ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60073237

State of Florida • Rockledge, 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 investigator prioritizes client safety, assesses safety concerns and mental capacity, and meets with vulnerable adults in person within 24 hours after receiving a report. When needed, the investigator coordinates emergency services, medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention for people unable to make decisions for themselves.

The position involves collecting and analyzing case information through interviews, observations, criminal-history checks, prior Adult Protective Services involvement, and other records. Investigators coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, prosecutors, medical personnel, advocacy groups, and community organizations. They connect vulnerable adults with agency and community services to address their needs and help prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation from recurring. The role requires independent judgment, professional investigative reporting, and tact and patience when handling emergency and non-emergency situations.

This is a Career Service position with the Florida Department of Children and Families in Rockledge, Florida. The position requires night, weekend, and holiday work and is designated as essential. Employees may be required to work before, during, and beyond normal hours or days during emergencies or natural disasters, and may encounter hazardous conditions in the field. A mandatory 6–8-week training course is required. The department offers an optional Career Ladder program after one year of successful employment; completing targeted courses may lead to a salary increase.

Requirements

• Meet one of the stated education and experience pathways: a high school diploma or GED plus four years of law-enforcement experience or active military service; an associate degree or at least 60 college credit hours plus two years of professional work experience, law-enforcement experience, or active military service; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Provide required degree or credit documentation; proof of a conferred degree must be provided within 30 days of hire when applicable.
• 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 interacting in emergency, tactical, or customer/public complaint situations 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; collect and synthesize evidentiary materials; and write accurate investigative reports.
• Ability to understand and apply relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; 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 maintain a calm, professional demeanor and exercise tact, patience, courtesy, independent judgment, and initiative when handling emergency and non-emergency situations involving vulnerable adults.
• Physical ability to traverse varied terrain and stairs, assist with evacuations, hear and see accurately (with corrective devices if needed), perform repetitive movements, 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.
• Successfully complete required state and national criminal-history and other applicable background screening.
• Meet applicable Selective Service registration or exemption requirements for male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962.
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully authorized alien worker.
• Complete enrollment in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program within the first 30 calendar days of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered based on agency needs at the time of selection.
• May complete a pre-interview assessment or work sample if 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 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 case information through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior APS involvement, and other records.
• Coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors in support of vulnerable adults.
• Connect vulnerable adults with agency and community resources and services.
• Build working relationships with community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other relevant organizations.
• Conduct field assignments independently and prepare accurate, professional investigative reports.
• Work during emergency situations and natural disasters, including before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days when required.

Benefits

• Vehicle Insurance Allowance to help with insurance costs related to using a private vehicle for work.
• Career Ladder program: after one year of successful employment, employees may complete targeted courses and receive a salary increase upon completion.
• State of Florida employee benefits are described as a competitive total compensation package; the posting refers applicants to the state benefits website for details.
• Opportunities and training for advancement and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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