Child Protective Investigator

CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR –

Requisition No: 864370
Agency:
Children and Families
Position Number:
Salary: $50,000.08 annually / $1,923.08 bi‑weekly

Children in crisis need quick action from strong, compassionate individuals dedicated to ensuring their safety. This demanding career may be your opportunity to speak for those with no voice and fight to help ensure the safety of those who cannot protect themselves. We look for detail‑oriented people with good decision‑making skills who can thrive in a high‑pressure, fast‑paced environment.

• Conduct investigations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and/or special conditions for children
• Collect information through observation and interviews with children, parents, relatives, and neighbors
• Assess danger threats, child vulnerabilities, and caregiver protective capacities 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 indications of abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent AND four years of law enforcement experience OR active military service (honorably discharged)
• An associate degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college/university AND two years of professional work experience (examples provided) OR two years of law enforcement experience OR active military service
• Must obtain Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification within 12 months of provisional certification
• Valid driver’s license AND operational private vehicle
• Ability to attend an 8–12 week mandatory training course (day, weekend, or evening)

• Language proficiency may be considered as determined by agency needs
• May require successful completion of pre‑interview assessment or work sample
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or related field preferred

• Position will require night, weekend, and holiday work; essential position
• May be exposed to hazardous conditions in the field

Following policy and procedures, managing time, assessing, planning, intervening, evaluating, documenting, engaging, teaming, and taking appropriate actions related to domestic violence, mental health, and/or substance abuse. Establishing effective relationships with colleagues and maintaining professional competencies.

• Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment
• Account for any gaps in employment so the hiring process is not delayed
• Experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities must be verifiable to meet the minimum qualifications
• Do not use “See Resume” in place of entering work history
• If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562‑7287

Working for the State of Florida provides a competitive compensation package, opportunities for training and advancement, and support for a world‑class workforce.

Florida offers many attractions and is home to over 12,000 DCF employees. We encourage applicants who want to make a difference in a diverse and dynamic environment.

Mission: Protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self‑sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resilience.
Vision: Provide world‑class, continuously improving service focused on delivering the level and quality of care we would demand for our own families.
Values: Integrity, transparency, accountability, and respect for diversity.

PALATKA, FL, US 32177

All candidates must successfully complete state and national criminal history checks and a drug test. Background screening results are required before employment can begin.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies.

For assistance, call the People First Service Center at  Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Eastern time).