CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR

Child Protective Investigator

This demanding and challenging career could be your opportunity to speak for those with no voice and fight to help ensure the safety of those who cannot protect themselves. We are looking for people who are detailed-oriented, possess good decision-making skills, and can thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. When seconds count, your career decision may be the critical difference in the life of a child.

Conduct investigations of abuse, neglect, abandonment and/or special conditions for children; Collect information through observation and interviews with the children, parents, relatives, and neighbors; Assess danger threats, child vulnerabilities and caregiver protective capacities in order to determine whether a child is safe; Arrange emergency placement for any child that cannot safely remain in their home; Notify state attorney, law enforcement and child protection teams; Provide families with service linkages to agency and community resources; Conduct initial/ongoing child present and impending danger assessments; Report indication of abuse, neglect and/or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline.

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); OR An associate degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university and two years of professional work experience (see examples below) or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably); Examples of professional work experience could be, although not limited to: Guardian Ad Litem or similar child advocate role Family Support Worker Group Home Worker Teacher /Teacher's Assistant/Aide Daycare Provider/Worker Therapeutic Assistant Behavioral Health Technician Family Intervention Specialist Home Health Aide/ CNA Healthcare Practitioner (LPN, RN) or similar profession Nursing Facility Assistant Paramedic /EMT Firefighter Dispatcher Security/Safety Officer Emergency Management Deputy/Director or similar position Investigator (sworn/non-sworn) for a government entity Other welfare, education, first responder, emergency management or medical professional jobs that occur in high-paced, high-stress environments that require critical decision-making to occur. OR A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

The Department of Children and Families is focused on investing in its world-class workforce! Where you will work: Florida is the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. In other words, no matter where you land in Florida, you're never more than 60 miles from a body of saltwater. And if the beach isn't your scene, there are 175 state parks to explore! Meanwhile, Floridians hail from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, and walks of life, making it an incredibly diverse melting pot that many residents and visitors to Florida love. The Sunshine State is a great place to live and work – Come join our team!