State of Florida
CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60071494
State of Florida, Palm Coast, Florida, United States, 32164
Requisition No:864057
Agency: Children and Families
Working Title: CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60071494
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number:60071494
Salary: $50,000.08 annually / $1,923.08 bi‑weekly
Posting Closing Date: 01/13/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
Child Protective Investigator
Department of Children and Families
Palm Coast, Florida
Open Competitive
This posting will be used to fill position vacancies in OPS and Career Service. Current employees will be compensated in accordance with the DCF salary policy.
How you will make an impact When seconds count, a child cannot wait. Guiding your actions as a child protective investigator can determine whether a child stays safe or is placed for protection. Your quick, decisive actions ensure urgent protection for children in crisis.
What you will do
Conduct investigations of abuse, neglect, abandonment and special conditions for children.
Collect information through observation and interviews with children, parents, relatives and neighbors.
Assess danger, threats, child vulnerabilities and caregiver protective capacities to determine whether a child is safe.
Arrange emergency placement for any child that cannot safely remain in the home.
Notify the state attorney, law police and child protection teams.
Provide families with service linkages to agency and community resources.
Conduct initial and ongoing child present and impending danger assessments.
Report indication of abuse, neglect or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline.
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 (e.g., child advocate, family support worker, teacher, dispatcher, emergency management, investigator) or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably).
Alternately, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (official transcript or diploma required within 30 days of hire).
Must obtain a Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification within 12 months after provisional certification. Maintain certification as a condition of employment. (Florida Certification Board).
Valid driver licence and ownership of an operational private vehicle (proof of registration and insurance required).
Ability to attend an 8‑12‑week mandatory training course (day, weekend, evening).
Special Notes
Language proficiency may be considered. May require pre‑interview assessment or work sample to be eligible for interview.
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or related field preferred.
Additional Information/Requirements
Position requires night, weekend and holiday work. Incumbents must work during emergencies, natural disasters, and beyond normal hours.
Incumbents may be exposed to hazardous field conditions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Follow policy, manage time, assess, plan, intervene, evaluate, document, engage, team, act in domestic violence, mental health, substance abuse contexts, establish effective relationships, professional competency. Must be physically able to travel varied terrains, enter residences, assist in evacuations, lift up to 30 pounds, stand or sit for long periods, drive vehicle during day or night.
Candidate Profile (application must be completed entirely)
Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment.
Explain any employment gaps to avoid delays.
Provide verifiable experience, education, training, knowledge, skills, abilities.
Do not use “See Resume” in place of work history.
If you experience problems applying online, call People First Service Center at (877) 562‑7287.
Benefits of Working for the State of Florida State employment offers a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits. For a complete list, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Growth Opportunities DCF promotes training and advancement for all employees. Employees are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities for professional development.
Equal Opportunity Statement The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority or People First Service Center (1‑866‑663‑4735). The State of Florida supports a Drug‑Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with applicable statutes.
Selective Service Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must register with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday or hold an exemption letter. Verification will be conducted prior to hire.
Background Screening Requirement Employment may be terminated if background results are disqualifying. Screening includes fingerprinting for state and national criminal checks through FDLE and FBI, plus local checks as applicable. Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment.
Retirement Considerations Retirees of the Florida Retirement System may have benefits affected if re‑employed; requires voluntary return to a detailed review of retirement benefits.
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Agency: Children and Families
Working Title: CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60071494
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number:60071494
Salary: $50,000.08 annually / $1,923.08 bi‑weekly
Posting Closing Date: 01/13/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
Child Protective Investigator
Department of Children and Families
Palm Coast, Florida
Open Competitive
This posting will be used to fill position vacancies in OPS and Career Service. Current employees will be compensated in accordance with the DCF salary policy.
How you will make an impact When seconds count, a child cannot wait. Guiding your actions as a child protective investigator can determine whether a child stays safe or is placed for protection. Your quick, decisive actions ensure urgent protection for children in crisis.
What you will do
Conduct investigations of abuse, neglect, abandonment and special conditions for children.
Collect information through observation and interviews with children, parents, relatives and neighbors.
Assess danger, threats, child vulnerabilities and caregiver protective capacities to determine whether a child is safe.
Arrange emergency placement for any child that cannot safely remain in the home.
Notify the state attorney, law police and child protection teams.
Provide families with service linkages to agency and community resources.
Conduct initial and ongoing child present and impending danger assessments.
Report indication of abuse, neglect or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline.
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 (e.g., child advocate, family support worker, teacher, dispatcher, emergency management, investigator) or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably).
Alternately, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (official transcript or diploma required within 30 days of hire).
Must obtain a Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification within 12 months after provisional certification. Maintain certification as a condition of employment. (Florida Certification Board).
Valid driver licence and ownership of an operational private vehicle (proof of registration and insurance required).
Ability to attend an 8‑12‑week mandatory training course (day, weekend, evening).
Special Notes
Language proficiency may be considered. May require pre‑interview assessment or work sample to be eligible for interview.
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or related field preferred.
Additional Information/Requirements
Position requires night, weekend and holiday work. Incumbents must work during emergencies, natural disasters, and beyond normal hours.
Incumbents may be exposed to hazardous field conditions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Follow policy, manage time, assess, plan, intervene, evaluate, document, engage, team, act in domestic violence, mental health, substance abuse contexts, establish effective relationships, professional competency. Must be physically able to travel varied terrains, enter residences, assist in evacuations, lift up to 30 pounds, stand or sit for long periods, drive vehicle during day or night.
Candidate Profile (application must be completed entirely)
Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment.
Explain any employment gaps to avoid delays.
Provide verifiable experience, education, training, knowledge, skills, abilities.
Do not use “See Resume” in place of work history.
If you experience problems applying online, call People First Service Center at (877) 562‑7287.
Benefits of Working for the State of Florida State employment offers a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits. For a complete list, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Growth Opportunities DCF promotes training and advancement for all employees. Employees are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities for professional development.
Equal Opportunity Statement The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority or People First Service Center (1‑866‑663‑4735). The State of Florida supports a Drug‑Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with applicable statutes.
Selective Service Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must register with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday or hold an exemption letter. Verification will be conducted prior to hire.
Background Screening Requirement Employment may be terminated if background results are disqualifying. Screening includes fingerprinting for state and national criminal checks through FDLE and FBI, plus local checks as applicable. Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment.
Retirement Considerations Retirees of the Florida Retirement System may have benefits affected if re‑employed; requires voluntary return to a detailed review of retirement benefits.
#J-18808-Ljbffr