State of Florida
CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60074877
State of Florida, Defuniak Springs, Florida, United States, 32435
Child Protective Investigator
Requisition No: 863274
Agency: Children and Families Department
Working Title: CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60074877
Position Number: 60074877
Pay Plan: Career Service
Salary: $50,000.08 annually / $1,923.08 bi-weekly
Posting Closing Date: 01/11/2026
Location: DeFuniak Springs, Florida
Job Type: Open Competitive (OPS & Career Service)
How You Will Make an Impact Children in crisis need quick action from strong, compassionate individuals dedicated to ensuring their safety. This demanding career may be your opportunity to speak for those with no voice and fight to help ensure the safety of those who cannot protect themselves.
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 their home.
Notify state attorney, law enforcement, 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 abuse, neglect, and abandonment indications to the Florida Abuse Hotline.
Qualifications
High school diploma or GED equivalent with four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or current status reflecting honorable service); or
Associate degree or 60+ college credits with two years of professional work experience (examples below) or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or current status reflecting honorable service); or
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Examples of professional work experience (not exhaustive):
Guardian Ad Litem or similar child advocate role
Family Support Worker
Group Home Worker
Teacher / Teacher's Assistant / Aide
Daycare Provider/Worker
Therapeutic Assistant
Behavioral Health Technician
Family Intervention Specialist
Home Health Aide/CNA
Healthcare Practitioner (LPN, RN) or similar profession
Nursing Facility Assistant
Paramedic / EMT
Firefighter
Dispatcher
Security / Safety Officer
Emergency Management Deputy/Director or similar position
Investigator (sworn/non-sworn) for a government entity
Other welfare, education, first responder, emergency management or medical professional jobs that occur in high‑paced, high‑stress environments requiring critical decision‑making.
Additional Requirements
Must obtain a Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months after provisional certification; maintain certification thereafter.
Valid driver license and possession of a private vehicle for work activities; provide proof of registration and insurance within 30 days of hire.
Ability to attend an 8–12 week mandatory training course (day, weekend, or evening).
Knowledge, skills, and abilities: time management, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, documentation, engagement, teamwork, and effective relationships with colleagues.
Physical ability to ambulate varied terrains, enter residences, assist with evacuations, lift up to 30 pounds, and work extended shifts; ability to drive during daytime and nighttime hours.
Candidate Profile
Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment.
Explain employment gaps to prevent delays.
Provide verifiable work history, education, training, knowledge, skills, and answers to pre‑qualifying questions.
Do not use “See Resume” as a substitute for 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 The State’s total compensation package is highly competitive and includes a wide range of benefits. For a complete list, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Growth Opportunities With 12,000 employees across the state, DCF promotes opportunities and training for all. Employees are encouraged to take advantage of available Department opportunities for advancement and professional development.
Where You Will Work Florida borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, and no matter where you live you are never more than 60 miles from a body of saltwater. The state offers 175 parks, a diverse population, and a strong community culture. The Sunshine State is a great place to live and work.
About Department of Children and Families Mission:
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:
A highly skilled workforce committed to empowering people with complex and varied needs to achieve the best outcomes for themselves and their families.
Values:
Integrity, responsibility, transparency, accountability, respect for diversity, and a commitment to excellence.
Learn more at https://www.myflfamilies.com/.
Legal & Employment Information The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
All applicants must be U.S. citizens or legally authorized alien workers. Participation in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program is required as a condition of employment, and enrollment must be completed within 30 days of appointment.
Selective Service:
Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must be registered with the Selective Service System or have an exemption letter. Verification will be conducted prior to hire.
Background Screening:
A State and National criminal history check is required. Candidates may be terminated if the results are disqualifying. Screening includes fingerprinting for State and Federal checks through FDLE and FBI.
Drug Testing:
A successful drug test is a condition of employment under Section 112.0455 F.S.
Veterans’ Preference applies to Career Service vacancies; eligible veterans must attach supporting documentation with each submission.
Retirees of the Florida Retirement System should consult with FRS to understand how re‑employment may affect current benefits.
Disability Accommodations Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations must notify the agency hiring authority or People First Service Center (1‑866‑663‑4735) in advance to allow time for accommodation.
Drug‑Free Workplace All employees are subject to reasonable‑suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., the Drug‑Free Workplace Act.
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Agency: Children and Families Department
Working Title: CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60074877
Position Number: 60074877
Pay Plan: Career Service
Salary: $50,000.08 annually / $1,923.08 bi-weekly
Posting Closing Date: 01/11/2026
Location: DeFuniak Springs, Florida
Job Type: Open Competitive (OPS & Career Service)
How You Will Make an Impact Children in crisis need quick action from strong, compassionate individuals dedicated to ensuring their safety. This demanding career may be your opportunity to speak for those with no voice and fight to help ensure the safety of those who cannot protect themselves.
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 their home.
Notify state attorney, law enforcement, 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 abuse, neglect, and abandonment indications to the Florida Abuse Hotline.
Qualifications
High school diploma or GED equivalent with four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or current status reflecting honorable service); or
Associate degree or 60+ college credits with two years of professional work experience (examples below) or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or current status reflecting honorable service); or
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Examples of professional work experience (not exhaustive):
Guardian Ad Litem or similar child advocate role
Family Support Worker
Group Home Worker
Teacher / Teacher's Assistant / Aide
Daycare Provider/Worker
Therapeutic Assistant
Behavioral Health Technician
Family Intervention Specialist
Home Health Aide/CNA
Healthcare Practitioner (LPN, RN) or similar profession
Nursing Facility Assistant
Paramedic / EMT
Firefighter
Dispatcher
Security / Safety Officer
Emergency Management Deputy/Director or similar position
Investigator (sworn/non-sworn) for a government entity
Other welfare, education, first responder, emergency management or medical professional jobs that occur in high‑paced, high‑stress environments requiring critical decision‑making.
Additional Requirements
Must obtain a Florida Child Protective Investigator Certification from the Florida Certification Board within 12 months after provisional certification; maintain certification thereafter.
Valid driver license and possession of a private vehicle for work activities; provide proof of registration and insurance within 30 days of hire.
Ability to attend an 8–12 week mandatory training course (day, weekend, or evening).
Knowledge, skills, and abilities: time management, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, documentation, engagement, teamwork, and effective relationships with colleagues.
Physical ability to ambulate varied terrains, enter residences, assist with evacuations, lift up to 30 pounds, and work extended shifts; ability to drive during daytime and nighttime hours.
Candidate Profile
Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment.
Explain employment gaps to prevent delays.
Provide verifiable work history, education, training, knowledge, skills, and answers to pre‑qualifying questions.
Do not use “See Resume” as a substitute for 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 The State’s total compensation package is highly competitive and includes a wide range of benefits. For a complete list, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Growth Opportunities With 12,000 employees across the state, DCF promotes opportunities and training for all. Employees are encouraged to take advantage of available Department opportunities for advancement and professional development.
Where You Will Work Florida borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, and no matter where you live you are never more than 60 miles from a body of saltwater. The state offers 175 parks, a diverse population, and a strong community culture. The Sunshine State is a great place to live and work.
About Department of Children and Families Mission:
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:
A highly skilled workforce committed to empowering people with complex and varied needs to achieve the best outcomes for themselves and their families.
Values:
Integrity, responsibility, transparency, accountability, respect for diversity, and a commitment to excellence.
Learn more at https://www.myflfamilies.com/.
Legal & Employment Information The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
All applicants must be U.S. citizens or legally authorized alien workers. Participation in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program is required as a condition of employment, and enrollment must be completed within 30 days of appointment.
Selective Service:
Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must be registered with the Selective Service System or have an exemption letter. Verification will be conducted prior to hire.
Background Screening:
A State and National criminal history check is required. Candidates may be terminated if the results are disqualifying. Screening includes fingerprinting for State and Federal checks through FDLE and FBI.
Drug Testing:
A successful drug test is a condition of employment under Section 112.0455 F.S.
Veterans’ Preference applies to Career Service vacancies; eligible veterans must attach supporting documentation with each submission.
Retirees of the Florida Retirement System should consult with FRS to understand how re‑employment may affect current benefits.
Disability Accommodations Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations must notify the agency hiring authority or People First Service Center (1‑866‑663‑4735) in advance to allow time for accommodation.
Drug‑Free Workplace All employees are subject to reasonable‑suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., the Drug‑Free Workplace Act.
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