Child Protective Investigator: Protect Kids in Crisis

Florida; Arcadia (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Florida Department of Children and Families is seeking a dedicated Child Protective Investigator to protect vulnerable children by conducting investigations into abuse, neglect, and other critical situations. This role requires gathering evidence through interviews with families and observations, and assessing safety risks to determine appropriate actions.

Responsibilities include arranging emergency placements when needed, coordinating with state authorities, and linking families to

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus four years of law enforcement or active military service.
• Associate degree/60+ credits plus two years professional work experience or two years law enforcement/military service.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Proof of conferred degree within 30 days of hire; Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• 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 safety.
• Arrange emergency placement for any child that cannot safely remain in 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.

Skills

Decision making

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree (60+ credits)

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Florida Department of Children and Families is seeking a dedicated Child Protective Investigator to protect vulnerable children by conducting investigations into abuse, neglect, and other critical situations. This role requires gathering evidence through interviews with families and observations, and assessing safety risks to determine appropriate actions.

Responsibilities include arranging emergency placements when needed, coordinating with state authorities, and linking families to