CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60069021

State of Florida • Wildwood, FL

17d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Children and Families is hiring a Child Protective Investigator in Wildwood, Florida. The role investigates reports involving child abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions, with the goal of assessing and ensuring child safety. Investigators collect information through observations and interviews, assess danger threats and caregiver protective capacities, arrange emergency placements when children cannot safely remain at home, and connect families with agency and community services. The position is demanding and fast-paced and requires sound judgment and the ability to respond to high-pressure situations.

The position is classified as Career Service and is designated as essential. It 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. Incumbents may encounter hazardous conditions in the field. Mandatory training lasts 8–12 weeks and may be scheduled during daytime, weekend, or evening hours. The employee must obtain Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification within 12 months after provisional certification and maintain it as a condition of employment. A valid driver license and an operational private vehicle for daily work are required; proof of registration and appropriate insurance must be provided within 30 days of hire. The Department provides a vehicle insurance allowance for work-related use of a private vehicle.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following education and experience combinations: high school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service with honorable discharge/status; 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/status; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Provide an official registrar letter or unofficial transcripts showing anticipated graduation dates and earned credits for diploma or degree requirements; proof of a conferred degree must be provided within 30 days of hire.
• Obtain Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months after obtaining provisional certification and maintain the certification.
• Have a valid driver license and an operational private vehicle for daily work; provide vehicle registration and proof of appropriate insurance within 30 days of hire.
• Attend the mandatory 8–12-week training course, which may be scheduled during day, weekend, and evening hours.
• Be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays, and work during emergencies or natural disasters before, during, or beyond normal work hours or days.
• Meet the physical agility requirements, including walking 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, squatting, pushing, pulling, lifting, and walking extended distances; 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; 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, explanations for employment gaps, and verifiable information about qualifications.
• 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.
• Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must meet the stated Selective Service registration or exemption requirement.
• 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 may be considered based on agency needs.
• Ability to complete a pre-interview assessment or work sample may be considered in the selection process.

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 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 state and federal requirements.

Benefits

• The State of Florida offers a competitive employee benefits package.
• Vehicle insurance allowance to assist with insurance costs due to work-related use of a private vehicle.
• Opportunities for advancement, training, and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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