CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60072199

State of Florida • LAKE WALES, FL

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Children and Families is hiring a Child Protective Investigator in Lake Wales, Florida. Investigators respond to reports of child abuse, neglect, abandonment, and other special conditions, making timely decisions to help ensure children’s safety. The role involves fieldwork in a demanding, fast-paced environment and requires sound judgment, attention to detail, and compassion. This posting may be used to fill OPS and Career Service vacancies; current employees are compensated in accordance with DCF salary policy.

The position is essential and requires night, weekend, and holiday work. Investigators may need to work during emergencies or natural disasters, including before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days. Fieldwork may involve exposure to hazardous conditions. The role requires a valid driver license and use of an operational private vehicle for work; the Department provides a vehicle insurance allowance. A mandatory 8–12-week training course is required and may be scheduled during days, weekends, or evenings. Investigators must obtain Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification within 12 months after provisional certification and maintain certification as a condition of employment.

The position requires specified physical agility and stamina, including working 16-hour shifts on occasion, driving to transport clients, and assisting clients with movement and evacuation. Salary is $50,000.08 annually ($1,923.08 bi-weekly).

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or current service status reflecting 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 as specified; 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 a conferred degree must be provided within 30 days of hire.
• Obtain Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification within 12 months after provisional certification and maintain certification as a condition of employment.
• Valid driver license and an operational private vehicle for daily work activities; provide proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance documentation within 30 days of hire.
• Attend a mandatory 8–12-week training course, which may be scheduled during daytime, weekend, or evening hours.
• Be available for night, weekend, and holiday work and emergency or natural-disaster work beyond normal hours or days.
• Possess the physical ability to navigate varied terrain and stairs; assist with emergency evacuations; have normal vision and hearing, including with corrective devices; perform repetitive movements; bend, twist, kneel, stoop, squat, push, pull, lift, and walk extended distances; lift and carry up to 30 pounds; assist clients in and out of properties, vehicles, and safety equipment; sit or stand for extended periods; work 16-hour shifts on occasion; remain alert; and drive a car or passenger van during daytime and nighttime hours.
• Complete the application in its entirety and provide verifiable employment, education, training, knowledge, skills, and abilities; include supervisor names and phone numbers and explain employment gaps.
• Successfully complete required state and national background screening and drug testing as conditions of employment.
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully authorized alien worker.
• If applicable, meet Selective Service registration requirements for male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or a related field is 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 reports of 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 in their homes.
• 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, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements.

Benefits

• The State of Florida offers an employee benefits package; details are available through the State benefits website.
• Vehicle insurance allowance to assist with insurance costs related to using a private vehicle for work.
• Opportunities and training for advancement and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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