ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60073250

State of Florida • Daytona Beach, FL

55d • 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 risk factors. The role serves adults living in the community and in alternative care facilities. Investigators prioritize the safety and independence of vulnerable adults, including people in crisis who may be unable to protect themselves.

The investigator meets with vulnerable adults in person within 24 hours of receiving a report to assess safety concerns and mental capacity. When needed, the role coordinates emergency services such as medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention. Investigators gather information through interviews, observations, and review of criminal history, prior APS involvement, and case records; coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors; and connect clients with agency and community resources.

This is an essential position that may involve night, weekend, holiday, emergency, and natural-disaster work, including hours beyond normal workdays. The position involves field assignments and potential exposure to hazardous conditions. Employees must be able to attend a mandatory 6–8-week training course. The Department offers a Career Ladder program through which eligible employees may complete targeted courses and receive a salary increase after one year of successful employment and program completion.

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 required education; proof of a conferred degree must be provided within 30 days of hire when applicable.
• Have 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.
• Be able to attend a mandatory 6–8-week training course.
• Successfully complete required state and national criminal-history and applicable background screenings.
• 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; assess service needs; and facilitate appropriate service delivery.
• Be able to write professional, accurate investigative reports; conduct fact-finding interviews; 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; actively listen; communicate effectively; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Be able to use computer systems and work in a paperless environment.
• Demonstrate tact, patience, courtesy, and a calm, professional demeanor when dealing with vulnerable adults and handling emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Be able to exercise independent judgment and initiative, manage time effectively, and remain alert and responsive while on duty.
• Be physically able to walk on varied terrain and stairs; assist with emergency evacuations; hear and see accurately, with corrective devices if needed; perform repetitive movements with arms, hands, neck, and head; drive and transport clients, including helping them in and out of properties and vehicles; and sit or stand for up to two hours without a break.
• Complete the application profile in its entirety and provide verifiable work, education, training, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered based on agency needs.
• Professional work experience in roles such as 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 profession 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 vulnerable adults’ safety 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 working relationships with community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other community resources.
• Perform field assignments and work during emergency situations or natural disasters, potentially before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days.

Benefits

• Career Ladder program with targeted courses and the opportunity for a salary increase after one year of successful employment and program completion.
• Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with insurance costs related to using a private vehicle for work.
• State of Florida employee benefits, described as a highly competitive total compensation package.
• Training and opportunities for advancement and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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