Child Protective Investigator

CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR -

Date:
Jan 29, 2026

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Requisition No: 869305

Agency:
Children and Families

Working Title:

CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR -

Position Number:

Salary: $50,000.08 annually / $1,923.08 bi-weekly

This posting will be used to fill position vacancies in OPS and Career Service. Current employees will be compensated in accordance with the DCF salary policy.

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 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.

• 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 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 or 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 current service reflects serving honorably);

Examples of professional work experience could include, but are 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
• Nursing Facility Assistant
• Paramedic / EMT
• Dispatcher
• Security / Safety Officer
• Emergency Management Deputy / Director or similar
• Investigator (sworn / non-sworn) for a government entity
• Other welfare, education, first responder, emergency management or medical professional roles in high-paced, high-stress environments requiring critical decision-making

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

An official letter from the 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.

• Must obtain a Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months after provisional certification. All Investigators must maintain certification as a condition of employment. Information:
  Florida Certification Board.
• Valid Driver License; and
• Must possess an operational private vehicle for daily work activities. Provide proof of vehicle registration and insurance coverage within 30 days of hire. The Department provides a Vehicle Insurance Allowance.
• Ability to attend an 8–12 week mandatory training course. Training may be scheduled during day, weekend, or evening hours.

• Language proficiency may be considered in the selection process as determined by Agency needs.
• 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…