Adult Protective Investigator

Adult Protective Investigator –

Salary: $37,000.08 annually / $1,423.07 bi-weekly

Agency:
Children and Families

Requisition Number: 871437

Date Posted:
Jul 21, 2026

This professional position investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, self‑neglect and financial exploitation against vulnerable adults, ensuring their safety and independence.

• Be part of a team dedicated to protecting Florida’s vulnerable adults, meeting national standards for APS investigations.
• Prioritize vulnerable adult safety and conduct initial interviews within 24 hours of report.
• Assess safety concerns and mental capacity, coordinate emergency services, medical evaluations, temporary placement, and court intervention as needed.
• Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation to prevent recurrence.
• Gather critical information through interviews, observations, 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 improve quality of life.
• Build relationships with organizations involved in adult protective investigations.

Through DCF’s Career Ladder program you may increase your salary after completing targeted courses and a successful year of employment.

• A high school diploma or GED and four years of law enforcement experience, or active military service (honorable discharge).
• An associate degree with 60+ credit hours and two years of professional work experience (e.g., child advocacy, family support, group home work, teaching assistant, therapeutic assistant, home health aide, nursing, EMT), or two years of law enforcement experience, or active military service.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

• 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
• Other welfare, education or medical professional jobs in high‑paced, high‑stress environments requiring critical decision‑making.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable private vehicle; proof of registration and insurance required within 30 days. Vehicle insurance allowance available.
• Ability to attend a 6–8 week mandatory training course.
• Night, weekend, holiday, and emergency work required; may involve hazardous field conditions.

All candidates must complete state and national criminal history checks. Employment may be terminated if background results disqualify the candidate.

Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must register with the Selective Service System before their 26th birthday or obtain an exemption letter. Verification will be conducted prior to hire.

Experience in emergency or customer/public complaint interactions; basic computer and typing skills; knowledge of interview and observation techniques, family dynamics; research skills; ability to assess service needs; write professional investigative reports; plan and coordinate work; communicate effectively; maintain professionalism and judgment; use computer systems; perform required physical tasks (ambulation, evacuation assistance, hearing/seeing, repetitive movements, driving).

• Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all employment periods.
• Explain employment gaps to avoid hiring delays.
• Provide verifiable work history, education, training, and skills per minimum qualifications.
• Do not use “See Resume” in place of entering work history.
• Contact People First Service Center at  if online application issues.

The State’s total compensation package includes a highly competitive set of employee benefits.

Fort Lauderdale, FL, US, 33309

Nearest Major Market: Fort Lauderdale

Nearest Secondary Market: Miami

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Citizenship and legal authorization to work in the U.S. required;
Veterans’ Preference is given where eligible per Chapter 295, Florida Statutes. Veterans must provide supporting documentation.

All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing per Florida law.

Participation in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program is required within the first 30 days per F.S. 110.113.