CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60075160

State of Florida • Sebring, FL

29d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Children and Families is hiring a Child Protective Investigator in Bradenton, Florida. Investigators respond to reports involving children in crisis and work to determine and ensure child safety in a demanding, high-pressure, fast-paced environment. The role requires sound decision-making, attention to detail, and compassionate engagement with children and families.

The position may be filled in OPS or Career Service. It is an essential position and requires night, weekend, and holiday work. During emergencies or natural disasters, incumbents may be required to work before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days. Field work may involve exposure to hazardous conditions. Investigators must obtain Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification within the stated timeframe and maintain certification as a condition of employment.

Requirements

• Meet one of the stated 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 60+ college credits plus two years of qualifying 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 dates and credits earned 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 certification.
• Have a valid driver's license.
• Have an operational private vehicle for daily work activities and 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.
• Be physically able to perform the listed field and agility tasks, 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; occasionally working 16-hour shifts; remaining alert while on duty; and driving a car or passenger van during daytime and nighttime hours.
• Demonstrate skills and abilities in following policies and procedures, time management, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, documentation, engagement, teaming, appropriate responses related to domestic violence, mental health, or substance abuse, and establishing effective relationships with colleagues.
• Complete the Candidate Profile application in its entirety, include supervisor names and phone numbers for all employment periods, and account for employment gaps.
• 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.

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.
• Veterans' preference may apply to eligible candidates for Career Service vacancies.

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 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.

Benefits

• Competitive employee benefits as part of the State of Florida total compensation package.
• Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with insurance costs for use of a private vehicle for work.
• Training, advancement opportunities, and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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