ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60019675

State of Florida • FORT WALTON BEACH, FL

19d • 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 safety and requires timely action, compassion, sound judgment, and efforts to support adults’ 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 such as medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention. They gather and analyze case information, coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors, and connect clients with agency and community resources. The role requires independent field work, effective professional relationships, and the ability to respond to emergency and non-emergency situations.

This is an essential position that may involve night, weekend, and holiday work, as well as work before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days in emergencies and natural disasters. Incumbents may encounter hazardous field conditions and must attend a mandatory 6–8-week training course. The position is based in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Requirements

• Meet one of the stated education and experience pathways: a high school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service; 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.
• Provide documentation of diploma or degree requirements; proof of a conferred degree must be provided within 30 days of hire.
• Have a valid driver's license and an operational private vehicle for daily work activities; provide proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance within 30 days of employment.
• Be able to attend a mandatory 6–8-week training course.
• Demonstrate experience in emergency, tactical, or customer/public complaint interactions using communication technology, including basic computer and typing skills.
• Have knowledge of interviewing and observation techniques and family dynamics and functioning.
• Be able to research and use internet sites to gather information, assess service needs, and facilitate appropriate service delivery.
• Be able to write professional, accurate investigative reports and conduct fact-finding interviews.
• Be able to understand and apply relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, and collect and synthesize evidentiary materials.
• Be able to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; listen actively; communicate effectively; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Be able to use computer systems and work in a paperless environment.
• Exercise tact, patience, courtesy, independent judgment, and initiative, and maintain a calm, professional demeanor while handling varied emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Have typing and time-management skills.
• Be physically able to walk across varied terrain and use stairs; assist with evacuations; hear and see clearly, with corrective devices if needed; perform repetitive arm, hand, neck, and head 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 screening and other applicable background screening.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered in selection based on agency needs.
• A pre-interview assessment or work sample may be required.

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, self-neglect, and financial exploitation, and work to prevent recurrence.
• Coordinate emergency services, including medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention when necessary.
• Gather information through interviews and observations, and analyze criminal history, prior APS involvement, and records identified 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.
• Build relationships with community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other organizations involved in adult protective investigations.
• Perform field assignments independently and respond to emergency and non-emergency calls.

Benefits

• Career Ladder program offering targeted courses and the opportunity for a salary increase after one year of successful employment and program completion.
• Training and opportunities for advancement and professional development.
• Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with the cost of insurance coverage for use of a private vehicle for work purposes.
• 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