet with them in person within 24 hours of receiving a report to assess safety concerns and mental capacity.
• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation and work to prevent recurrence.
• Coordinate emergency services when needed, including medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention when a person cannot make decisions for themselves.
• Gather critical information through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior APS 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 and help prevent adverse outcomes.
• Build relationships with community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other organizations involved in adult protective investigations.
• Perform field assignments and use a private vehicle for daily work activities, including transporting clients and assisting them in and out of properties and vehicles.
• Work during emergency situations or natural disasters, including before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days when required.

Benefits

• Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with insurance costs related to using a private vehicle for work purposes.
• Career Ladder program with potential salary increase after one year of successful employment and completion of targeted courses.
• The State of Florida offers an employee benefits package; specific benefits are not detailed in the posting.

What This Job Offers

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