ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60073237

State of Florida•Rockledge, FL

13d•Onsite

About The Position

This professional position investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation against vulnerable adults and the mitigation of the risk factors involved. Clients served include those residing in the community and alternative care facilities. Vulnerable adults in crisis need quick action from strong, compassionate individuals dedicated to ensuring their safety. This demanding and challenging career could be your opportunity to speak for those adults who cannot protect themselves and fight to help ensure their safety and independence.

Requirements

A high school diploma or GED equivalent and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably); or
An associate degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university and two years of professional work experience (see examples below) or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably); or
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Valid Driver License
Must possess operational private vehicle for use in the performance of daily work activities.
Ability to attend a 6-8-week mandatory training course.
Experience in emergency, tactical or customer/public complaint interactions utilizing communication technology, including basic computer and typing skills
Knowledge of interviewing and observation techniques
Knowledge of family dynamics and functioning
Skill in researching and utilization of internet sites to gather information
Ability to assess service needs and facilitate appropriate service delivery
Ability to write professional, accurate investigative reports
Ability to conduct fact-finding interviews
Ability to understand and apply relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
Ability to collect and synthesize evidentiary materials
Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments
Ability to actively listen, communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Ability to utilize computer systems and work in a paperless environment
This work requires a high degree of tact, patience, and courtesy dealing with vulnerable adults.
Incumbents in this class must be able to maintain a calm, professional demeanor while handling a variety of emergency and non-emergency calls.
The work requires independent judgment and initiative to complete field assignments.
Typing and good time management skills are necessary for this job.
Must be physically able and have the ability to perform the following physical agility tasks: a) ambulate in varied terrains to enter residences/locations as well as up and down stairs/stairwells; b) assist with evacuation of persons served during an emergency situaiton: c) hear and see accurately and clearly (with the assistance of corrective devices, if needed); d) do repetitive movements with arms, hands, neck, and head; e) drive a vehicle to transport clients including assisting clients in and out of properties and vehicles; f) sit and/or stand for periods of time (up to 2 hours) without a break; g) remain alert while on duty (awake, ready to perform job tasks, and responsive to clients and Department personnel, etc.); and h) drive a vehicle to perform job duties.

Nice To Haves

Language proficiency may be considered in the selection process as determined by Agency needs at the time of selection.
May require successful completion of pre-interview assessment or work sample to be eligible for interview.

Responsibilities

Be part of a team dedicated to protecting Florida’s vulnerable adults by meeting Florida’s nationally leading standards for Adult Protective Services’ investigations and protections for vulnerable adults.
Your first priority will be the vulnerable adult’s safety.
To assess safety concerns and mental capacity, you will meet with the vulnerable adult in person within 24 hours of receiving a report.
When necessary, you will coordinate emergency services including medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention when the person cannot make decisions for themselves.
Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation and work to prevent it from reoccurring.
Gather critical information about vulnerable adults and others involved in the case through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior APS involvement, and records uncovered during the investigations.
Coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors to provide justice for vulnerable adults.
Connect vulnerable adults with agency and community resources to wrap around services needed to improve their quality of life and often saving them from the worst outcomes.
Build relationships with organizations involved with adult protective investigations such as community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other community resources.