Child Protective Investigator

About Position

Investigate alleged child abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment in accordance with Chapter 39, Florida Statutes.

Duties & Responsibilities

Note: Depending on assigned responsibilities, employees may perform some or all of the duties below.

• Investigate alleged abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment of children to determine if abusive or unsafe conditions exist and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of children within state mandated timeframes.
• Interview children and adults concerning allegations of abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment to ascertain the validity of allegations, document living conditions, and determine the need to remove children from an unsafe environment.
• Implement and inform clients of available social service programs to assist them with their needs.
• Conduct follow-up visits to ensure the safety of children is being maintained and support programs are in place.
• Testify in court to accurately relate the circumstances of cases investigated.
• Establish and manage case files to include accurate and timely documentation of investigative activities in the statewide child welfare information system.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the theories and practices used in child protection and family support.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing child protection.
• Working knowledge of professional ethics related to child protection investigations.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and county community social service programs available for child protection and family support.
• Working knowledge of investigative techniques.
• Working knowledge of court procedures related to child protection proceedings.
• Ability to collect, organize, and evaluate information and develop logical conclusions.
• Ability to interview children and adults to determine the validity of allegations.
• Ability to apply crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor during court testimony and cross examination.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Required Minimum Education & Experience

• Possession of a valid State of Florida Child Protection Professional Certification.

OR

• Successful completion of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Child Protective Investigator Trainee program.

 
Additionally, the following is required:

• Live within Hillsborough County or within Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Lake, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, or Sumter County as long as the residence is located within the 60-mile parameter of Falkenburg Road Jail at the time of appointment/employment.

Required Pre-Employment Testing

• A passing score on pre-employment testing.
• 30 net words per minute on a typing test; or 100 gross keystrokes per minute with 90% accuracy on a data entry test.

Additional Job Requirements

• Depending on assignment, employees may be required to possess a valid Florida Driver License at time of employment. Driving history will be thoroughly reviewed and may be grounds for disqualification.
• No visible tattoos on face. Tattoos on hands, neck, or arms must be covered with white, black, or neutral colored covering.
• No illegal drug sale within lifetime.
• No illegal drug use within the past 36 months. No marijuana use within the last 24 months.
• No felony convictions within lifetime.
• No misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence within lifetime.
• No dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Forces.
• Successful completion of a criminal background investigation including polygraph; reference, employment, and neighborhood checks; medical evaluation; and drug screening.