ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR

Adult Protective Investigator How you will make an impact: Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self‑neglect and financial exploitation against vulnerable adults; mitigate risk factors; serve adults residing in the community and alternative care facilities; protect vulnerable adults' safety and independence. What you will do: Work as part of a team dedicated to protecting Florida’s vulnerable adults, meeting national standards for Adult Protective Services investigations. Prioritize the vulnerable adult’s safety and conduct initial assessments within 24 hours of receiving a report. Coordinate emergency services—medical evaluations, temporary placement, court intervention—when a person cannot decide for themselves. Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation and work to prevent recurrence. Gather information through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior APS involvement, and records uncovered during investigations. Coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors to provide justice for vulnerable adults. Connect adults with agency and community resources to wrap‑around services needed to improve quality of life. Build relationships with community organizations, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other resources. Qualifications High school diploma or GED plus four years of law‑enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or currently serving honorably). Associate degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university plus two years of professional work experience (examples listed below) or two years of law‑enforcement experience or active military service. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Valid driver license and operational private vehicle for use in daily work activities; proof of vehicle registration and insurance within 30 days of employment. Vehicle insurance allowance is provided. Ability to attend a 6-8 week mandatory training course. Examples of qualifying professional work experience (not exhaustive): Guardian Ad Litem; Family Support Worker; Group Home Worker; Teacher’s Assistant/Aide; Therapeutic Assistant; Family Intervention Specialist; Home Health Aide; Nurse (LPN/RN) or similar profession; Nursing Facility Assistant; EMT; other welfare, education or medical professional jobs that occur in high-paced, high-stress environments requiring critical decision‑making. 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 is 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. 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 within the first 30 calendar days of appointment. Background Screening Requirement Any candidate being considered for employment must successfully complete a State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment and be screened in accordance with 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 include, but are not limited to, fingerprinting for State and national criminal records check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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. 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 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. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Experience in emergency, tactical or customer/public complaint interactions utilizing communication technology, basic computer and typing skills; knowledge of interviewing and observation techniques; knowledge of family dynamics and functioning; skill in researching and utilization of internet sites to gather information; 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; ability to actively listen, communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; ability to utilize computer systems and work in a paperless environment; high degree of tact, patience and courtesy when dealing with vulnerable adults; independent judgment and initiative to complete field assignments; typing and good time management skills; physical agility tasks including ambulation, assistance with evacuation, hearing and seeing accurately, repetitive movements, driving a vehicle, sitting/standing for periods, and remaining alert while on 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. 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. Location New Port Richey, FL 34652 & 34654 EEO and Legal Requirements The State of Florida is an EEO employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws. The agency is a drug-free workplace and all employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr