ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR

ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60073237 How you will make an impact: This professional position investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation against vulnerable adults, and works to mitigate the associated risk factors. Clients served include those residing in the community and alternative care facilities. Vulnerable adults in crisis require prompt action from strong, compassionate individuals dedicated to safeguarding their safety, independence, and well‑being. What you will do: Serve on a team dedicated to protecting Florida’s vulnerable adults by meeting nationally leading standards for Adult Protective Services investigations and protections. Prioritize the vulnerable adult’s safety. Assess safety concerns and mental capacity by meeting with the vulnerable adult within 24 hours of receiving a report. Coordinate emergency services—including medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention—when the person cannot make decisions for themselves. Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation and work to prevent recurrence. Gather critical information about vulnerable adults and others involved in the case through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior APS involvement, and records uncovered during the investigations. Coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors to achieve justice for vulnerable adults. Connect vulnerable adults with agency and community resources to provide wraparound services that improve quality of life. Build relationships with organizations involved in adult protective investigations, such as community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other community resources. Qualifications: A high school diploma or GED equivalent and four years of law‑enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged); 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). 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's Assistant/Aide Therapeutic Assistant Family Intervention Specialist Home Health Aide Nurse (LPN or RN) or similar profession Nursing Facility Assistant EMT Other welfare, education or medical professional jobs that occur in high‑paced, high‑stress environments that require critical decision‑making. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Valid Driver License; and Must possess an operational private vehicle for use in the performance of daily work activities, and provide proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance coverage within 30 days of employment. Attend a 6‑8 week mandatory training course. Special Notes: Language proficiency may be considered in the selection process as determined by agency needs at the time of selection. May require successful completion of pre‑interview assessment or work sample to be eligible for interview. Additional Information/Requirements: This position will require night, weekend, and holiday work, and has been designated as an essential position. Incumbents are expected to work during emergency situations or natural disasters, and may be required to work before, during, and beyond normal work hours/days. Incumbents may be exposed to possible hazardous conditions in the field. BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT: The Florida Department of Children and Families requires any candidate being considered for employment to successfully complete state and national criminal history checks, and to be screened in accordance with Chapter 435, F.S., and Chapter 408, F.S. Employment may be terminated based on the background investigation results if the candidate begins employment before the background results are received and approved. Background investigations shall include, but not be limited to, fingerprinting for state and national criminal records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and may include local criminal history checks through local law enforcement agencies. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. Verification will be conducted prior to hire. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Experience in emergency, tactical, or customer/public complaint interactions utilizing communication technology, including basic computer and typing skills; knowledge of interviewing and observation techniques; knowledge of family dynamics and functioning; skill in researching and utilizing internet sites for information gathering; ability to assess service needs and facilitate appropriate service delivery; ability to write professional, accurate investigative reports; ability to conduct fact‑finding interviews; ability to understand and apply relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures; ability to collect and synthesize evidentiary materials; ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments; active listening, effective communication, and establishment of effective working relationships with others; use of computer systems and paperless environment; high degree of tact, patience, and courtesy when dealing with vulnerable adults; independent judgment and initiative; typing and time‑management skills; and physical ability to perform required tasks, including varied terrain ambulation, stair navigation, evacuation assistance, hearing and vision with corrective devices, repetitive movements, vehicle operation, standing or sitting for up to 2 hours, and remaining alert during duty. Candidate Profile (application) must be completed in its entirety. Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment. Account for and explain any gaps in employment so that the hiring process is not delayed. Experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities as well as responses to pre‑qualifying questions must be verifiable to meet the minimum qualifications. It is unacceptable to use the statement “See Resume” in place of entering work history. Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr