CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60073965

State of Florida • Madison, FL

33d • Onsite

About The Position

The Child Protective Investigator works for the Florida Department of Children and Families in Madison, Florida. This demanding, fast-paced role investigates abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions involving children, with the goal of assessing safety and arranging protection when needed. Investigators gather information through observation and interviews, assess danger threats and caregiver protective capacities, coordinate with law enforcement, state attorneys, and child protection teams, and connect families with services.

The position requires Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification within 12 months after provisional certification, which must be maintained as a condition of employment. A valid driver license and operational private vehicle are required for daily work activities; vehicle registration and appropriate insurance documentation must be provided within 30 days of hire. The role requires attendance at an 8–12-week mandatory training course, which may be scheduled during daytime, weekend, or evening hours.

This is an essential position requiring night, weekend, and holiday work. Investigators may need to work during emergencies or natural disasters, including before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days. The position may involve hazardous field conditions and occasional 16-hour shifts. A vehicle insurance allowance is provided to assist with insurance costs related to use of a private vehicle for work.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following education and experience pathways: high school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service; associate degree or 60+ accredited college credits and two years of professional work experience, law enforcement experience, or 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 date and credits earned for diploma or degree requirements; proof of 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 certification as a condition of employment.
• Hold a valid driver 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 an 8–12-week mandatory training course, which may be scheduled during daytime, weekend, and evening hours.
• Work nights, weekends, and holidays, and work during emergency situations or natural disasters, potentially before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days.
• Be physically able to navigate varied terrain and stairs; assist with evacuations and clients entering or leaving properties, vehicles, and safety equipment; perform repetitive movements; bend, twist, kneel, stoop, squat, push, pull, lift, and walk extended distances; lift and carry up to 30 pounds; sit or stand for periods without a break; remain alert while on duty; and drive a car or passenger van during daytime and nighttime hours.
• Have normal vision and hearing, including with corrective devices.
• Complete the application in its entirety, including supervisor names and phone numbers for all employment periods, 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.

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.

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 laws, rules, regulations, policies, and state and federal requirements.

Benefits

• Vehicle insurance allowance to assist with insurance costs arising from use of a private vehicle for work.
• The State of Florida offers an employee benefits package; details are available through the State's benefits website.
• Training, advancement, and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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