Child Protective Investigator

Child Protective Investigator – Position

Salary: $50,000.08 annually / $1,923.08 bi-weekly. Salary policy applies per DCF.

• 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 whether 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.

• A high school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or current service reflects honorable discharge).
• Or an associate degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college and two years of professional work experience, law enforcement experience, or active military service (honorably discharged or current service reflects honorable discharge).
• Professional work experience may include:
  Guardian Ad Litem, Family Support Worker, Group Home Worker, Teacher/Teacher's Assistant/Aide, Therapeutic Assistant, Family Intervention Specialist, Home Health Aide/CNA, LPN, RN, Nursing Facility Assistant, Paramedic/EMT, Dispatcher, Security/Safety Officer, Emergency Management Deputy/Director, Investigator (sworn/non-sworn), or other high‑pressure roles requiring critical decision‑making.
• Or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

• Must obtain a Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months after provisional certification and maintain certification as required.
• Must have a valid Florida Driver License and possess a private vehicle, including proof of registration and insurance within 30 days of hire. The Department provides a vehicle insurance allowance.
• Ability to attend an 8‑12‑week mandatory training course scheduled during day, weekend, or evening hours.

Physically able to ambulate in varied terrains, enter residences, use stairs, assist with evacuation, have normal vision and hearing (including corrective devices), perform repetitive motions with arms, hands, neck and head, bend, twist, kneel, stoop, squat, push, pull, lift up to 30 pounds, assist clients in and out of vehicles and properties, sit or stand for periods with no break, work up to 16‑hour shifts on occasion, remain alert while on duty, and drive a vehicle during day and night.

• Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all employment periods.
• Account for and explain any employment gaps to avoid delays.
• Provide verifiable work history, education, training, knowledge, skills, and abilities; “See Resume” is not acceptable.
• Contact the People First Service Center at (877) 562‑7287 if you experience issues applying online.

• Lake City, FL – ZIP codes 32055, 32024, 32025, 32056

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legally authorized alien workers. Background screening includes State and National criminal history checks, fingerprinting, and local law enforcement checks. Successful completion of a drug test is required. Veterans’ Preference is available per Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes. The State of Florida supports a drug‑free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing.

Veterans’ Preference:
Candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214). All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211 F.S., the State of Florida is an EEO employer.