Child Protective Investigator

CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR

Date:
May 4, 2026

Requisition No: 875268

Agency:
Children and Families

Position Number:

Salary: $50,000.08 annually / $1,923.08 bi-weekly

Children in crisis need quick action from strong, compassionate individuals dedicated to ensuring their safety. This role requires detailed‑oriented decision making in a high‑pressure, fast‑paced environment.

• 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
• Determine whether a child is safe
• Arrange emergency placement for children who 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 and ongoing child present and impending danger assessments
• Report abuse, neglect and/or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline

• A high school diploma or GED with four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged)
• or an associate degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college/university and two years of professional work experience (see examples) or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service
• or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university

Examples of professional work experience include but are not limited to:
Guardian Ad Litem, Family Support Worker, Group Home Worker, Teacher, Teacher’s Assistant, Therapeutic Assistant, Family Intervention Specialist, Home Health Aide/CNA, Healthcare Practitioner (LPN, RN), Nursing Facility Assistant, Paramedic/EMT, Dispatcher, Security/Safety Officer, Emergency Management, Investigator for a government entity.

• Must obtain Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification within 12 months of provisional certification and maintain it
• Valid Driver License and must possess a private vehicle for use in daily work activities (proof of registration and insurance within 30 days of hire)
• Ability to attend an 8–12 week mandatory training course

• Language proficiency may be considered
• May require successful completion of pre‑interview assessment or work sample to be eligible for interview
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or related field preferred

• Position requires night, weekend, holiday work and may be required during emergency situations or natural disasters
• Incumbents may be exposed to possible hazardous conditions in the field

Managing time, assessing, planning, intervening, evaluating, documenting, engaging, teaming and taking appropriate actions related to domestic violence, mental health, substance abuse and establishing effective relationships with colleagues.

Must be physically able to perform tasks such as ambulating on varied terrain, assisting with evacuation, normal vision/hearing, repetitive arm movements, bending, twisting, kneeling, lifting up to 30 pounds, standing/sitting for prolonged periods, working 16‑hour shifts on occasion, remaining alert, driving vehicle day and night.

Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment. Explain gaps in employment. Provide verifiable experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and answers to pre‑qualifying questions. Do not use “See Resume”.

Highly competitive compensation package, professional development, and opportunities for advancement.

Pursuant to Florida Law, 110.211

F. S., The State of Florida is an EEO employer.

Candidate must successfully complete a state and national criminal history check, drug test, and background screening. Employment may be terminated based on the results before hire approval.