SENIOR ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60040613

State of Florida•Fort Lauderdale, FL

16d•$41,000

About The Position

This is professional work protecting vulnerable adults and conducting investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, self-neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults. This position will assume a mentor role and be a model of adult protective service practice to other Adult Protective Investigators (APIs). Note: The examples of work as listed in this class specification are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas: Florida Abuse Hotline, APD, law enforcement investigations, licensed health care, children and family services, child support enforcement, economic self-sufficiency services or mental health.
Some specific college education degrees can substitute for experience.
No formal discipline actions in the past 24 months
Knowledge of investigative techniques and practices
Experience in emergency, tactical or customer/public complaint interactions utilizing communication technology, including basic computer and typing skills
Knowledge of interviewing and observation techniques
Knowledge of family dynamics and functioning
Knowledge of Chapter 415, Florida Statutes, Adult Protective Services Act and the Department of Children and Families, Adult Protective Investigations and Services Policy and Procedures.
Skill in researching and utilization of internet sites to gather information
Ability to assess service needs and facilitate appropriate service delivery
Ability to write professional, accurate investigative reports
Ability to conduct fact-finding interviews
Ability to understand and apply relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
Ability to collect and synthesize evidentiary materials
Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments
Ability to actively listen, communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Ability to utilize computer systems and work in a paperless environment
Ability to mentor and coach new and existing protective investigators.
A valid driver’s license and safe driving history.
Must own, or have access to, a licensed, operational, insured automobile that would be available for completing fieldwork daily.
Must be able to work weekends and schedules on a rotating basis as necessary.

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to applicants with twenty-four months or greater experience.

Responsibilities

Conducts investigations regarding allegations of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation or self-neglect of vulnerable adults
Collects information through observation and interviews with the vulnerable adults, relatives, and other parties associated with the case, as well as analysis of criminal, past service history and other records
Conducts interviews with subjects and collaterals of the reports and collect evidentiary information through observations and materials.
Assesses the mental capacity of the vulnerable adult, danger threats, vulnerabilities and caregiver capacities to determine whether a vulnerable adult is safe or not safe
Maintains thorough documentation in the appropriate database information system(s)
Identifies the service needs of the vulnerable adult and determines the level of intervention needed to include voluntary services or court ordered protective services
Accurately prepares investigative reports and petitions for court proceedings
Evaluates evidence from investigations and prepares reports of findings
Responsible for mentoring adult protective investigators and serves as a mentor for new Adult Protective Investigators during their probationary period.
Serves as the Acting Unit Supervisor when the Adult Protective Investigations Supervisor is unavailable or on extended leave.
Liaises with the APS Program Office regarding unit training needs, staffing issues and heightened mentoring/coaching requirements for new adult protective investigators.
Works closely with law enforcement and partner agencies such as the Department of Elder Affairs; Agency for Persons with Disabilities and the Agency for Health Care Administration
Assists victims with temporary emergency shelter placement and other emergency services.
Notifies state attorney, law enforcement, state agencies and other required individuals as appropriate
Provides vulnerable adults with service linkages to agency and community resources
Provides expert testimony and documentation in matters relating to abuse, neglect, abandonment and exploitation when judicial action is necessary.
Reports suspicion of abuse, neglect, exploitation or self-neglect to the Florida Abuse Hotline
Establishes and maintains working relationships with organizations involved with adult protective investigations such as community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, schools, and other community resources.
Performs duties as assigned in the evenings, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis.
The incumbent will perform all job tasks in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements applicable to state and federal laws or procedures.