People First Service Center
SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60021909
People First Service Center, Sarasota, Florida, United States, 34243
SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60021909
Date: Oct 21, 2025 The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website. Requisition No: 863698 Agency: Children and Families Working Title: SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60021909 Position Number: 60021909 Salary: To be determined by agency policy. 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, identifies needs and determines the level of intervention needed to include voluntary services or court ordered dependency services; provides 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 gathers information for and participates 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-investigates 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 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 high school diploma or GED equivalent AND Four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or currently serving with honorable status); AND Minimum 1.5 years/18 months of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations; Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board; Valid Driver License; 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: AA Degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university AND Two years of professional work experience (examples include Guardian Ad Litem or similar Child Advocate Role; Family Support Worker; Group Home Worker; Teacher's Assistant/Aide; Family Intervention Specialist; EMT; Case Manager; Other welfare, education or professional jobs that occur in high-paced, high-stress environments that require critical decision-making) AND Minimum 1.5 years/18 months of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations; Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board; Valid Driver License; 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 bachelor’s degree (degree must be conferred at the time of application). Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or related field preferred. When applying please attach required education, certification or licensure. AND Minimum 1.5 years/18 months of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations; Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board; Valid Driver License; 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. Physical agility tasks include: walking on varied terrains, entering residences, evacuation assistance, vision and hearing requirements, repetitive movements, bending, lifting up to 30 pounds, assisting clients in and out of properties, operating for long shifts, driving 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 gaps in employment; ensure experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities are verifiable; do not use the statement “See Resume”; If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287. Benefits and About
Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: The State’s total compensation package includes a competitive set of employee benefits. About Department of Children and Families: Mission: to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal recovery and resiliency. Vision: a highly skilled workforce delivering world-class, continuously improving service. Values: integrity, diversity, transparency, accountability, and excellence. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace and requires reasonable suspicion drug testing. Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. Veterans’ Preference may apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation, contact the agency hiring authority. Location: SARASOTA, FL, 34234. Nearest Major Market: Sarasota. Nearest Secondary Market: Tampa. For assistance, call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time.
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Date: Oct 21, 2025 The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website. Requisition No: 863698 Agency: Children and Families Working Title: SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60021909 Position Number: 60021909 Salary: To be determined by agency policy. 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, identifies needs and determines the level of intervention needed to include voluntary services or court ordered dependency services; provides 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 gathers information for and participates 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-investigates 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 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 high school diploma or GED equivalent AND Four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or currently serving with honorable status); AND Minimum 1.5 years/18 months of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations; Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board; Valid Driver License; 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: AA Degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university AND Two years of professional work experience (examples include Guardian Ad Litem or similar Child Advocate Role; Family Support Worker; Group Home Worker; Teacher's Assistant/Aide; Family Intervention Specialist; EMT; Case Manager; Other welfare, education or professional jobs that occur in high-paced, high-stress environments that require critical decision-making) AND Minimum 1.5 years/18 months of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations; Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board; Valid Driver License; 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 bachelor’s degree (degree must be conferred at the time of application). Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or related field preferred. When applying please attach required education, certification or licensure. AND Minimum 1.5 years/18 months of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations; Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board; Valid Driver License; 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. Physical agility tasks include: walking on varied terrains, entering residences, evacuation assistance, vision and hearing requirements, repetitive movements, bending, lifting up to 30 pounds, assisting clients in and out of properties, operating for long shifts, driving 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 gaps in employment; ensure experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities are verifiable; do not use the statement “See Resume”; If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287. Benefits and About
Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: The State’s total compensation package includes a competitive set of employee benefits. About Department of Children and Families: Mission: to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal recovery and resiliency. Vision: a highly skilled workforce delivering world-class, continuously improving service. Values: integrity, diversity, transparency, accountability, and excellence. The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace and requires reasonable suspicion drug testing. Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. Veterans’ Preference may apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation, contact the agency hiring authority. Location: SARASOTA, FL, 34234. Nearest Major Market: Sarasota. Nearest Secondary Market: Tampa. For assistance, call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time.
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