Florida Department of Financial Services
SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60070196
Florida Department of Financial Services, Ocala, Florida, United States, 34470
Overview
SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60070196 Date: Jan 1, 2026 The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website. Requisition No: 863863 Agency: Children and Families Working Title: SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60070196 Position Number: 60070196 Salary: $2,096.16 bi-weekly / $54,516.00 annually Department: Department of Children and Families – Marion County, Ocala, FL Internal Only 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 client records/information systems 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 capacity in investigative skills. • Provide case consultation and/or co-investigate complex cases with other CPIs to ensure 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 in accordance with the ADA and Section 504, and manage service records and reporting. Qualifications
Criteria 1: A high school diploma or GED equivalent AND 4 years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or current service reflects serving honorably) AND Minimum 1.5 years/18 months (post provisional certification) of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board AND Must be trained and practicing Florida's Safety Practice method. Valid Driver License; Must possess operational private vehicle for use in daily work. Selected applicants are required to 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 a private vehicle for work purposes. OR Criteria 2: AA Degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university AND (2) years of professional work experience or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service 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 professional jobs that occur in high-paced, high-stress environments that require critical decision-making Minimum 1.5 years/18 months (post provisional certification) of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations AND Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board AND Must be trained and practicing Florida's Safety Practice method. Valid Driver License; and must possess operational private vehicle for daily work. OR Criteria 3: A bachelor’s degree (degree conferred at time of application). Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or related field preferred. Minimum 1.5 years/18 months (post provisional certification) of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board Must be trained and practicing Florida's Safety Practice method. Valid Driver License; must possess operational private vehicle for use in daily work. 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. Candidate Profile must be completed in its entirety, including: supervisor names and phone numbers, explanations for gaps, and verifiable information. Problem-solving assistance available at People First if needed. Benefits and About
Benefits of Working for the State of Florida include a competitive total compensation package. The Department of Children and Families emphasizes opportunities for advancement and professional development. Mission, Vision, and Values statements outline our commitment to protecting the vulnerable and delivering high-quality service. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. Veterans’ Preference applies. See disaster, background screening, and other hiring requirements as applicable. For assistance, call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287. This description does not create a contract. Job postings are subject to change or cancellation at any time.
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SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60070196 Date: Jan 1, 2026 The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website. Requisition No: 863863 Agency: Children and Families Working Title: SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60070196 Position Number: 60070196 Salary: $2,096.16 bi-weekly / $54,516.00 annually Department: Department of Children and Families – Marion County, Ocala, FL Internal Only 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 client records/information systems 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 capacity in investigative skills. • Provide case consultation and/or co-investigate complex cases with other CPIs to ensure 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 in accordance with the ADA and Section 504, and manage service records and reporting. Qualifications
Criteria 1: A high school diploma or GED equivalent AND 4 years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or current service reflects serving honorably) AND Minimum 1.5 years/18 months (post provisional certification) of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board AND Must be trained and practicing Florida's Safety Practice method. Valid Driver License; Must possess operational private vehicle for use in daily work. Selected applicants are required to 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 a private vehicle for work purposes. OR Criteria 2: AA Degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university AND (2) years of professional work experience or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service 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 professional jobs that occur in high-paced, high-stress environments that require critical decision-making Minimum 1.5 years/18 months (post provisional certification) of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations AND Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board AND Must be trained and practicing Florida's Safety Practice method. Valid Driver License; and must possess operational private vehicle for daily work. OR Criteria 3: A bachelor’s degree (degree conferred at time of application). Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or related field preferred. Minimum 1.5 years/18 months (post provisional certification) of Child Welfare Experience, preferred in Child Protective Investigations Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board Must be trained and practicing Florida's Safety Practice method. Valid Driver License; must possess operational private vehicle for use in daily work. 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. Candidate Profile must be completed in its entirety, including: supervisor names and phone numbers, explanations for gaps, and verifiable information. Problem-solving assistance available at People First if needed. Benefits and About
Benefits of Working for the State of Florida include a competitive total compensation package. The Department of Children and Families emphasizes opportunities for advancement and professional development. Mission, Vision, and Values statements outline our commitment to protecting the vulnerable and delivering high-quality service. The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. Veterans’ Preference applies. See disaster, background screening, and other hiring requirements as applicable. For assistance, call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287. This description does not create a contract. Job postings are subject to change or cancellation at any time.
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