People First Service Center
SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60075476
People First Service Center, Sanford, Florida, United States, 32771
Overview
SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60075476 Date: Oct 23, 2025 The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information, click on our E-Verify Website. Requisition No: 863921 Agency: Children and Families Working Title: SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60075476 Position Number: 60075476 Salary: $54,500.16 annually / $2,096.16 bi-weekly 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 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 Present and Impending Danger assessments.
Develop with the family a signed Present Danger Plan and a signed safety plan for 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 client records/information systems and keep 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 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 (e.g., community-based providers, Children’s Legal Services, law enforcement, medical personnel, schools, and other community 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 data and training needs to the designated program 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 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 an operational private vehicle for use in the performance of daily work activities. Selected applicants must provide proof of vehicle registration and insurance. 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)
OR
two years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably)
AND
Examples of Professional Work Experience : 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 in high-paced, high-stress environments requiring critical decision-making.
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) Vehicle requirements as above.
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. (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.
Physical requirements: various tasks including mobility, lifting up to 30 pounds, and occasional long shifts.
Additional Candidate Profile must be completed in its entirety. Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment. Provide explanations for gaps. Responses must be verifiable. Do not use “See Resume.” If you experience problems applying online, contact the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287.
Benefits and Organization Benefits of working for the State of Florida include a competitive total compensation package and opportunities for advancement and professional development.
About Department Mission: The Department of Children and Families works to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal recovery and resiliency. Vision: We are a highly skilled workforce empowering people with complex needs to achieve the best outcomes, delivering service focused on quality. Values: Integrity, diversity, accountability, collaboration, and excellence in service to the people we serve.
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 aliens. Participation in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program is required as a condition of employment. Selective Service obligations apply for eligible candidates. Background screening includes state and national checks and fingerprinting. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports a Drug-Free workplace. Reasonable accommodations may be requested.
Location: SANFORD, FL, US, 32771; ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL, US, 32714; SANFORD, FL, US, 32773 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
SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60075476 Date: Oct 23, 2025 The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information, click on our E-Verify Website. Requisition No: 863921 Agency: Children and Families Working Title: SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60075476 Position Number: 60075476 Salary: $54,500.16 annually / $2,096.16 bi-weekly 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 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 Present and Impending Danger assessments.
Develop with the family a signed Present Danger Plan and a signed safety plan for 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 client records/information systems and keep 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 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 (e.g., community-based providers, Children’s Legal Services, law enforcement, medical personnel, schools, and other community 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 data and training needs to the designated program 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 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 an operational private vehicle for use in the performance of daily work activities. Selected applicants must provide proof of vehicle registration and insurance. 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)
OR
two years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably)
AND
Examples of Professional Work Experience : 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 in high-paced, high-stress environments requiring critical decision-making.
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) Vehicle requirements as above.
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. (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.
Physical requirements: various tasks including mobility, lifting up to 30 pounds, and occasional long shifts.
Additional Candidate Profile must be completed in its entirety. Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment. Provide explanations for gaps. Responses must be verifiable. Do not use “See Resume.” If you experience problems applying online, contact the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287.
Benefits and Organization Benefits of working for the State of Florida include a competitive total compensation package and opportunities for advancement and professional development.
About Department Mission: The Department of Children and Families works to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal recovery and resiliency. Vision: We are a highly skilled workforce empowering people with complex needs to achieve the best outcomes, delivering service focused on quality. Values: Integrity, diversity, accountability, collaboration, and excellence in service to the people we serve.
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 aliens. Participation in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program is required as a condition of employment. Selective Service obligations apply for eligible candidates. Background screening includes state and national checks and fingerprinting. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports a Drug-Free workplace. Reasonable accommodations may be requested.
Location: SANFORD, FL, US, 32771; ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL, US, 32714; SANFORD, FL, US, 32773 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