Adult Protective Investigator

adult protective investigator -

date: jul 15, 2026

agency: children and families

position number:

salary: $37,000.08 annually / $1,423.08 bi-weekly

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 and independence.

• work as part of a team dedicated to protecting florida’s vulnerable adults by meeting nationally leading standards for adult protective services’ investigations and protections.
• prioritize the vulnerable adult’s safety and assess safety concerns and mental capacity.
• meet with the vulnerable adult in person within 24 hours of receiving a report.
• coordinate emergency services when necessary, including medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention.
• investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation and work to prevent recurrences.
• 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 wrap around services needed to improve their quality of life.
• build relationships with organizations involved in adult protective investigations, such as community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other community resources.

• a high school diploma or ged equivalent and four years of law‑enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status indicating honorable service); or
• an associate degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university and two years of professional work experience (examples below) or two years of law‑enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status indicating honorable service); or
• a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

examples of professional work experience could include, but are not limited to: guardian ad litem or similar child advocate role, family support worker, group home worker, teacher's assistant/aide, therapeutic assistant, family intervention specialist, home health aide, nurse (lpn or rn) or similar profession, nursing facility assistant, emt, or other welfare, education or medical professional jobs that occur in high‑paced, high‑stress environments requiring critical decision‑making.

an official letter from the college/university registrar or unofficial transcripts with anticipated graduation dates and credits earned must be provided for all diploma/degree requirements. Proof of conferred degree such as official transcripts or a copy of the diploma/degree must be provided within 30 days of hire as a condition of employment.

• valid driver’s license.
• operational private vehicle for use in the performance of daily work activities. Proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance coverage must be provided within 30 days of employment. The department provides a vehicle insurance allowance.
• ability to attend a 6‑8‑week mandatory training course.

• this position requires night, weekend, and holiday work. It is designated as an essential position.
• incumbents are expected to work during emergency situations or natural disasters and may be required to work before, during, and beyond normal work hours/days.
• incumbents may be exposed to possible hazardous conditions in the field.
• language proficiency may be considered in the selection process as determined by agency needs at the time of selection.
• may require successful completion of a pre‑interview assessment or work sample to be eligible for interview.

all candidates must successfully complete a state and national criminal history check as a condition of employment, in…