ABUSE COUNSELOR

ABUSE COUNSELOR - 60073881

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.

Research appropriate information systems to determine prior history to assist in the safety and risk assessment of alleged victim(s). Assign cases to appropriate Department of Children and Families county units or law enforcement agencies 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. Enter reports in the appropriate information system. Enter screened out calls in the appropriate database. Gather information and consult with supervisory staff regarding child and adult death reports. 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. Performs other related work as required.

Qualifications: 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); or 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 Daycare Provider/Worker Therapeutic Assistant Behavioral Health Technician 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 to occur A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. An official letter from the college/university registrar or unofficial transcriptions with anticipated graduation dates and credits earned must be provided for all diploma/degree requirements. Proof of conferred degree such as official transcripts or copy of diploma/degree must be provided within 30 days of hire as a condition of employment. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both orally and in written form. Ability to attend an approximate 9 – 13-week training course that could be scheduled during day, weekend, and evening hours.

Knowledge of professional ethics relating to child and adult protective services. Knowledge of interviewing and basic investigative techniques. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Ability to apply critical thinking skills and make decisions independently. Ability to conduct thorough assessments via telephone and analyze information. Ability to understand and apply Chapters 39 and 415, Florida Statutes, and other relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to provide guidance and assistance to persons in crisis. Ability to assess for indicators of abuse, neglect, or abandonment of children to begin the determination of a child being Safe or Unsafe. Ability to assess risk factors for indicators of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to utilize personal computer systems and associated applications, including Microsoft® Word. Knowledge of web-based applications. Ability to report to work during natural disasters as essential personnel. Ability to work a schedule that includes evening, night, and weekend hours.

Location: Tallahassee, FL, US