ABUSE COUNSELOR

Requisition No: 878549 Agency: Children and Families Working Title: ABUSE COUNSELOR - 60073881 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 60073881 Salary: $37,000.08 annually / $1,423.08 bi-weekly Posting Closing Date: 07/31/2026 This is not a telework position. It reports to our Tallahassee office. How You Will Make An Impact This is professional work protecting children and vulnerable adults at the Florida Abuse Hotline. The employee(s) allocated to this class, assess allegations of abuse, neglect or abandonment of children, and abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. The employee(s) will determine if the information meets statutory criteria for an investigation or referral to an appropriate agency. What You Will Do Conduct thorough assessments via telephone and analyze information received electronically to assess for indicators of abuse, neglect, or abandonment of children and for indicators of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. Research appropriate information systems to determine prior history to assist in the safety and risk assessment of alleged victim(s). Enter reports in the appropriate information system. Assign cases to appropriate Department of Children and Families county units for investigation. Receive and refer, as appropriate, complaints against vendors, related licensed facilities, and department employees that may include human rights violations, inappropriate treatment, and inadequate services. Provide supportive assistance and referral services to persons in need. Maintain professional respect with field investigative staff, supervisors, and other adult and child protective service professionals in both public and private sectors. Perform other related work as required. Qualifications Minimum qualifications include: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. OR Associate’s 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). OR High school diploma or GED equivalent and four years of professional work experience (see examples below). Example professional work experience includes, but is not limited to: Military (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably) Law Enforcement Intake Specialist Case Management Contact Center Experience (Inbound Calls, Complaint Resolution) 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 Law Enforcement 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. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both orally and in written form. Ability to attend an approximate 4–9 week training course that could be scheduled during day, weekend, and evening hours. Training schedules may vary from actual working schedules based on business needs. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Operate Under Stress: Make high-stakes decisions in chaotic environments. Stay Compassionate, Not Consumed: Keep your empathy and care for others. Don’t let other people’s pain or emotions take over your well-being. Work Independently & Within Systems: Self-motivated but also adherent to policy and chain of command. Recognize Patterns of Risk: Spot indicators of abuse or neglect through subtle behavioral cues. Prioritize and Escalate: Quickly determine when intervention or immediate action is needed. Handle Sensitive Conversations: Talk respectfully with distressed adults, children, or professionals. Crisis De-escalation: Managing callers in emotional or volatile states. Active Listening & Interviewing: Extracting relevant information without leading or pressuring. Critical Thinking: Rapid synthesis of limited information to assess safety or urgency. Documentation: Accurately and neutrally recording facts in high-pressure situations while maintaining strict confidentiality in both written and verbal communications. Multi-Tasking: Handling case notes, systems, and calls simultaneously. Professional Communication: Clear, calm, and empathetic tone across varied populations. Technological proficiency: Ability to utilize personal computer systems and associated applications. Flexibility & Availability: Ability to work a schedule that includes evening, night, and weekend hours. Ability to report to work during natural disasters as essential personnel. 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. If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Additional Information / Requirements This position may require evening, night, and weekend hours. It has also 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. If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System, please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be suspended or voided, and you will be required to repay all benefits received depending upon the date of your retirement. The position will perform all job tasks in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements applicable to state and federal laws or procedures. We hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. 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. 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. For a more complete list of benefits, visit VETERANS’ PREFERENCE Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. #J-18808-Ljbffr