Investigator Jobs

About The Position

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.