CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60023997

State of Florida • NAPLES, FL

29d • Onsite

About The Position

The Child Protective Investigator conducts investigations involving child abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions. The role focuses on assessing child safety and responding to children in crisis in a demanding, fast-paced environment. Investigators work with children, families, and community partners to determine safety needs, arrange emergency placements when necessary, and connect families with services. This is an essential position that may involve hazardous field conditions and work during emergencies or natural disasters. The role is based in Naples, Florida, and requires a valid driver license and use of an operational private vehicle for daily work activities. A vehicle insurance allowance is provided to assist with insurance costs related to work use.

The position requires Florida Child Protective Investigator certification within the specified period after provisional certification, with certification maintained as a condition of employment. New investigators must attend a mandatory training course lasting 8–12 weeks. Work may include night, weekend, and holiday hours, work beyond normal hours or days, and occasional 16-hour shifts.

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 and two years of professional work experience or two years of 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.
• Provide an official registrar letter or unofficial transcripts with anticipated graduation dates and credits earned for diploma or degree requirements; proof of conferred degree must be provided within 30 days of hire as a condition of employment.
• Obtain Florida Child Protective Investigator certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months after obtaining provisional certification and maintain certification as a condition of employment.
• Valid driver license.
• Operational private vehicle for daily work activities; provide proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance coverage within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to attend mandatory training lasting 8–12 weeks, which may be scheduled during daytime, weekend, or evening hours.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including traversing varied terrain and stairs; assisting with emergency evacuations; normal vision and hearing, with corrective devices if needed; repetitive arm, hand, neck, and head movements; bending, twisting, kneeling, stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, lifting, and walking extended distances; lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds; assisting clients in and out of properties, vehicles, and safety equipment; sitting or standing for periods without a break; remaining alert while on duty; and driving a car or passenger van during daytime and nighttime hours.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays; work during emergency situations and natural disasters; and work before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days when required.
• Successful completion of required background screening and drug testing.
• Complete the candidate profile application in its entirety, including supervisor names and phone numbers for all employment periods and explanations for employment gaps.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or a related field preferred.
• Language proficiency may be considered based on agency needs.
• A pre-interview assessment or work sample may be required for interview eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Investigate child abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions.
• Gather information through observation and interviews with children, parents, relatives, and neighbors.
• Assess danger threats, child vulnerabilities, and caregiver protective capacities to determine whether a child is safe.
• Arrange emergency placement for children who cannot safely remain at home.
• Notify the state attorney, law enforcement, and child protection teams.
• Connect families with agency and community resources.
• Conduct initial and ongoing child-present and impending-danger assessments.
• Report indications of abuse, neglect, or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline.
• Perform job tasks in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Work during emergency situations or natural disasters, including before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days when required.

Benefits

• Vehicle insurance allowance to assist with insurance coverage costs related to use of a private vehicle for work.
• State of Florida employee benefits and total compensation package; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.
• Opportunities for advancement, training, and professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED