SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60071711

State of Florida

1d • $54,500 • Onsite

About The Position

This is professional work focused on protecting children, working with families, and conducting investigations of alleged abused, abandoned, neglected, or exploited children. The position operates as an individual contributor and serves as a model of child protection practice for other Child Protective Investigators (CPIs).

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent AND 4 years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably); AND Minimum 1.5 years/18 months (post provisional certification) of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations AND Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board AND Valid Driver License; AND Must possess operational private vehicle for use in the performance of daily work activities. Selected applicants are required to provide proof of vehicle registration and documentation of the appropriate insurance coverage.
• AA Degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university AND 2 years of professional work experience (e.g., Guardian Ad Litem, Family Support Worker, Group Home Worker, Teacher's Assistant/Aide, Family Intervention Specialist, EMT, Case Manager, or other welfare, education, or professional jobs in high-paced, high-stress environments requiring critical decision-making) OR two years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably) AND Minimum 1.5 years/18 months (post provisional certification) of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations AND Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board AND Valid Driver License; AND Must possess operational private vehicle for use in the performance of daily work activities. Selected applicants are required to provide proof of vehicle registration and documentation of the appropriate insurance coverage.
• A bachelor’s degree (degree must be conferred at the time of application) AND Minimum 1.5 years/18 months (post provisional certification) of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations AND Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board AND Valid Driver License; AND Must possess operational private vehicle for use in the performance of daily work activities. Selected applicants are required to provide proof of vehicle registration and documentation of the appropriate insurance coverage.
• 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.
• Skilled in considering child development in 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 to others.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain well-executed case files.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to utilize computer systems.
• Ability to write accurate investigative reports.
• Participation in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program is required as a condition of employment per F.S. 110.113, and enrollment must be completed within the first 30 calendar days of your appointment.
• Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must be registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS.
• Successfully complete a State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S., and, if applicable, Chapter 408, F.S.
• All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Nice To Haves

• Child Welfare Experience preferred in Child Protective Investigations
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or related field preferred

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations regarding allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment and/or special conditions for children.
• Collect information through interviews with the children, parents, relatives, neighbors, and other parties associated with the case.
• Engage families, identifies needs and determines the level of intervention needed to include voluntary services or court ordered dependency services; provides services linkages to agency and community resources based on needs assessment.
• Provide recommendations for development of case plan to Case Manager.
• Conduct initial/ongoing child Present and Impending Danger assessments.
• Develop with the family a signed Present Danger Plan and a signed safety plan for any identified threats and interventions.
• Arrange emergency placement for any child that cannot safely remain in the home.
• Notify state attorney, law enforcement, child protection team and other required individuals as appropriate.
• Schedule and gathers information for and participates in case staffings.
• Prepare appropriate reports/documentation in coordination with Children’s Legal Services and provide testimony in court.
• Maintain thorough documentation in the client records/appropriate information system(s) and maintains organized client files.
• Report indication of abuse, neglect and/or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline.
• Provide subject matter expertise to help less experienced CPIs build increased capacity in investigative skills.
• Provide case consultation and advises and/or co-investigates complex cases with other CPIs to assure appropriateness, clarity, quality, and thoroughness.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with organizations and other agencies involved with child protective investigations such as community based providers, Children’s Legal Services, law enforcement, medical personnel, schools, and other community/agency resources.
• Ensure effective communication with deaf or hard-of hearing Customers or companions in accordance with the ADA and/or Section 504 and shall manage service records and report this data and any resources and/or training needs to their designated program point of contact.

Benefits

• Highly competitive set of employee benefits (more details available at www.mybenefits.myflorida.com).
• Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with the cost of insurance coverage due to the use of private vehicle for work purposes.
• Opportunities and training for all.
• Advancement and professional development.

What This Job Offers

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