ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60070470

State of Florida • Wildwood, FL

39d • Onsite

About The Position

The Adult Protective Investigator investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation involving vulnerable adults living in the community or in alternative care facilities. The role focuses on assessing and mitigating safety risks, supporting vulnerable adults in crisis, and helping protect their safety and independence. Investigators meet with vulnerable adults in person within 24 hours of receiving a report to assess safety concerns and mental capacity. When needed, they coordinate emergency services, medical evaluations, temporary placement, or court intervention when a person cannot make decisions for themselves.

The position works with state agencies, law enforcement, prosecutors, medical personnel, advocacy organizations, community services, and other resources. Investigators gather and analyze information through interviews, observations, criminal-history checks, prior Adult Protective Services involvement, and other records. They connect clients with appropriate agency and community services and work to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation from recurring. The work requires independent judgment and initiative, a calm and professional manner in emergency and non-emergency situations, and tact and patience when working with vulnerable adults. This is an essential position that may involve hazardous field conditions and work during emergencies or natural disasters, including outside normal work hours and days.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service with honorable discharge or current honorable service; or an associate degree or at least 60 college credit hours plus two years of qualifying professional work experience, law enforcement experience, or active military service with honorable discharge or current honorable service; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid driver license.
• Operational private vehicle for daily work activities; selected candidates must provide proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance coverage 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.
• Skill in researching and using internet sites to gather information.
• Ability to assess service needs and facilitate appropriate service delivery.
• Ability to 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.
• Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor and exercise tact, patience, and courtesy when handling emergency and non-emergency calls and working with vulnerable adults.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in completing field assignments; good time-management skills and typing ability.
• Physical ability to walk over varied terrain and use stairs; assist with evacuations; hear and see accurately, with corrective devices if needed; perform repetitive movements with arms, hands, neck, and head; sit or stand for up to two hours without a break; remain alert while on duty; and drive a vehicle to perform job duties and transport clients.
• Successful completion of required state and national criminal history screening and applicable background checks.
• Candidates born male on or after October 1, 1962, must meet the stated Selective Service registration or exemption requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Language proficiency may be considered based on agency needs.
• A pre-interview assessment or work sample may be required for interview eligibility.
• 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 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 involving vulnerable adults, and work to prevent recurrence.
• 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 necessary.
• Gather and analyze case information through interviews, observations, criminal-history checks, prior APS involvement, and other records.
• Coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors in support of 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.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments, conduct field investigations, and prepare professional and accurate investigative reports.
• Perform duties during emergency situations or natural disasters and, when required, before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days.
• Drive a vehicle to perform job duties and transport clients, including assisting clients in and out of properties and vehicles.

Benefits

• Vehicle insurance allowance to assist with insurance costs associated with using a private vehicle for work.
• Career Ladder program with targeted courses and the opportunity for a salary increase after one year of successful employment and completion of the program.
• State of Florida employee benefits package; details are available through the State benefits website.
• Training and opportunities for advancement and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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