People First Service Center
SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60055992
People First Service Center, Tampa, Florida, us, 33646
SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60055992
Date: Oct 14, 2025
Requisition No: 863135
Agency: Children and Families
Working Title: SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60055992
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 (see examples below) OR two 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.
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 medical professional jobs that occur in high‑paced, high‑stress environments that require critical decision‑making to occur.
Criteria 3:
(a) 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 (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. 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.
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: a) Ambulate in varied terrains to enter residences/locations as well as up and down stairs/stairwells, b) Assist with evacuation of persons served during an emergency situation, c) Have normal vision and hearing, including use of corrective devices, d) Do repetitive movements with arms, hands, neck and head, e) Bend, twist, turn, kneel, stoop, squat, push, pull, lift and walk extended distances, f) Lift and carry up to 30 pounds, g) Assist clients in and out of properties, vehicles and safety equipment/devices, h) Sit and/or stand for periods of time without a break, i) Work 16‑hour shifts on occasion, j) Remain alert while on duty, k) Drive a vehicle (car or passenger van) to transport clients, during both daytime hours and nighttime hours.
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 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 unacceptable 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.
Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits.
With 12,000 employees across the state DCF promotes opportunities and training for all. Our jobs are among the most challenging, complex, and difficult in State government. They are also among the most rewarding. All employees are encouraged to take advantage of available Department opportunities for advancement and professional development.
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. In collaboration with community stakeholders, we will deliver world‑class and continuously improving service focused on providing the people we serve with the level and quality that we would demand and expect for our own families.
Values: A workforce that operates with integrity maintains loyalty to a code of ethics that requires the courage to take responsibility for providing the highest quality of service to the vulnerable. We are a solutions‑focused learning organization built on a foundation of transparency in action and accountability of results. Both within the organization and among our stakeholders, we thrive in a culture of respect for diversity of opinion that is nurtured through open communication. High‑performing and committed, we are unified in our goal of excellence in achieving quality outcomes for those we serve.
Location: TAMPA, FL, US, 33619 TAMPA, FL, US, 33602 TAMPA, FL, US, 33604 TAMPA, FL, US, 33605 TAMPA, FL, US, 33606 TAMPA, FL, US, 33607 TAMPA, FL, US, 33609 TAMPA, FL, US, 33610 TAMPA, FL, US, 33611 TAMPA, FL, US, 33612 TAMPA, FL, US, 33613 TAMPA, FL, US, 33614 TAMPA, FL, US, 33615 TAMPA, FL, US, 33616 TAMPA, FL, US, 33617 TAMPA, FL, US, 33618 TAMPA, FL, US, 33620 TAMPA, FL, US, 33625 TAMPA, FL, US, 33626 TAMPA, FL, US, 33634 TAMPA, FL, US, 33637 TAMPA, FL, US, 33672 TAMPA, FL, US, 33680 TAMPA, FL, US, 34748
Equal Opportunity and Other Employment Laws The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center at 1‑877‑562‑7287. Veterans’ Preference will be given to qualified veterans in accordance with Chapter 295, Florida Statutes. The State of Florida supports a Drug‑Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug‑Free Workplace Act.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Requisition No: 863135
Agency: Children and Families
Working Title: SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60055992
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 (see examples below) OR two 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.
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 medical professional jobs that occur in high‑paced, high‑stress environments that require critical decision‑making to occur.
Criteria 3:
(a) 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 (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. 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.
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: a) Ambulate in varied terrains to enter residences/locations as well as up and down stairs/stairwells, b) Assist with evacuation of persons served during an emergency situation, c) Have normal vision and hearing, including use of corrective devices, d) Do repetitive movements with arms, hands, neck and head, e) Bend, twist, turn, kneel, stoop, squat, push, pull, lift and walk extended distances, f) Lift and carry up to 30 pounds, g) Assist clients in and out of properties, vehicles and safety equipment/devices, h) Sit and/or stand for periods of time without a break, i) Work 16‑hour shifts on occasion, j) Remain alert while on duty, k) Drive a vehicle (car or passenger van) to transport clients, during both daytime hours and nighttime hours.
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 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 unacceptable 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.
Benefits of Working for the State of Florida: Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits.
With 12,000 employees across the state DCF promotes opportunities and training for all. Our jobs are among the most challenging, complex, and difficult in State government. They are also among the most rewarding. All employees are encouraged to take advantage of available Department opportunities for advancement and professional development.
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. In collaboration with community stakeholders, we will deliver world‑class and continuously improving service focused on providing the people we serve with the level and quality that we would demand and expect for our own families.
Values: A workforce that operates with integrity maintains loyalty to a code of ethics that requires the courage to take responsibility for providing the highest quality of service to the vulnerable. We are a solutions‑focused learning organization built on a foundation of transparency in action and accountability of results. Both within the organization and among our stakeholders, we thrive in a culture of respect for diversity of opinion that is nurtured through open communication. High‑performing and committed, we are unified in our goal of excellence in achieving quality outcomes for those we serve.
Location: TAMPA, FL, US, 33619 TAMPA, FL, US, 33602 TAMPA, FL, US, 33604 TAMPA, FL, US, 33605 TAMPA, FL, US, 33606 TAMPA, FL, US, 33607 TAMPA, FL, US, 33609 TAMPA, FL, US, 33610 TAMPA, FL, US, 33611 TAMPA, FL, US, 33612 TAMPA, FL, US, 33613 TAMPA, FL, US, 33614 TAMPA, FL, US, 33615 TAMPA, FL, US, 33616 TAMPA, FL, US, 33617 TAMPA, FL, US, 33618 TAMPA, FL, US, 33620 TAMPA, FL, US, 33625 TAMPA, FL, US, 33626 TAMPA, FL, US, 33634 TAMPA, FL, US, 33637 TAMPA, FL, US, 33672 TAMPA, FL, US, 33680 TAMPA, FL, US, 34748
Equal Opportunity and Other Employment Laws The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center at 1‑877‑562‑7287. Veterans’ Preference will be given to qualified veterans in accordance with Chapter 295, Florida Statutes. The State of Florida supports a Drug‑Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug‑Free Workplace Act.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr