CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60071440

State of Florida • DeFuniak Springs, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Children and Families is hiring a Child Protective Investigator in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Investigators respond to children in crisis by investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions, and by determining whether children are safe. The role requires compassion, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.

The position may be filled as OPS or Career Service. It is an essential position and requires night, weekend, and holiday work. Investigators may be required to work during emergencies or natural disasters, before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days, and may be exposed to hazardous field conditions. The role includes mandatory training lasting 8–12 weeks, which may be scheduled during daytime, evening, or weekend hours. A valid driver license and an operational personal vehicle are required for daily work activities; the Department provides a vehicle insurance allowance.

The salary is $50,000.08 annually ($1,923.08 bi-weekly).

Requirements

• Meet one of the following education and experience pathways: a high school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service; 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; or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Military service used to meet a qualification must be honorably discharged or current service must reflect honorable service.
• 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 as a condition of employment.
• Hold a valid driver license and have an operational private vehicle for daily work activities.
• Provide proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance documentation within 30 days of hire as a condition of employment.
• Attend a 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 during emergencies or natural disasters, potentially before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days.
• Meet the listed physical ability requirements, including navigating varied terrain and stairs; assisting with evacuations and clients; repetitive movements; bending, kneeling, lifting, carrying up to 30 pounds, and walking extended distances; sitting or standing for periods without a break; working 16-hour shifts on occasion; remaining alert while on duty; and driving a car or passenger van during daytime and nighttime hours.
• Complete the application in its entirety, including supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment, explanations for employment gaps, and verifiable information supporting qualifications.
• Successfully complete required state and national background screening and a drug test 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 requirements.
• Enroll in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program within the first 30 calendar days of appointment.

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 at the time of selection.
• A pre-interview assessment or work sample may be required to be eligible for an interview.

Responsibilities

• Investigate abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions involving children.
• Gather information through observation and interviews with children, parents, relatives, and neighbors.
• Assess danger threats, child vulnerabilities, and caregiver protective capacities to determine child safety.
• 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, rules, regulations, policies, and state and federal requirements.

Benefits

• The Department provides a vehicle insurance allowance to assist with insurance costs related to 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.
• The Department encourages employees to pursue advancement and professional development opportunities and training.

What This Job Offers

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