Impactful Child Protective Investigator — Crisis-Response Leader

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Arcadia (FL); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Department of Children and Families seeks a dedicated Child Protective Investigator to conduct investigations of abuse and neglect, collect information, assess dangers, and arrange emergency placements when needed. The role involves coordination with state attorneys, law enforcement, and protection teams to safeguard children.

Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED with relevant experience or an associate/bachelor’s degree with appropriate professional work history.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service.
• An associate degree or 60+ credit hours and two years of professional work experience (see examples) or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service.
• Must obtain Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification within 12 months after provisional certification.

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 if 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 indication of abuse, neglect and/or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline.

Skills

Attention to detail

Decision making

High-pressure environment

Education

High school diploma/GED

Associate degree / 60+ credits

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Florida Department of Children and Families seeks a dedicated Child Protective Investigator to conduct investigations of abuse and neglect, collect information, assess dangers, and arrange emergency placements when needed. The role involves coordination with state attorneys, law enforcement, and protection teams to safeguard children.

Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED with relevant experience or an associate/bachelor’s degree with appropriate professional work history.