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

• Mandatory attendance to the job assignment location is required. Failure to report to the location in accordance with Sheriff's Office Standard Operating Procedures may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. 
• 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 12 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.