State of Florida
Requisition No:857254
Agency: Children and Families
Working Title: ABUSE COUNSELOR - 60068891
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number:60068891
Salary: $37,000.08 annually / $1,423.08 bi-weekly.
Posting Closing Date: 10/31/2025
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Abuse Counselor
Department of Children and Families
Tallahassee, Florida
Open Competitive
This is not a telework position. It reports to our Tallahassee office.
This posting will be used to fill position vacancies in Career Service.
Current employees will be compensated in accordance with the DCF salary policy.
What you will do
This is professional work protecting children and vulnerable adults at the Florida Abuse Hotline. The employee(s) allocated to this class assess allegations of abuse, neglect or abandonment of children, and abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. The employee(s) will determine if the information meets statutory criteria for an investigation or referral to an appropriate agency. How you will make an impact
Research appropriate information systems to determine prior history to assist in the safety and risk assessment of alleged victim(s). Assign cases to appropriate Department of Children and Families county units or law enforcement agencies for investigation. Receive and refer, as appropriate, complaints against vendors, related licensed facilities, and department employees that may include human rights violations, inappropriate treatment, and inadequate services. Enter reports in the appropriate information system. Enter screened out calls in the appropriate database. Gather information and consult with supervisory staff regarding child and adult death reports. Provide supportive assistance and referral services to persons in need. Maintain professional respect with field investigative staff, supervisors, and other adult and child protective service professionals in both public and private sectors. Performs other related work as required. Qualifications
A high school diploma or GED equivalent and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably);
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 or status that current service reflects serving honorably);
or 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 Daycare Provider/Worker Therapeutic Assistant Behavioral Health Technician 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 to occur An official letter from the college/university registrar or unofficial transcriptions with anticipated graduation dates and credits earned must be provided for all diploma/degree requirements. Proof of conferred degree such as official transcripts or copy of diploma/degree must be provided within 30 days of hire as a condition of employment. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both orally and in written form. Ability to attend an approximate 9 – 13-week training course that could be scheduled during day, weekend, and evening hours. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of professional ethics relating to child and adult protective services. Knowledge of interviewing and basic investigative techniques. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Ability to apply critical thinking skills and make decisions independently. Ability to conduct thorough assessments via telephone and analyze information. Ability to understand and apply Chapters 39 and 415, Florida Statutes, and other relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to provide guidance and assistance to persons in crisis. Ability to assess for indicators of abuse, neglect, or abandonment of children to begin the determination of a child being Safe or Unsafe. Ability to assess risk factors for indicators of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to utilize personal computer systems and associated applications, including Microsoft Word. Knowledge of web-based applications. Ability to report to work during natural disasters as essential personnel. Ability to work a schedule that includes evening, night, and weekend hours. Candidate Profile
Candidate profile (application) must be completed in its entirety, including supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment. Account for and explain any gaps in employment so that the hiring process is not delayed. Experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities as well as responses to pre-qualifying questions must be verifiable to meet the minimum qualifications. It is not acceptable to use the statement “See Resume” in place of entering work history. If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287. Additional Information/Requirements
This position may require evening, night, and weekend hours. It has also 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. If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be suspended or voided, and you will be required to repay all benefits received depending upon the date of your retirement. The position will perform all job tasks in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements applicable to state and federal laws or procedures. We hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Participation in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program is required as a condition of employment per F.S. 110.113, and enrollment must be completed within the first 30 calendar days of your appointment. Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: This section notes that the State’s total compensation package includes an employee benefits program. For a complete list of benefits, visit the official benefits site. Growth Opportunities With 12,000 employees across the state, DCF promotes opportunities and training for all. Jobs are challenging and rewarding; opportunities for advancement and professional development are available. Where you will work Florida is the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Floridians come from diverse backgrounds, making it a great place to live and work. About Department of Children and Families Mission:
The mission of the Department of Children and Families is 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, and accountability, fostering respect for diversity and open communication. We strive for excellence in achieving quality outcomes for those we serve. To learn more please visit the site: myflfamilies.com SELECTIVE SERVICE : Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962 must be registered with the Selective Service System before their 26th birthday or have a Letter of Registration Exemption. Verification will be conducted prior to hire. BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT : Candidates must successfully complete State and National criminal history checks and related screenings. Background checks may include fingerprinting and may involve local checks. Successful candidates will be retained in the state’s rap back program. Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment. No applicant may begin employment until background results are reviewed and approved. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace and conducts reasonable suspicion drug testing. VETERANS’ PREFERENCE : Veterans’ Preference is available for Career Service vacancies. Documentation must be attached with submission. For more information visit the Veterans’ Preference page.
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This is professional work protecting children and vulnerable adults at the Florida Abuse Hotline. The employee(s) allocated to this class assess allegations of abuse, neglect or abandonment of children, and abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. The employee(s) will determine if the information meets statutory criteria for an investigation or referral to an appropriate agency. How you will make an impact
Research appropriate information systems to determine prior history to assist in the safety and risk assessment of alleged victim(s). Assign cases to appropriate Department of Children and Families county units or law enforcement agencies for investigation. Receive and refer, as appropriate, complaints against vendors, related licensed facilities, and department employees that may include human rights violations, inappropriate treatment, and inadequate services. Enter reports in the appropriate information system. Enter screened out calls in the appropriate database. Gather information and consult with supervisory staff regarding child and adult death reports. Provide supportive assistance and referral services to persons in need. Maintain professional respect with field investigative staff, supervisors, and other adult and child protective service professionals in both public and private sectors. Performs other related work as required. Qualifications
A high school diploma or GED equivalent and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably);
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 or status that current service reflects serving honorably);
or 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 Daycare Provider/Worker Therapeutic Assistant Behavioral Health Technician 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 to occur An official letter from the college/university registrar or unofficial transcriptions with anticipated graduation dates and credits earned must be provided for all diploma/degree requirements. Proof of conferred degree such as official transcripts or copy of diploma/degree must be provided within 30 days of hire as a condition of employment. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both orally and in written form. Ability to attend an approximate 9 – 13-week training course that could be scheduled during day, weekend, and evening hours. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of professional ethics relating to child and adult protective services. Knowledge of interviewing and basic investigative techniques. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Ability to apply critical thinking skills and make decisions independently. Ability to conduct thorough assessments via telephone and analyze information. Ability to understand and apply Chapters 39 and 415, Florida Statutes, and other relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to provide guidance and assistance to persons in crisis. Ability to assess for indicators of abuse, neglect, or abandonment of children to begin the determination of a child being Safe or Unsafe. Ability to assess risk factors for indicators of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to utilize personal computer systems and associated applications, including Microsoft Word. Knowledge of web-based applications. Ability to report to work during natural disasters as essential personnel. Ability to work a schedule that includes evening, night, and weekend hours. Candidate Profile
Candidate profile (application) must be completed in its entirety, including supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment. Account for and explain any gaps in employment so that the hiring process is not delayed. Experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities as well as responses to pre-qualifying questions must be verifiable to meet the minimum qualifications. It is not acceptable to use the statement “See Resume” in place of entering work history. If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287. Additional Information/Requirements
This position may require evening, night, and weekend hours. It has also 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. If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be suspended or voided, and you will be required to repay all benefits received depending upon the date of your retirement. The position will perform all job tasks in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements applicable to state and federal laws or procedures. We hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers. Participation in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program is required as a condition of employment per F.S. 110.113, and enrollment must be completed within the first 30 calendar days of your appointment. Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: This section notes that the State’s total compensation package includes an employee benefits program. For a complete list of benefits, visit the official benefits site. Growth Opportunities With 12,000 employees across the state, DCF promotes opportunities and training for all. Jobs are challenging and rewarding; opportunities for advancement and professional development are available. Where you will work Florida is the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Floridians come from diverse backgrounds, making it a great place to live and work. About Department of Children and Families Mission:
The mission of the Department of Children and Families is 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, and accountability, fostering respect for diversity and open communication. We strive for excellence in achieving quality outcomes for those we serve. To learn more please visit the site: myflfamilies.com SELECTIVE SERVICE : Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962 must be registered with the Selective Service System before their 26th birthday or have a Letter of Registration Exemption. Verification will be conducted prior to hire. BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT : Candidates must successfully complete State and National criminal history checks and related screenings. Background checks may include fingerprinting and may involve local checks. Successful candidates will be retained in the state’s rap back program. Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment. No applicant may begin employment until background results are reviewed and approved. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace and conducts reasonable suspicion drug testing. VETERANS’ PREFERENCE : Veterans’ Preference is available for Career Service vacancies. Documentation must be attached with submission. For more information visit the Veterans’ Preference page.
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