CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR

CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60071559 Date: Jul 10, 2026 Requisition No: 876792 Agency: Children and Families Position Number: 60071559 Salary: $50,000.08 annually / $1,923.08 bi‑weekly 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 detail‑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). OR An associate degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university and two years of professional work experience (examples below) or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably). Examples of professional work experience: 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. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Must obtain a Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months after obtaining provisional certification. Valid Driver License. Must possess an operational private vehicle and provide proof of registration and insurance within 30 days of hire. Ability to attend an 8‑12 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. 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. Physical agility tasks: ambulate in varied terrains, assist with evacuation during emergencies, maintain normal vision/hearing (with corrective devices), perform repetitive movements, bend, twist, turn, kneel, stoop, squat, push, pull, lift and carry up to 30 pounds, assist clients in and out of properties, vehicles and safety equipment, sit/stand for periods without a break, work 16‑hour shifts on occasion, remain alert while on duty, drive vehicle to transport clients during day and night hours. 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. Where you will work Florida is the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. No matter where you land in Florida, you’re never more than 60 miles from a body of saltwater. The Sunshine State offers abundant state parks and a diverse cultural environment. We are looking for candidates who want to live and work here. Location Palm Bay, FL 32907, 32909, 32905 Selective Service Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must be registered with the Selective Service System before their 26th birthday or have a Letter of Registration Exemption. Verification will be conducted prior to hire. Background Screening Requirement Candidates must successfully complete a State and National criminal history check, including fingerprinting for State and National criminal records through FDLE and FBI, and may include local criminal history checks. Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment. EEO Statement The State of Florida is an EEO employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr