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State of Florida

SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60055992

State of Florida, Tampa, Florida, us, 33646

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Overview

Requisition No: 863135 Agency: Children and Families Working Title: SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60055992 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 60055992 Salary: $54,500.00 Posting Closing Date: 11/14/2025 Department: Department of Children and Families — Tampa, Florida Current employees will be compensated in accordance with the DCF salary policy. What you will do: This is professional work protecting children, working with families and conducting investigations of alleged abused, abandoned, neglected or exploited children. This position will assume an individual contributor role and be a model of child protection practice to other Child Protective Investigators (CPIs). How you will make an impact: Conduct investigations regarding allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment and/or special conditions for children. Collect information through interviews with the children, parents, relatives, neighbors, and other parties associated with the case. Engage families, identify needs and determine the level of intervention needed to include voluntary services or court ordered dependency services; provide services linkages to agency and community resources based on needs assessment. Provide recommendations for development of case plan to Case Manager. Conduct initial/ongoing child Present and Impending Danger assessments. Develop with the family a signed Present Danger Plan and a signed safety plan for any identified threats and interventions. Arrange emergency placement for any child that cannot safely remain in the home. Notify state attorney, law enforcement, child protection team and other required individuals as appropriate. Schedule and gather information for and participate in case staffings. Prepare appropriate reports/documentation in coordination with Children’s Legal Services and provide testimony in court. Maintain thorough documentation in the client records/appropriate information system(s) and maintain organized client files. Report indication of abuse, neglect and/or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline. Provide subject matter expertise to help less experienced CPIs build increased capacity in investigative skills. Provide case consultation and advise and/or co-investigate complex cases with other CPIs to assure appropriateness, clarity, quality, and thoroughness. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with organizations and other agencies involved with child protective investigations such as community based providers, Children’s Legal Services, law enforcement, medical personnel, schools, and other community/agency resources. Ensure effective communication with deaf or hard-of hearing customers or companions in accordance with the ADA and/or Section 504 and shall manage service records and report this data and any resources and/or training needs to their designated program point of contact. Qualifications: Criteria 1: (a) A high school diploma or GED equivalent AND (b) Four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably) AND (c) Minimum 1.5 years/18 months of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations AND (d) Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board AND (e) Valid Driver License; AND (f) Must possess operational private vehicle for use in the performance of daily work activities. Selected applicants are required to provide proof of vehicle registration and documentation of the appropriate insurance coverage. The Department provides a Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with the cost of insurance coverage due to the use of private vehicle for work purposes. Criteria 2: (a) AA Degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university AND (b) Two years of professional work experience (examples: Guardian Ad Litem or similar Child Advocate Role, Family Support Worker, Group Home Worker, Teacher's Assistant/Aide, Family Intervention Specialist, EMT, Case Manager, or other welfare, education or medical professional jobs in high-paced, high-stress environments). AND (c) Minimum 1.5 years/18 months of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations AND (d) Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board AND (e) Valid Driver License; AND (f) Must possess operational private vehicle for use in the performance of daily work activities. The Department provides a Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with the cost of insurance coverage due to the use of private vehicle for work purposes. Criteria 3: (a) A bachelor’s degree (degree conferred at time of application). Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or related field preferred. AND (b) Minimum 1.5 years/18 months of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations AND (c) Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board AND (d) Valid Driver License; AND (e) Must possess operational private vehicle for use in the performance of daily work activities. The Department provides a Vehicle Insurance Allowance to assist with the cost of insurance coverage due to the use of private vehicle for work purposes. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of theories and practice in child protection. Knowledge of professional ethics relating to child protection and counseling. Knowledge of family-centered interview and counseling techniques. Knowledge of interviewing and observation techniques. Skilled in considering child development in guiding placement of children. Ability to recognize indicators of abuse and neglect. Ability to conduct risk and safety investigations. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments. Ability to understand and apply relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Ability to actively listen to others. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to maintain well-executed case files. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to utilize computer systems. Ability to write accurate investigative reports. Must be physically able and have the ability to perform the following physical agility tasks: ambulate in varied terrains to enter residences/locations; access stairwells; emergency evacuation; vision and hearing with or without aids; perform repetitive movements; lift up to 30 pounds; assist clients in and out of properties; sit/stand for extended periods; work 16 hour shifts occasionally; drive to transport clients. Candidate Profile (application) must be completed in its entirety. Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment. Account for and explain any gaps in employment to avoid delays. Experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities must be verifiable to meet the minimum qualifications. Avoid statements like “See Resume” in place of work history. If you experience problems applying online, call the People First Service Center at 1-877-562-7287. Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: For a complete list of benefits, visit the State of Florida benefits site at mybenefits.myflorida.com. Growth Opportunities: With 12,000 employees across the state, DCF promotes opportunities and training for all. Our jobs are among the most challenging and rewarding in state government. About Department of Children and Families: Mission: to work in partnership with local communities to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency. Vision: we are a highly skilled workforce committed to empowering people with complex and varied needs to achieve the best outcomes for themselves and their families. Values: a workforce that operates with integrity, transparency, accountability, and diversity of opinion. To learn more please visit the Florida Families site at myflfamilies.com. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Veterans’ Preference information is available with documentation required at submission. Yes, there is a background screening requirement: State and National criminal history check, fingerprinting, and related checks as stated by Florida statutes. Other notices: direct deposit, selective service, reasonable accommodations, and drug-free workplace requirements apply as described by state law.

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