ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60020908

State of Florida • LEESBURG, FL

56d • 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 client safety and requires timely, compassionate action to support adults who may be unable to protect themselves.

The investigator assesses safety concerns and mental capacity, meets with vulnerable adults in person within 24 hours after receiving a report, and coordinates emergency services when necessary. These services may include medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention. The investigator gathers and analyzes information through interviews, observations, criminal history checks, prior APS involvement, and other records; coordinates with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors; and connects clients with agency and community resources.

This is an essential position that may involve night, weekend, and holiday work, as well as work during emergency situations and natural disasters before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days. Field work may expose incumbents to hazardous conditions. The role requires a valid driver license and use of an operational private vehicle for daily work activities. A mandatory 6–8-week training course must be attended. The position is in the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Career Service and is based in Leesburg, Florida.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service with honorable discharge or current service status reflecting honorable service; or an associate degree or at least 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university and two years of professional work experience or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service with honorable discharge or current service status reflecting honorable service; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Provide an official letter from the college or university registrar 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.
• 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.
• Skill in researching and using internet sites to gather information.
• Ability to assess service needs and facilitate appropriate service delivery.
• Ability to write professional, accurate investigative reports and conduct fact-finding interviews.
• Ability to understand and apply relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to collect and synthesize evidentiary materials and plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to actively listen, communicate effectively, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to use computer systems and work in a paperless environment.
• Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor and exercise independent judgment and initiative when handling emergency and non-emergency calls and field assignments.
• Typing and good time management skills.
• Physical ability to walk on varied terrain and use stairs; assist with evacuation of persons served; hear and see accurately, with corrective devices if needed; perform repetitive movements with the arms, hands, neck, and head; drive a vehicle 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 state and national criminal history screening, including fingerprinting and screening under applicable Florida statutes.
• Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must meet applicable Selective Service registration or exemption requirements before hire or promotion.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully authorized alien worker.
• Must enroll in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program within the first 30 calendar days of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered during selection based on agency needs.
• A pre-interview assessment or work sample may be required to be eligible for an interview.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation involving vulnerable adults, and work to prevent recurrence.
• Prioritize the safety of vulnerable adults and assess safety concerns and mental capacity.
• Meet with vulnerable adults in person within 24 hours of receiving a report.
• Coordinate emergency services when necessary, including medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention.
• Gather information through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior APS involvement, and records discovered during investigations.
• Coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors to support justice for vulnerable adults.
• Connect vulnerable adults with agency and community resources to support their quality of life and safety.
• Build relationships with community service organizations, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other community resources.
• Perform field assignments and respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, including work during emergencies and natural disasters.

Benefits

• Career Ladder program with targeted courses in Adult Protective Services and professional development; eligible employees may receive a salary increase after one year of successful employment and program completion.
• Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with insurance costs associated with using a private vehicle for work.
• The State of Florida offers an employee benefits package; specific benefits are not itemized in the posting.

What This Job Offers

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