SENIOR ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60057448
Date: May 7, 2026
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Requisition No: 875459
Agency: Children and Families
Working Title: SENIOR ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR - 60057448
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 60057448
Salary: $1,576.93 bi-weekly
Posting Closing Date: 05/09/2026
Total Compensation Estimator Tool (https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/)
SENIOR ADULT PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR
COMPENSATION PLAN
OCCUPATION PROFILE
JOB FAMILY: COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES
OCCUPATIONAL GROUP: COUNSELING AND SOCIAL WORK
OCCUPATION: COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICE SPECIALISTS, ALL OTHER
SALARY: This position will be hired at the salary of $1,576.93 bi-weekly; or within compliance of DCF salary policy.
LOCATION: Circuit 10
CLOSING DATE: May 9, 2026
BENEFITS
Annual and Sick Leave Package
Ten Paid Holidays
Health, Dental, Disability, Life Insurance and Optional Supplemental Insurance
Educational Benefits (tuition waiver)
Contributory Retirement Plan
Deferred Compensation plans offered
Bi-annual vehicle insurance stipend
ADVERTISEMENT TYPE: INTERNAL AGENCY ONLY
A state of Florida Job application submitted via People First. State of Florida Employment Applications should be up-to-date and complete in order to receive full consideration.
A copy of the most recent performance evaluation for Adult Protective Investigator Position must be uploaded.
Applicants must submit a cover letter explaining quali?cations and experience as an Adult Protective Investigator which makes you one of the ideal candidates for the positions.
Requested cover letter and performance evaluation will comprise part of the application scoring process.
Experience, education and/or training used to meet the minimum quali?cations, and in response to the pre-qualifying questions, must be veri?able through information contained in your application. It is unacceptable to use the statement "See Resume" in place of including work history and job duties on the application.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This is professional work protecting vulnerable adults and conducting investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, self-neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults. This position will assume a mentor role and be a model of adult protective service practice to other Adult Protective Investigators (APIs).
Note: The examples of work as listed in this class specification are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.
Conducts investigations regarding allegations of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation or self-neglect of vulnerable adults;
Collects information through observation and interviews with the vulnerable adults, relatives, and other parties associated with the case, as well as analysis of criminal, past service history and other records;
Conducts interviews with subjects and collaterals of the reports and collect evidentiary information through observations and materials.
Assesses the mental capacity of the vulnerable adult, danger threats, vulnerabilities and caregiver capacities to determine whether a vulnerable adult is safe or not safe;
Maintains thorough documentation in the appropriate database information system(s)
Identifies the service needs of the vulnerable adult and determines the level of intervention needed to include voluntary services or court ordered protective services;
Accurately prepares investigative reports and petitions for court proceedings
Evaluates evidence from investigations and prepares reports of findings;
Responsible for mentoring adult protective investigators and serves as a mentor for new Adult Protective Investigators during their probationary period.
Serves as the Acting Unit Supervisor when the Adult Protective Investigations Supervisor is unavailable or on extended leave.
Liaises with the APS Program Office regarding unit training needs, staffing issues and heightened mentoring/coaching requirements for new adult protective investigators.
Works closely with law enforcement and partner agencies such as the Department of Elder Affairs; Agency for Persons with Disabilities and the Agency for Health Care Administration;
Assists victims with temporary emergency shelter placement and other emergency services.
Notifies state attorney, law enforcement, state agencies and other required individuals as appropriate;
Provides vulnerable adults with service linkages to agency and community resources;
Provides expert testimony and documentation in matters relating to abuse, neglect, abandonment and exploitation when judicial action is necessary.
Reports suspicion of abuse, neglect, exploitation or self-neglect to the Florida Abuse Hotline;
Establishes and maintains working relationships with organizations involved with adult protective investigations such as community services, advocacy groups, law enforcement, medical personnel, schools, and other community resources.
Performs duties as assigned in the evenings, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis.
The incumbent will perform all job tasks in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements applicable to state and federal laws or procedures.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas: Florida Abuse Hotline, APD, law enforcement investigations, licensed health care, children and family services, child support enforcement, economic self-sufficiency services or mental health.
Some specific college education degrees can substitute for experience.
Preference will be given to applicants with twelve months or greater experience.
No formal discipline actions in the past 24 months
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
This work requires a high degree of tact, patience, and courtesy dealing with vulnerable adults. Incumbents in this class must be able to maintain a calm, professional demeanor while handling a variety of emergency and non-emergency calls. The work requires independent judgment and initiative to complete field assignments. Typing and good time management skills are necessary for this job.
Knowledge of investigative techniques and practices
Experience in emergency, tactical or customer/public complaint interactions utilizing communication technology, including basic computer and typing skills
Knowledge of interviewing and observation techniques
Knowledge of family dynamics and functioning
Knowledge of Chapter 415, Florida Statutes, Adult Protective Services Act and the Department of Children and Families, Adult Protective Investigations and Services Policy and Procedures.
Skill in researching and utilization of internet sites to gather information
Ability to assess service needs and facilitate appropriate service delivery
Ability to write professional, accurate investigative reports
Ability to conduct fact-finding interviews
Ability to understand and apply relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
Ability to collect and synthesize evidentiary materials
Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments
Ability to actively listen, communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Ability to utilize computer systems and work in a paperless environment
Ability to mentor and coach new and existing protective investigators.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
A valid driver's license and safe driving history.
Must own, or have access to, a licensed, operational, insured automobile that would be available for completing fieldwork daily. Must be able to work weekends and schedules on a rotating basis as necessary.
SPECIAL NOTE:
This position has been designated as an essential position. Incumbents are expected to work during emergency situations or natural disasters and may be required to work before, during and beyond normal work hours/days.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, 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 that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clickinghere (http://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/97612/566545) . All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
Location:
LAKELAND, FL, US, 33801
Nearest Major Market:Lakeland
