SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60075237

State of Florida • South Highpoint, FL

23d • Onsite

About The Position

This is professional work protecting children, working with families and conducting investigations of alleged abused, abandoned, neglected or exploited children. This position will assume an individual contributor role and be a model of child protection practice to other Child Protective Investigators (CPIs). The role involves conducting investigations, collecting information through interviews, engaging families to identify needs and determine intervention levels, providing service linkages, and making recommendations for case plans. It also includes conducting child Present and Impending Danger assessments, developing safety plans, arranging emergency placements, and coordinating with legal and law enforcement entities. The investigator will prepare reports, provide court testimony, maintain documentation, and report abuse to the Florida Abuse Hotline. Additionally, the Senior CPI will provide subject matter expertise, case consultation, and co-investigate complex cases with less experienced CPIs, while establishing cooperative relationships with various community and agency resources.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent AND Four 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 of Child Welfare Experience 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.
• OR AA Degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university AND Two years of professional work experience (Guardian Ad Litem or similar Child Advocate Role, Family Support Worker, Group Home Worker, Teacher's Assistant/Aide, Family Intervention Specialist, EMT, Case Manager, Other welfare, education or medical professional jobs that occur in high-paced, high-stress environments that require critical decision-making to occur) 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 of Child Welfare Experience 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.
• OR A bachelor’s degree (degree must be conferred at the time of application) AND Minimum 1.5 years/18 months of Child Welfare Experience 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.
• Must be physically able and have the ability to perform the following physical agility tasks: a.) ambulate in varied terrains to enter residences/locations as well as up and down stairs/stairwells, b.)assist with evacuation of persons served during an emergency situation, c.) have normal vision and hearing, including use of corrective devices, d.) do repetitive movements with arms, hands, neck and head, e.) bend, twist, turn, kneel, stoop, squat, push, pull, lift and walk extended distances, f.) lift and carry up to 30 pounds, g.) assist clients in and out of properties, vehicles and safety equipment/devices, h.) sit and/or stand for periods of time without a break, i.) work 16 hour shifts on occasion, j.) remain alert while on duty, k.) drive a vehicle (car or passenger van) to transport clients, during both daytime hours and nighttime hours.

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 agenices 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

• The Department provides a Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with the cost of insurance coverage due to the use of private vehicle for work purposes.

What This Job Offers

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