CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60071709

State of Florida • DELAND, FL

34d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Children and Families is hiring a Child Protective Investigator in Deland, Florida. This open-competitive posting may be used to fill vacancies in OPS and Career Service. Investigators respond to reports involving child abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions, assessing children’s safety and coordinating protective actions and services. The role operates in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment and is designated as an essential position. Employees may be required to work during emergencies or natural disasters, before, during, and beyond normal work hours, and may encounter hazardous field conditions.

The position requires night, weekend, and holiday work. Investigators must attend a mandatory 8–12-week training course, which may be scheduled during daytime, weekend, or evening hours. The role also requires a valid driver license and an operational private vehicle for daily work activities. A vehicle insurance allowance is provided to assist with insurance costs related to work use of a private vehicle.

Candidates must meet one of the listed education and experience pathways: a high school diploma or GED plus four years of law enforcement experience or qualifying active military service; an associate degree or at least 60 college credit hours plus two years of professional work experience, law enforcement experience, or qualifying active military service; or a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or a related field is preferred. Investigators must obtain Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification within 12 months after obtaining provisional certification and maintain it as a condition of employment.

The annual salary is $50,000.08. State employee benefits and opportunities for training, advancement, and professional development are noted. Employment is conditional on required background screening and drug testing, among other stated conditions.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following qualification pathways: high school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or qualifying active military service; an associate degree or at least 60 college credit hours and two years of 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.
• Obtain Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification within 12 months after obtaining provisional certification and maintain certification as a condition of employment.
• Possess a 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, and evening hours.
• Work nights, weekends, and holidays; work during emergencies or natural disasters and potentially before, during, and beyond normal work hours.
• Be able to perform the stated physical agility tasks, including traversing varied terrain and stairs; assisting with evacuations and clients; repetitive movement; bending, twisting, kneeling, stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, lifting, and extended-distance walking; lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds; sitting or standing for periods without a break; remaining alert; and driving a car or passenger van during daytime and nighttime hours.
• Have normal vision and hearing, including with corrective devices, and be physically able to perform the listed duties.
• Complete the application in its entirety and provide verifiable work history, education, training, knowledge, skills, and abilities; include supervisor names and phone numbers and account for 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.
• Enroll in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program within the first 30 calendar days of appointment.
• Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must meet the stated Selective Service registration or exemption requirement.
• Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must submit required supporting documentation by the vacancy announcement closing date.

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 at the time of selection.
• Successful completion of 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 caregivers’ 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 assessments of present and impending danger to children.
• Report indications of abuse, neglect, or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline.
• Perform work in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Work during emergency situations or natural disasters when required.

Benefits

• State employee benefits, described as a competitive total compensation package.
• Vehicle insurance allowance to assist with insurance coverage costs resulting from use of a private vehicle for work.
• Training, advancement, and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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