State of Florida
SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60070196
State of Florida, Ocala, Florida, United States, 34470
SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR – 60070196
Agency: Children and Families
Department of Children and Families
Marion County – Ocala, FL
Posting Closing Date: 01/19/2026
What you will do This role protects children by conducting investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation. The investigator works independently and models best child‑protection practices for colleagues.
Key duties include:
Conduct investigations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions for children.
Interview children, parents, relatives, neighbors, and other parties.
Engage families, assess needs, and determine the appropriate level of intervention, linking them to agency and community resources.
Provide recommendations for case plans to Case Managers.
Perform Present and Impending Danger assessments and develop signed Present Danger and Safety Plans.
Arrange emergency placement when a child cannot safely remain in the home.
Notify state attorney, law enforcement, child protection teams, and other required parties.
Collect and document case information; prepare reports and provide testimony in court.
Maintain thorough documentation in child records systems and organized client files.
Report indications of abuse, neglect, or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline.
Provide subject‑matter expertise to less experienced investigators and co‑investigate complex cases.
Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with community agencies, law enforcement, medical personnel, schools, and other resources.
Ensure effective communication with deaf or hard‑of‑hearing clients, complying with ADA and Section 504.
Qualifications Candidate must meet at least one of the following criteria sets:
Criteria 1:
High school diploma or GED; 4 years law enforcement experience or active military service; 18 months post‑provisional child welfare experience; preferred background in child protective investigations; current/active Florida child welfare certification; trained in Florida’s Safety Practice method; valid driver’s license and reliable private vehicle with insurance; evidence of vehicle registration and insurance.
Criteria 2:
AA degree or 60+ college credits; 2 years professional experience (e.g., guardian ad litem, family support worker, group home worker, teacher assistant, EMT, case manager, family intervention specialist, other high‑stress environments); 18 months post‑provisional child welfare experience; Florida child welfare certification; Safety Practice training; valid driver’s license and private vehicle with required documentation.
Criteria 3:
Bachelor’s degree (conferred at time of application) in social work or a related field (master’s preferred); 18 months post‑provisional child welfare experience; Florida child welfare certification; Safety Practice training; valid driver’s license and reliable private vehicle.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of theories and practice in child protection and professional ethics.
Family‑centered interview and counseling techniques.
Child development considerations for placement decisions.
Recognition of abuse and neglect indicators; risk and safety assessment skills.
Planning, organizing, and coordinating work assignments.
Understanding and application of relevant laws, policies and procedures.
Effective active listening and communication with clients and staff.
Maintaining accurate investigative reports and well‑executed case files.
Utilizing computer systems and technology.
Candidate Profile
Complete all application sections: supervisor names, phone numbers, employment gaps, and verifiable experience, education, training.
Do not use “See Resume” in lieu of work history.
Contact People First Service Center at 877‑562‑7287 for assistance with online application.
Benefits of Working for the State of Florida The State offers a competitive total compensation package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid leave benefits. For a complete list, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Growth Opportunities The Department of Children and Families supports advancement and professional development for all employees, fostering challenging and rewarding careers.
About the Department of Children and Families Mission: To partner with local communities to protect the vulnerable, support strong and self‑sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resilience. Vision: To empower people with complex needs to achieve the best outcomes for themselves and their families through continuous improvement and high‑quality service. Values: Integrity, transparency, accountability, and respect for diversity.
Legal and Employment Information Applicants must be U.S. citizens or otherwise legally authorized to work in the United States. The State is an equal‑opportunity employer. Background screening, including state and federal criminal history checks, is required before employment. Veterans’ preference is granted to eligible applicants. Selective Service registration is required for male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962. All benefits and enrollment procedures are in accordance with Florida law and Department policies.
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What you will do This role protects children by conducting investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation. The investigator works independently and models best child‑protection practices for colleagues.
Key duties include:
Conduct investigations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions for children.
Interview children, parents, relatives, neighbors, and other parties.
Engage families, assess needs, and determine the appropriate level of intervention, linking them to agency and community resources.
Provide recommendations for case plans to Case Managers.
Perform Present and Impending Danger assessments and develop signed Present Danger and Safety Plans.
Arrange emergency placement when a child cannot safely remain in the home.
Notify state attorney, law enforcement, child protection teams, and other required parties.
Collect and document case information; prepare reports and provide testimony in court.
Maintain thorough documentation in child records systems and organized client files.
Report indications of abuse, neglect, or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline.
Provide subject‑matter expertise to less experienced investigators and co‑investigate complex cases.
Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with community agencies, law enforcement, medical personnel, schools, and other resources.
Ensure effective communication with deaf or hard‑of‑hearing clients, complying with ADA and Section 504.
Qualifications Candidate must meet at least one of the following criteria sets:
Criteria 1:
High school diploma or GED; 4 years law enforcement experience or active military service; 18 months post‑provisional child welfare experience; preferred background in child protective investigations; current/active Florida child welfare certification; trained in Florida’s Safety Practice method; valid driver’s license and reliable private vehicle with insurance; evidence of vehicle registration and insurance.
Criteria 2:
AA degree or 60+ college credits; 2 years professional experience (e.g., guardian ad litem, family support worker, group home worker, teacher assistant, EMT, case manager, family intervention specialist, other high‑stress environments); 18 months post‑provisional child welfare experience; Florida child welfare certification; Safety Practice training; valid driver’s license and private vehicle with required documentation.
Criteria 3:
Bachelor’s degree (conferred at time of application) in social work or a related field (master’s preferred); 18 months post‑provisional child welfare experience; Florida child welfare certification; Safety Practice training; valid driver’s license and reliable private vehicle.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of theories and practice in child protection and professional ethics.
Family‑centered interview and counseling techniques.
Child development considerations for placement decisions.
Recognition of abuse and neglect indicators; risk and safety assessment skills.
Planning, organizing, and coordinating work assignments.
Understanding and application of relevant laws, policies and procedures.
Effective active listening and communication with clients and staff.
Maintaining accurate investigative reports and well‑executed case files.
Utilizing computer systems and technology.
Candidate Profile
Complete all application sections: supervisor names, phone numbers, employment gaps, and verifiable experience, education, training.
Do not use “See Resume” in lieu of work history.
Contact People First Service Center at 877‑562‑7287 for assistance with online application.
Benefits of Working for the State of Florida The State offers a competitive total compensation package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid leave benefits. For a complete list, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Growth Opportunities The Department of Children and Families supports advancement and professional development for all employees, fostering challenging and rewarding careers.
About the Department of Children and Families Mission: To partner with local communities to protect the vulnerable, support strong and self‑sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resilience. Vision: To empower people with complex needs to achieve the best outcomes for themselves and their families through continuous improvement and high‑quality service. Values: Integrity, transparency, accountability, and respect for diversity.
Legal and Employment Information Applicants must be U.S. citizens or otherwise legally authorized to work in the United States. The State is an equal‑opportunity employer. Background screening, including state and federal criminal history checks, is required before employment. Veterans’ preference is granted to eligible applicants. Selective Service registration is required for male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962. All benefits and enrollment procedures are in accordance with Florida law and Department policies.
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