Adult Protective Investigator - 60073237

ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR -

How you will make an impact:

This professional position investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation against vulnerable adults, and works to mitigate the associated risk factors. Clients served include those residing in the community and alternative care facilities. Vulnerable adults in crisis require prompt action from strong, compassionate individuals dedicated to safeguarding their safety, independence, and well‑being.

What you will do:

• Serve on 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.
• Assess safety concerns and mental capacity by meeting with the vulnerable adult 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 about vulnerable adults and others involved in the case through interviews, observations, and analysis of criminal history, prior APS involvement, and records uncovered during the investigations.
• Coordinate with state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors to achieve justice for vulnerable adults.
• Connect vulnerable adults with agency and community resources to provide wraparound services that improve 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.

Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent and four years of law‑enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged);
• 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).

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
• 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 that occur in high‑paced, high‑stress environments that require critical decision‑making.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Valid Driver License; and

• Must possess an operational private vehicle for use in the performance of daily work activities, and provide proof of vehicle registration and appropriate insurance coverage within 30 days of employment.
• Attend a 6‑8 week mandatory training course.

Special Notes:

• 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 assessment or work sample to be eligible for interview.

Additional Information/Requirements:

• This position will require night, weekend, and holiday work, and has been 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.

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT: The Florida Department of Children and Families requires any candidate being considered for employment to successfully complete state and national criminal history checks, and to be screened in accordance with Chapter 435, F.S., and Chapter 408, F.S. Employment may be terminated based on the background investigation results if the candidate begins employment before the background results are received and approved.

Background investigations shall include, but not be limited to, fingerprinting for state and national criminal records checks through the Florida Department of…