State of Florida
SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60071574
State of Florida, Orlando, Florida, us, 32885
Position Details
Agency: Children and Families
Job Title: Senior Child Protective Investigator – 60071574
Location: Saratoga Service Center
Salary: $54,500.16 per year
Posting Closing Date: 01/16/2026
Internal Only – Dollar amount is for internal only salary policy.
Eligible for a 5% pay differential per internal policy.
Responsibilities
Conduct investigations regarding allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or special conditions for children.
Mentor and train new and/or experienced CPIs.
Assist the supervisor with tasks related to leadership development.
Collect information through interviews with 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 and ongoing 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 the client records/appropriate information system(s) 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 increased capacity in investigative skills.
Provide case consultation and advise 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, such as community‑based providers, Children’s Legal Services, law enforcement, medical personnel, schools, and other community/agency 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 this data and any resources and/or training needs to their designated program point of contact.
Qualifications
Criteria 1
High school diploma or GED equivalent
4 years of law‑enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that reflects serving honorably)
Minimum 1.5 years post‑provisional certification of Child Welfare experience, preferably in child protective investigations
Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board
Trained and practicing Florida’s Safety Practice method
Valid driver license
Operational private vehicle for use in daily work activities; proof of registration and insurance coverage required. Vehicle insurance allowance provided.
Criteria 2
AA degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university.
2 years of professional work experience (examples: Guardian Ad Litem, Family Support Worker, Group Home Worker, Teacher’s Assistant/Aide, Family Intervention Specialist, EMT, Case Manager, or other welfare/education/professional jobs in high‑stress environments requiring critical decision‑making). OR two years of law‑enforcement experience or active military service.
Minimum 1.5 years post‑provisional certification of Child Welfare experience, preferably in child protective investigations.
Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board.
Trained and practicing Florida’s Safety Practice method.
Valid driver license.
Operational private vehicle for use in daily work activities; proof of registration and insurance coverage required. Vehicle insurance allowance provided.
Criteria 3
A bachelor’s degree (must be conferred at the time of application). Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or related field preferred.
Minimum 1.5 years post‑provisional certification of Child Welfare experience, preferably in child protective investigations.
Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board.
Trained and practicing Florida’s Safety Practice method.
Valid driver license.
Operational private vehicle for use in daily work activities; proof of registration and insurance coverage required. Vehicle insurance allowance provided.
Knowledge, Skills & 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 decisions.
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
Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment.
Account for and explain any gaps in employment so the hiring process is not delayed.
Experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities as well as responses to the pre‑qualifying questions must be verifiable to meet minimum qualifications.
It is unacceptable to use the statement “See Resume” in place of 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 In addition to a competitive pay package, the State offers a comprehensive benefits program including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement and many other benefits. For a complete list, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Equal Opportunity & Other Legal Statements The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
We hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers.
Background screening is required and must be completed before employment.
Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must register with the Selective Service System unless exempt.
Veterans’ preference is provided for eligible candidates per Florida statutes. Required documentation must be submitted by application close.
Application instructions: If you have any questions or need assistance, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562‑7287.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Title: Senior Child Protective Investigator – 60071574
Location: Saratoga Service Center
Salary: $54,500.16 per year
Posting Closing Date: 01/16/2026
Internal Only – Dollar amount is for internal only salary policy.
Eligible for a 5% pay differential per internal policy.
Responsibilities
Conduct investigations regarding allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or special conditions for children.
Mentor and train new and/or experienced CPIs.
Assist the supervisor with tasks related to leadership development.
Collect information through interviews with 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 and ongoing 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 the client records/appropriate information system(s) 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 increased capacity in investigative skills.
Provide case consultation and advise 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, such as community‑based providers, Children’s Legal Services, law enforcement, medical personnel, schools, and other community/agency 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 this data and any resources and/or training needs to their designated program point of contact.
Qualifications
Criteria 1
High school diploma or GED equivalent
4 years of law‑enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that reflects serving honorably)
Minimum 1.5 years post‑provisional certification of Child Welfare experience, preferably in child protective investigations
Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board
Trained and practicing Florida’s Safety Practice method
Valid driver license
Operational private vehicle for use in daily work activities; proof of registration and insurance coverage required. Vehicle insurance allowance provided.
Criteria 2
AA degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university.
2 years of professional work experience (examples: Guardian Ad Litem, Family Support Worker, Group Home Worker, Teacher’s Assistant/Aide, Family Intervention Specialist, EMT, Case Manager, or other welfare/education/professional jobs in high‑stress environments requiring critical decision‑making). OR two years of law‑enforcement experience or active military service.
Minimum 1.5 years post‑provisional certification of Child Welfare experience, preferably in child protective investigations.
Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board.
Trained and practicing Florida’s Safety Practice method.
Valid driver license.
Operational private vehicle for use in daily work activities; proof of registration and insurance coverage required. Vehicle insurance allowance provided.
Criteria 3
A bachelor’s degree (must be conferred at the time of application). Bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or related field preferred.
Minimum 1.5 years post‑provisional certification of Child Welfare experience, preferably in child protective investigations.
Current/Active Child Welfare Certification credentials from the Florida Certification Board.
Trained and practicing Florida’s Safety Practice method.
Valid driver license.
Operational private vehicle for use in daily work activities; proof of registration and insurance coverage required. Vehicle insurance allowance provided.
Knowledge, Skills & 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 decisions.
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
Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment.
Account for and explain any gaps in employment so the hiring process is not delayed.
Experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities as well as responses to the pre‑qualifying questions must be verifiable to meet minimum qualifications.
It is unacceptable to use the statement “See Resume” in place of 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 In addition to a competitive pay package, the State offers a comprehensive benefits program including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement and many other benefits. For a complete list, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.
Equal Opportunity & Other Legal Statements The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
We hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers.
Background screening is required and must be completed before employment.
Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, must register with the Selective Service System unless exempt.
Veterans’ preference is provided for eligible candidates per Florida statutes. Required documentation must be submitted by application close.
Application instructions: If you have any questions or need assistance, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562‑7287.
#J-18808-Ljbffr