ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60022526

People First Service Center; Fort Walton Beach (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A Florida state agency is seeking an Adult Protective Investigator to investigate allegations of abuse and provide support to vulnerable adults. This role requires a high school diploma and law enforcement or military experience. Successful candidates must demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to coordinate with various agencies. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.

Benefits

Competitive total compensation package

Professional development opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer benefits

Qualifications

• Four years of law enforcement experience or active military service.
• Experience in welfare, education or medical fields preferred.
• Must provide proof of degree within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of abuse and neglect against vulnerable adults.
• Conduct in-person assessments within 24 hours of report.
• Coordinate emergency services and preventive measures.

Skills

Time management

Critical decision-making

Ability to establish relationships

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or 60+ credit hours

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Overview

ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60022526

Date: Sep 24, 2025

The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information, visit the E-Verify Website.

Requisition No: 861781

Agency: Children and Families

Working Title: ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60022526

Position Number: 60022526

Salary: $37,000.08 annually / $1,423.07 bi-weekly

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

What you will do

• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation against vulnerable adults and work to mitigate risk factors to improve safety and independence.
• Be part of a team dedicated to protecting Florida’s vulnerable adults by meeting Florida’s nationally leading standards for Adult Protective Services investigations and protections.
• Your first priority will be the vulnerable adult’s safety.
• Meet with the vulnerable adult in person within 24 hours of receiving a report to assess safety concerns and mental capacity.
• Coordinate emergency services, including medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention when the person cannot make decisions for themselves.
• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation and work to prevent recurrence.
• Gather critical information through interviews, observations, and analysis of records, including criminal history and prior APS involvement.
• Coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors to provide justice for vulnerable adults.
• Connect vulnerable adults with agency and community resources to wrap around services needed to improve quality of life.
• Build relationships with organizations involved with adult protective investigations, such as community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other resources.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or equivalent status); or
• An associate degree or 60+ credit hours and two years of professional work experience (or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service); or
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Examples of professional work experience could include Guardian Ad Litem or similar child advocate roles, Family Support Worker, Group Home Worker, Teacher’s Assistant/Aide, Therapeutic Assistant, Family Intervention Specialist, Home Health Aide, Nurse (LPN or RN) or similar, Nursing Facility Assistant, EMT, or other welfare, education, or medical professional roles in high-paced, high-stress environments requiring critical decision-making.

Official or unofficial transcripts/letters confirming degree requirements must be provided as described. Proof of conferred degree (official transcripts or diploma) must be provided within 30 days of hire.

Other Requirements

• Valid Driver License; operational private vehicle for daily work activities; proof of vehicle registration and insurance within 30 days of employment. Vehicle insurance may be assisted by a Department program.
• Attend a 6- to 8-week mandatory training course.
• Special notes: language proficiency may be considered; may require pre-interview assessment or work sample.
• Night, weekend, and holiday work; essential position; may be required to work during emergencies or disasters; exposure to hazardous field conditions.

Background and Other Policies

Background screening is required: state and national criminal history checks, fingerprinting (FDLE/FBI), and may include local checks. Employees may be enrolled in rap back and must comply with all checks. Selective Service registration verification will be conducted prior to hire.

Selective Service: Male candidates born after Oct 1, 1962 must be registered or exempt; more info at sss.gov.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to manage time, assess, plan, intervene, evaluate, document, engage, and work with colleagues; familiarity with domestic violence, mental health, and substance abuse issues; ability to establish effective relationships.

Application Details

• Candidate profile must be completed in full, including supervisor names and contact information for all periods of employment; explain any gaps; ensure information is verifiable; avoid using “See Resume” as a substitute for work history.
• If you experience problems applying online, contact the People First Service Center at [phone].

Benefits and About

Benefits of working for the State of Florida include a competitive total compensation package. The department promotes advancement and professional development opportunities.

About the Department: Mission, vision, and values emphasize protecting the vulnerable, empowering families, and delivering high-quality service with integrity and openness. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer/AA and support a Drug-Free workplace. Veterans’ Preference is available per statute; documentation requirements apply.

Location: FORT WALTON BEACH, FL

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