CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60072049

State of Florida • Saint Augustine Beach, FL

33d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Children and Families is hiring Child Protective Investigators in St. Augustine, Florida. Investigators respond to reports concerning child abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions, taking timely action to assess children’s safety and arrange protection when needed. The role involves fieldwork, interviews and observations, safety assessments, coordination with public agencies and community resources, and documentation and reporting. This is a demanding, high-pressure position that requires sound judgment, compassion, and the ability to work during emergencies and outside normal hours. The position is designated as essential, and incumbents may encounter hazardous conditions in the field.

Investigators must obtain Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification within 12 months after obtaining provisional certification and maintain certification as a condition of employment. The job requires a valid driver license and an operational private vehicle for daily work activities; proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance must be provided within 30 days of hire. The Department provides a vehicle insurance allowance. Candidates must also attend a mandatory 8–12-week training course, which may be scheduled during daytime, weekend, or evening hours.

The position requires night, weekend, and holiday work. During emergencies or natural disasters, employees may be required to work before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days. Employees may occasionally work 16-hour shifts. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or a related field is preferred. Language proficiency may be considered according to agency needs, and a pre-interview assessment or work sample may be required.

Requirements

• Meet one of the listed education and experience pathways: high school diploma or GED plus four years of law enforcement experience or qualifying active military service; associate degree or at least 60 college credits plus two years of qualifying professional work experience, law enforcement experience, or qualifying active military service; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Provide an official registrar letter or unofficial transcripts showing anticipated graduation dates and credits earned for diploma or degree requirements; provide proof of a conferred degree 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.
• Hold a valid driver license.
• Possess an operational private vehicle for daily work activities and provide proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance coverage within 30 days of hire.
• Attend a mandatory 8–12-week training course, which may be scheduled during day, weekend, and evening hours.
• Be available for night, weekend, and holiday work and for work during emergencies or natural disasters, including beyond normal work hours or days.
• Successfully complete required state and national criminal history and background screening, including fingerprinting.
• Successfully complete a drug test as a condition of employment.
• Meet the physical and agility requirements, including navigating varied terrain and stairs; assisting with evacuations and clients; repetitive movements; bending, kneeling, squatting, pushing, pulling, lifting and extended walking; lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds; sitting or standing for periods without a break; remaining alert on duty; and driving a car or passenger van during daytime and nighttime hours.
• Complete the Candidate Profile application in its entirety, including supervisor names and phone numbers for all employment periods and explanations for employment gaps; listed qualifications and responses must be verifiable.
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully authorized alien worker.
• Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must meet the stated Selective Service registration or exemption requirements.
• Enroll in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program within the first 30 calendar days of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or a related field.
• Language proficiency, as considered according to agency needs.
• Veterans’ Preference eligibility; eligible candidates are encouraged to apply and must submit supporting documentation by the vacancy announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

• Investigate reports of child abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions.
• Collect information by observing and interviewing children, parents, relatives, and neighbors.
• Assess danger threats, child vulnerabilities, and caregiver protective capacities to determine whether a child is safe.
• Arrange emergency placement when a child 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, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements.

Benefits

• The Department provides a vehicle insurance allowance to assist with insurance costs associated with using a private vehicle for work.
• The State of Florida offers an employee benefits package; the posting directs applicants to the state benefits website for details.
• Department opportunities for advancement and professional development, including available training.

What This Job Offers

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