CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60058010

State of Florida • MARIANNA, FL

21d • Onsite

About The Position

The Child Protective Investigator conducts investigations involving child abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions to help ensure children’s safety. The role requires detailed-oriented, compassionate decision-making in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. Investigators gather information, assess danger and protective capacities, arrange emergency placements when children cannot safely remain at home, notify relevant authorities and teams, connect families with services, and report suspected maltreatment to the Florida Abuse Hotline.

This is an essential position requiring night, weekend, and holiday work. Investigators may be expected to work during emergencies or natural disasters, before, during, and beyond normal work hours. The role involves field work and possible exposure to hazardous conditions. A valid driver license and an operational private vehicle are required for daily work activities; the Department provides a vehicle insurance allowance. Employees must complete mandatory training and obtain and maintain Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification.

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 60 or more college credit hours and 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.
• For active military service used to meet qualifications, service must be honorably discharged or current service must reflect honorable service.
• Provide an official registrar letter or unofficial transcripts showing anticipated graduation dates and earned credits 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 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.
• Be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays and during emergency situations or natural disasters, including before, during, and beyond normal work hours or days.
• Meet the physical and agility demands of the job, including navigating varied terrain and stairs; assisting with evacuations and clients; repetitive movements; bending, twisting, kneeling, stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, lifting, and walking extended distances; lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds; 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.
• Successfully complete required background screening and drug testing as conditions of employment.
• Complete the application in its entirety and provide verifiable work history, education, training, skills, and abilities.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or a related field.
• Language proficiency may be considered according to agency needs.

Responsibilities

• Investigate child abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions involving children.
• Collect information through observations 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.
• Link 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 due to use of a private vehicle for work.
• State of Florida employee benefits package; specific benefits are described on the State benefits website.
• Training, advancement opportunities, and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED