ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60022186

State of Florida • ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Adult Protective Investigator investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation involving vulnerable adults in the community and in alternative care facilities. The position assesses and mitigates safety risks, with the vulnerable adult’s safety as the first priority. Investigators meet in person with vulnerable adults within 24 hours of receiving a report to assess safety concerns and mental capacity. When necessary, they coordinate emergency services, medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention for individuals unable to make decisions for themselves.

The role involves gathering and analyzing 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, and community organizations, and connect vulnerable adults with agency and community resources. This is a field-based role that requires independent judgment, tact, patience, professional communication, and the ability to handle emergency and non-emergency situations. The position is essential and may involve work during emergencies or natural disasters, outside normal work hours, and in potentially hazardous field conditions.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following education and experience pathways: high school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service with honorable discharge/status; associate degree or at least 60 college credit hours and two years of professional work experience, law enforcement experience, or active military service with honorable discharge/status; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Provide documentation of education and, where applicable, proof of a conferred degree within 30 days of hire.
• Possess a valid driver license.
• Have an operational private vehicle for daily work activities and provide proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance coverage within 30 days of employment.
• Attend a mandatory 6–8-week training course.
• Successfully complete required state and national criminal-history and applicable background screening.
• Have experience in emergency, tactical, or customer/public complaint interactions using communication technology, including basic computer and typing skills.
• Know interviewing and observation techniques and family dynamics and functioning.
• Be able to research and use 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 and exercise tact, patience, courtesy, independent judgment, and initiative when handling emergency and non-emergency calls and field assignments.
• Meet the physical ability requirements of the role, including navigating varied terrain and stairs, assisting with evacuations, seeing and hearing clearly with corrective devices if needed, performing repetitive movements, driving and assisting clients, sitting or standing for up to two hours without a break, and remaining alert while on duty.
• Complete the application in its entirety and provide verifiable employment, education, training, knowledge, skills, and abilities information.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered in the selection process based on agency needs.
• A pre-interview assessment or work sample may be required for interview eligibility.
• Experience in relevant professional roles such as Guardian Ad Litem or similar child advocate, family support worker, group home worker, teacher’s assistant/aide, daycare provider/worker, therapeutic assistant, behavioral health technician, family intervention specialist, home health aide, nurse, nursing facility assistant, EMT, or other welfare, education, or medical work in high-paced, high-stress environments involving critical decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation involving vulnerable adults.
• Assess safety concerns and mental capacity by meeting with vulnerable adults in person within 24 hours of receiving a report.
• Coordinate emergency services, medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention when necessary.
• Gather and analyze case information through interviews, observations, criminal-history information, prior APS involvement, and other records.
• Work to prevent abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation from recurring.
• 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 working relationships with community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other community resources.
• Complete field assignments and investigative reports in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Work during emergency situations or natural disasters when required, including before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days.
• Drive a vehicle to perform job duties and transport clients, including assisting them in and out of properties and vehicles.

Benefits

• Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with insurance costs related to using a private vehicle for work.
• Career Ladder program offering targeted courses and the opportunity for a salary increase after one year of successful employment and program completion.
• State employee benefits; the posting directs applicants to the State benefits website for the complete list.

What This Job Offers

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