SENIOR CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR

Position Title: Senior Child Protective Investigator – 60070042 Position Summary The senior‑level intake assessor supports investigators and supervisors by providing in-depth analysis of allegations and participant information prior to assignment. The role may also require field duties in support of frontline staff. This professional position protects children, works with families, and conducts investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation. The assessor will act as an individual contributor and serve as a model of child protection practice for other investigators. Key Responsibilities Conduct investigations regarding allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and special conditions for children. 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, including voluntary or court‑ordered services. Provide linkages to agency and community resources based on needs assessment. Provide recommendations for development of a case plan to the Case Manager. Conduct initial and ongoing child present and impending danger assessments. Develop with the family a signed present danger plan and a signed safety plan for identified threats and interventions. Arrange emergency placement for any child who cannot safely remain in the home. Notify the 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 and appropriate information system(s), and keep organized client files. Report indications of abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment to the Florida Abuse Hotline. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with organizations and agencies involved in child protective investigations, such as community‑based providers, legal services, law enforcement, medical personnel, schools, and other community resources. Ensure effective communication with deaf or hard‑of‑hearing customers or companions in accordance with the ADA and/or Section504, and manage service records. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of theories and practice in child protection, professional ethics, family‑centered interviewing and counseling techniques, investigative techniques, interviewing and observation techniques. Skill in considering child development in guiding placement of children. Ability to recognize indicators of abuse and neglect, conduct risk and safety investigations, and plan, organize and coordinate work assignments. Understanding and application of relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Active listening and effective communication skills. Ability to maintain well‑executed case files and establish effective working relationships with others. Proficiency in utilizing computer systems. Ability to write accurate investigative reports. Americans with Disabilities Act – Reasonable Accommodation Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1‑866‑663‑4735) in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. Drug‑Free Workplace The State of Florida supports a Drug‑Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable‑suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section112.0455, F.S., Drug‑Free Workplace Act. Veterans’ Preference Pursuant to Chapter295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission, including character of service (for example, DDForm214 Member Copy#4) along with any other documentation required by Rule55A‑7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. #J-18808-Ljbffr