This is a professional position conducting confidential investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable adult.

Must have a Valid Florida Drivers license and pass MVR background

Candidate Pay Rate $18.00

ONSITE: M - F 8 to 5

TRAVEL: 60%. MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT - Direct by DCF. TRAVEL AREA: Counties: Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Conducts investigations regarding allegations of abuse, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults
• Responds to reports from the Florida Abuse Hotline by preparing for investigation, reviewing all prior history, reviewing criminal history checks, and contacting the reporter (when available).
• Commences all adult abuse, neglect, exploitation and self-neglect investigations with a face-to-face contact with the victim within the assigned priority time frames.
• Visits all adult victims or ensure a diligent effort made to locate the victim within assigned priority time frames.
• Prepares and maintains adult abuse, neglect, exploitations and self-neglect reporting records/documentation in accordance with department and program policies and procedures on:

a) Completes victim assessment on all victims received from the Hotline, unless victim cannot be found 

b) Completes capacity to consent or refuse services form on all victims 

c) Contacts collateral contacts such as the state attorney, law enforcement, medical personnel, neighbors, relatives, guardians, or other individuals having knowledge of the situation 

d) Collects evidence to support findings through interviews, observations, and records (i.e medical and financial)Determines findings of allegation(s), documents rational for findings and all decisions made during the investigation, and makes disposition for each investigation report. Preparation of required reports for court and the attendance at those court and referral, counsels, explains, advised, arranges appointment and listens to the client's concerns 100% of all reports of adult abuse, neglect, exploitation and self-neglect are closed and documented in the Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN)Maintains cooperative working relationships with organizations and other agencies involved with adult protective investigations such as community based providers, law enforcement, medical personnel, schools and other community/agency resources, including appropriate and timely follow-up on referrals and obtains available information from departmental background checks through Hotline criminal background re-checks and other program components to include Agency for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (APD), Substance Abuse/ Mental Health (SAMH), Department of Health (DOH), and Economic Services and Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).Assesses the need for emergency intervention and/or on-going services for all victims in accordance with the protective investigations policies and operating procedures. Arranges and participates in all staffing's for clients referred for early services intervention and protective supervision.Refers venerable adult(s) to appropriate services providers as determined by the investigation which may be initiated at any point during the investigation.Attends scheduled in-service and/or pre-service training as required. Participates in conferences, staffing's and meetings as required.

SKILLS NEEDED:

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; 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 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Qualifications:• A high school diploma or GED equivalent and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service; or• An associates degree or 60+ credit hours from an accredited college or university and two years of professional work experience (see examples below) or two years of law enforcement experience or active military service; or• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Examples of professional work experience could be, although not limited to:• Guardian Ad Litem or similar child advocate role• Family Support Worker• Group Home Worker• Teacher's Assistant/Aide• Daycare Provider/Worker• Therapeutic Assistant• Behavioral Health Technician• Family Intervention Specialist• Home Health Aide• Nurse (LPN or RN) or similar profession• Nursing Facility Assistant• EMT• Other professional jobs that occur in high-paced, high-stress environments that require critical decision-making to occur