ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60020850

State of Florida • Orlando, FL

1d • 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 the associated risks. Clients may live in the community or in alternative care facilities. The role requires quick, compassionate action to protect vulnerable adults and support their safety and independence.

Investigators prioritize client safety, meet vulnerable adults in person within 24 hours of receiving a report to assess safety concerns and mental capacity, and coordinate emergency services when necessary. These services may include medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention when an adult cannot make decisions for themselves. Investigators gather and analyze information through interviews, observations, criminal history checks, prior APS involvement, and other records; coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors; and connect clients with agency and community resources.

The position is an essential role and requires night, weekend, and holiday work. Employees may need to work before, during, and beyond normal hours or days during emergencies and natural disasters and may encounter hazardous field conditions. The role requires a valid driver license and an operational private vehicle for daily work activities, with proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance required within 30 days of employment. A 6–8-week mandatory training course is required. The position is based in Orlando, Florida.

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 at least 60 college credit hours and two years of professional work experience or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid driver license.
• Operational private vehicle for daily work activities; proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance coverage must be provided 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.
• Ability to research and use internet sites to gather information; assess service needs and facilitate service delivery; conduct fact-finding interviews; and write professional, accurate investigative reports.
• Ability to understand and apply relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; collect and synthesize evidentiary materials; and plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to listen actively, communicate effectively, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to use computer systems and work in a paperless environment; typing and time-management skills are necessary.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in field assignments and maintain a calm, professional demeanor with tact, patience, and courtesy when handling emergency and non-emergency calls and working with vulnerable adults.
• Physical ability to walk across varied terrain and use stairs; assist with evacuation; hear and see accurately, with corrective devices if needed; perform repetitive movements with arms, hands, neck, and head; drive and transport clients, including assisting them 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 applicable background checks.
• Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must meet Selective Service registration or exemption requirements before hire or promotion.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered based on agency needs.
• Relevant professional work 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 in a high-paced, high-stress environment requiring critical decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults and work to prevent recurrence.
• Prioritize client safety and meet with vulnerable adults 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 and analyze case information through interviews, observations, criminal history, prior APS involvement, and other 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 work during emergency situations or natural disasters, including outside normal work hours when required.
• Prepare accurate investigative reports and collect and synthesize evidentiary materials.

Benefits

• State of Florida employee benefits and total compensation package; details are available through the State benefits website.
• Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with insurance costs related to use of a private vehicle for work.
• Career Ladder program offering eligibility for a salary increase after one year of successful employment and completion of targeted courses.
• Training and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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