CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR

How you will make an impact Children in crisis need quick action from strong, compassionate individuals dedicated to ensuring their safety. 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. What you will do 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. 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); An associate degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university and two years of professional work experience (see examples) or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably); A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. 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 Therapeutic Assistant Family Intervention Specialist Home Health Aide/ CNA Healthcare Practitioner (LPN, RN) or similar profession Nursing Facility Assistant Paramedic / EMT 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. 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. Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or related field preferred. Additional Information/Requirements This position will require night, weekend, and holiday work. 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. Incumbents may be exposed to possible hazardous conditions in the field. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Following policy and procedures, managing time, assessing, planning, intervening, evaluating, documenting, engaging, teaming, taking appropriate actions related to domestic violence, mental health, and/or substance abuse, establishing effective relationships with colleagues, professional competencies. Must be physically able and have the ability to perform the following physical agility tasks: ambulate in varied terrains to enter residences/locations as well as up and down stairs/stairwells; assist with evacuation of persons served during an emergency situation; have normal vision and hearing, including use of corrective devices; perform repetitive movements with arms, hands, neck, and head; bend, twist, turn, kneel, stoop, squat, push, pull, lift and walk extended distances; lift and carry up to 30 pounds; assist clients in and out of properties, vehicles and safety equipment/devices; sit and/or stand for periods of time without a break; work 16 hour shifts on occasion; remain alert while on duty; drive a vehicle (car or passenger van) to transport clients during both daytime hours and nighttime hours. Candidate Profile 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. 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. With 12,000 employees across the state, DCF promotes opportunities and training for all. Our jobs are among the most challenging, complex, and difficult in State government. They are also among the most rewarding. All employees are encouraged to take advantage of available Department opportunities for advancement and professional development. DCF is focused on investing in its world‑class workforce! Selective Service Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion into an authorized position unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. Verification of Selective Service registration will be conducted prior to hire. For more information, please visit the SSS website: Background Screening Requirement It is the policy of the Florida Department of Children and Families that any candidate being considered for employment must successfully complete a State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S., and, if applicable, 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, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Department. Background investigations shall include, but not be limited to, fingerprinting for State and national criminal records check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and may include local criminal history checks through local law enforcement agencies. Employees will be retained in state and national rap back program, providing real‑time arrest hit notifications. Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment in the position in accordance with Section 112.0455 F.S. No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency. Background screening shall include, but not be limited to, fingerprinting for State and Federal criminal records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and may include local criminal history checks through local law enforcement agencies. 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 and any other documentation as required. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. EEO Statements For assistance, call the People First Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time. Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F. S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr