Field Child Protective Investigator: Crisis Response

My Florida Families; Florida; On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Florida Department of Children and Families seeks a dedicated Child Protective Investigator to protect vulnerable children. You will conduct investigations, gather information from families and witnesses, and determine safety while coordinating with state agencies.

Successful candidates will handle a demanding, high‑pressure environment, require strong decision-making, communication, and a commitment to safeguarding children. Night/weekend shifts and essential duties are part of this role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with four years law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or current service reflects honor); OR
• An associate degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university and two years of professional work experience (see examples) or two years law enforcement experience or active military service;
• Official transcripts or copy of diploma/degree must be provided within 30 days of hire as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• 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 safety.
• 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.

Skills

Attention to detail

Decision making

High-pressure environment

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED + 4 years law enforcement or military

Associate degree or 60+ credits + 2 years experience or 2 years law enforcement

Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university

Job description

The Florida Department of Children and Families seeks a dedicated Child Protective Investigator to protect vulnerable children. You will conduct investigations, gather information from families and witnesses, and determine safety while coordinating with state agencies.

Successful candidates will handle a demanding, high‑pressure environment, require strong decision-making, communication, and a commitment to safeguarding children. Night/weekend shifts and essential duties are part of this role.