SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60070114

State of Florida • IMMOKALEE, FL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

This is professional work protecting children, working with families, and investigating alleged abuse, abandonment, neglect, or exploitation of children. The position is an individual-contributor role and serves as a model of child-protection practice to other Child Protective Investigators. The Senior Child Protective Investigator conducts investigations, assesses child safety, engages families, arranges services and placements, documents case activity, and coordinates with legal, law-enforcement, medical, educational, and community partners. The role also provides subject-matter expertise, consultation, and co-investigation support to less experienced investigators, including on complex cases.

The position is with the Florida Department of Children and Families in Naples, Florida. A valid driver license and an operational private vehicle are required for daily work activities. Selected applicants must provide proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance; the Department provides a vehicle insurance allowance to assist with insurance costs related to work use.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree conferred by the time of application.
• At least 1 year of child protective investigative experience.
• Must obtain Child Welfare Certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months after obtaining provisional certification and maintain certification as a condition of employment.
• Valid driver license.
• Operational private vehicle for daily work activities; selected applicants must provide proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance documentation.
• Knowledge of theories and practice in child protection.
• Knowledge of professional ethics relating to child protection and counseling.
• Knowledge of family-centered interview and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of interviewing and observation techniques.
• Skill in considering child development when guiding placement of children.
• Ability to recognize indicators of abuse and neglect.
• Ability to conduct risk and safety investigations.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to understand and apply relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to actively listen and communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain well-executed case files.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to utilize computer systems.
• Ability to write accurate investigative reports.
• Complete the Candidate Profile application in its entirety, including supervisor names and phone numbers for all employment periods and explanations for employment gaps; work history must not be replaced with “See Resume.”
• Successfully complete required state and national criminal-history background screening before beginning employment.
• Must 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 preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations regarding allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions affecting children.
• Collect information through interviews with children, parents, relatives, neighbors, and other parties associated with cases.
• Engage families, identify needs, determine the appropriate level of intervention, and connect families with agency and community resources, including voluntary or court-ordered services.
• Provide recommendations to the Case Manager for development of case plans.
• Conduct initial and ongoing child Present and Impending Danger assessments.
• Develop signed Present Danger Plans and safety plans with families to address identified threats and interventions.
• Arrange emergency placement for children who cannot safely remain in the home.
• Notify the state attorney, law enforcement, child protection team, and other required parties as appropriate.
• Schedule, gather information for, and participate in case staffings.
• Prepare reports and documentation in coordination with Children’s Legal Services and provide testimony in court.
• Maintain thorough client-record documentation in appropriate information systems and keep organized client files.
• Report indications of abuse, neglect, or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline.
• Provide subject-matter expertise to help less experienced Child Protective Investigators develop investigative skills.
• Consult on and advise or co-investigate complex cases with other investigators to ensure appropriateness, clarity, quality, and thoroughness.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with community-based providers, Children’s Legal Services, law enforcement, medical personnel, schools, and other community or agency resources.
• Ensure effective communication with deaf or hard-of-hearing customers or companions in accordance with the ADA and/or Section 504, manage service records, and report related data and resource or training needs to the designated program contact.
• Perform job tasks in accordance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements.

Benefits

• State of Florida employee benefits package; details are available through the State benefits website.
• Vehicle insurance allowance to assist with insurance coverage costs when using a private vehicle for work.
• Department opportunities and training for advancement and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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