ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60019962

State of Florida • Tallahassee, FL

51d • 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 risks. Clients may live in the community or in alternative care facilities. The role prioritizes the safety of vulnerable adults and requires prompt, compassionate action to support 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 such as medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention when a person cannot make decisions for themselves. They gather information through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior Adult Protective Services involvement, and other records. They also coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, prosecutors, service providers, and community organizations, and connect adults with resources and services.

This is an essential position that may involve night, weekend, and holiday work, as well as work before, during, and beyond normal hours during emergencies or natural disasters. Fieldwork may involve exposure to hazardous conditions. The position requires independent judgment, professional investigative reporting, tact and patience, and the physical ability to perform field assignments and related tasks.

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 credits and two years of qualifying professional work experience, law enforcement experience, or active military service; 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; provide proof of a conferred degree within 30 days of hire when applicable.
• Have a valid driver license.
• Have an operational private vehicle for daily work activities and provide vehicle registration and proof of appropriate insurance within 30 days of employment.
• Attend a mandatory training course lasting 6–8 weeks.
• Successfully complete required state and national criminal history and background screening.
• 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.
• Have skill in researching and using internet sites to gather information.
• Be able to 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.
• Be able to collect and synthesize evidentiary materials and plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Be able to actively listen, communicate effectively, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Be able to use computer systems and work in a paperless environment.
• Maintain a calm, professional demeanor while handling emergency and non-emergency calls, and exercise independent judgment and initiative.
• Be physically able to walk on varied terrain and stairs; assist with evacuations; see and hear accurately, with corrective devices if needed; perform repetitive movements; assist clients in and out of properties and vehicles; sit or stand for up to two hours without a break; remain alert while on duty; and drive a vehicle to perform job duties.
• Work nights, weekends, and holidays as required, and work before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days during emergencies or natural disasters.
• Complete the application in full, provide supervisor names and phone numbers for all employment periods, and explain employment gaps.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered based on agency needs.
• Relevant professional experience may include work as a 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, nursing facility assistant, EMT, or another welfare, education, or medical professional working in a high-paced, high-stress environment requiring critical decision-making.

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 meet with them in person within 24 hours of receiving a report to assess safety concerns and mental capacity.
• Coordinate emergency services when necessary, including medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention.
• Gather case information through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior APS involvement, and 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.
• Build relationships with community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other organizations involved in adult protective investigations.
• Perform field assignments and investigative work independently, including during emergency situations or natural disasters.

Benefits

• Career Ladder program offering targeted courses in Adult Protective Services and professional development, with eligibility to participate after one year of successful employment and a salary increase upon completion.
• Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with insurance costs related to use of a private vehicle for work.
• 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