CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60073840

State of Florida • Panama City Beach, FL

21d • Onsite

About The Position

The Child Protective Investigator conducts investigations involving child abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions, working to determine child safety and arrange protection when needed. The role requires compassion, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a demanding, fast-paced, high-pressure environment. The position is based in Panama City, Florida, and may be filled as an OPS or Career Service vacancy.

This is an essential position requiring night, weekend, and holiday work. Investigators may be called upon 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 completion of an 8–12-week mandatory training course, which may be scheduled during daytime, weekend, and evening hours. Investigators must obtain Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification within 12 months after receiving provisional certification and maintain certification as a condition of employment.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following education and experience pathways: a high school diploma or GED plus four years of law enforcement experience or active military service; an associate degree or at least 60 college credit hours plus 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.
• For the active-military pathway, service must be honorable or current service must reflect honorable service; military service listed as an alternative must be honorably discharged or reflect honorable current 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, such as official transcripts or a diploma, 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's license.
• Have 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, or evening hours.
• Be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays, and work during emergencies or natural disasters, potentially beyond normal work hours or days.
• Demonstrate skills in following policies and procedures; managing time; assessing, planning, intervening, evaluating, documenting, engaging, and teaming; taking appropriate actions related to domestic violence, mental health, or substance abuse; establishing effective relationships with colleagues; and professional competencies.
• Meet physical abilities for fieldwork, including traversing 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, turning, kneeling, stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, lifting, and walking extended distances; lifting and 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 while on duty; and driving a car or passenger van during daytime and nighttime hours.
• Be able to work 16-hour shifts on occasion.
• Complete the candidate profile application in its entirety, including supervisor names and phone numbers for all employment periods and explanations for employment gaps.
• Successfully complete required state and national criminal history screening, including fingerprinting, and a drug test as conditions of employment.
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully authorized alien worker.
• Meet applicable 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 at the time of selection.

Responsibilities

• Investigate child abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions.
• Collect 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 state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Work during emergency situations or natural disasters when required.

Benefits

• The State of Florida offers a competitive employee benefits package; specific benefits are not enumerated in the posting.
• The Department provides a Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with insurance costs associated with using a private vehicle for work.
• Employees are encouraged to pursue department opportunities for advancement and professional development, and training is available.

What This Job Offers

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