Adult Protective Investigator

Adult Protective Investigator

Department of Children and Families | Palm Bay, Florida | Open Competitive

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.

This professional position investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, self‑neglect and financial exploitation against vulnerable adults and mitigates the risk factors involved. Clients served include those residing in the community and alternative care facilities. Vulnerable adults in crisis need quick action from strong, compassionate individuals dedicated to ensuring their safety, independence, and well‑being.

• Be part of a team dedicated to protecting Florida’s vulnerable adults by meeting nationally leading standards for Adult Protective Services’ investigations and protections.
• Your first priority will be the vulnerable adult’s safety.
• Assess safety concerns and mental capacity by meeting with the vulnerable adult in person within 24 hours of receiving a report.
• 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 criminal history, prior APS involvement, and records uncovered during investigations.
• Coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors to provide justice for vulnerable adults.
• Connect vulnerable adults with agency and community resources to provide a wrap‑around of services that improve quality of life.
• Build relationships with community services, advocacy groups, medical personnel, and other resources involved in adult protective investigations.

At the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), you can advance through our Career Ladder program by completing targeted courses to enhance expertise in Adult Protective Services and professional development. After one year of successful employment, you may be eligible for a salary increase upon completion of the program.

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that reflects honorable service)
  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 status that reflects honorable service)
  or

Examples of professional work experience could be, although not limited to:

• Guardian Ad Litem or similar child advocate role
• Family Support Worker
• Group Home Worker
• Teacher's Assistant/Aide
• Daycare Provider/Worker
• Therapeutic Assistant
• Behavioral Health Technician
• Family Intervention Specialist
• Home Health Aide
• Nurse (LPN or RN) or similar profession
• Nursing Facility Assistant
• EMT
• Other welfare, education or medical professional jobs that occur 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 college/university 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.

• Valid Driver License; and
• Must possess operational private vehicle for work activities. Selected candidates must provide proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance coverage within 30 days of employment. The Department provides a Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with insurance costs.
• Ability to attend a 6‑8‑week mandatory training course.

• Language proficiency may be considered in the selection process as determined by Agency needs at the time of selection.
• May require successful completion of pre‑interview…