State of Florida
CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60074877
State of Florida, Defuniak Springs, Florida, United States, 32435
Overview
Requisition No: 863274. Agency: Children and Families. Working Title: CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60074877. Pay Plan: Career Service. Position Number: 60074877. Salary: $50,000.08 annually / $1,923.08 bi-weekly. Posting Closing Date: 10/19/2025. Location: DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Open Competitive. This posting will be used to fill position vacancies in OPS and Career Service.
Current employees will be compensated in accordance with the DCF salary policy.
Impact
When seconds count…A CHILD CANNOT WAIT!!! 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 to protect vulnerable children.
What you will do
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 child safety.
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.
Qualifications
A high school diploma or GED equivalent and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or current service reflecting honorable status) OR
An associate degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university and two years of professional work experience (or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service).
Examples of professional work experience could include: Guardian Ad Litem or similar child advocate role; Family Support Worker; Group Home Worker; Teacher/Teacher's Assistant/Aide; Daycare Provider/Worker; Therapeutic Assistant; Behavioral Health Technician; Family Intervention Specialist; Home Health Aide/CNA; Healthcare Practitioner (LPN, RN); Nursing Facility Assistant; Paramedic/EMT; Firefighter; Dispatcher; Security/Safety Officer; Emergency Management Deputy/Director; Investigator (sworn/non-sworn) for a government entity; and other high-stress roles requiring rapid decision-making.
OR
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
An official letter from the registrar or unofficial transcripts with anticipated graduation dates and credits earned must be provided for all diploma/degree requirements. Proof of conferred degree (official transcripts or copy of diploma) must be provided within 30 days of hire as a condition of employment.
Must obtain a Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months after provisional certification. All Investigators must maintain certification as a condition of employment. Information: Florida Certification Board.
Valid Driver License; and
Must possess operational private vehicle for daily work; provide proof of vehicle registration and insurance within 30 days of hire. Department provides Vehicle Insurance Allowance.
Ability to attend an 8–12 week mandatory training course (training may occur day, weekend, and evening).
Special Notes
Language proficiency may be considered in the selection process.
Pre-interview assessment or work sample may be required.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work or related field is preferred.
Additional Information/Requirements
Night, weekend, and holiday work; essential position; may work during emergencies or disasters.
Exposure to hazardous conditions in the field.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of policy and procedures; managing time; assessing, planning, intervening, evaluating, documenting, engaging; ability to handle Domestic Violence, Mental Health, and/or Substance Abuse issues; establish relationships with colleagues; professional competencies.
Physical agility requirements include tasks such as traversing varied terrains, evacuating during emergencies, lifting up to 30 pounds, and driving in day or night hours.
Candidate Profile
Complete application in full; include supervisor names and contact numbers for all periods of employment; explain gaps in employment; ensure verifiable qualifications.
Avoid statements like “See Resume.”
If you experience online application problems, contact People First Service Center at 1-877-562-7287.
Benefits and About the Organization
Benefits of working for the State of Florida are described in the total compensation package. For more information, visit mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Growth Opportunities
DCF offers opportunities for advancement and professional development across the statewide workforce.
Where you will work
Florida offers diverse communities, outdoor opportunities, and a variety of living environments; join the Department of Children and Families to serve the state’s families.
About Department of Children and Families
Mission:
The mission of the Department of Children and Families is to protect the vulnerable, promote strong families, and support recovery and resiliency. Vision:
We deliver world-class, continuously improving service with a diverse, high-performing team. Values:
Integrity, accountability, diversity, and respect in a performance-driven culture. Additional information: retiree considerations, selective service, background screening, and equal employment opportunity statements are part of the standard employment process in this posting. For more details, refer to the original content and applicable legal requirements.
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The mission of the Department of Children and Families is to protect the vulnerable, promote strong families, and support recovery and resiliency. Vision:
We deliver world-class, continuously improving service with a diverse, high-performing team. Values:
Integrity, accountability, diversity, and respect in a performance-driven culture. Additional information: retiree considerations, selective service, background screening, and equal employment opportunity statements are part of the standard employment process in this posting. For more details, refer to the original content and applicable legal requirements.
#J-18808-Ljbffr