CHILD PROTECTION INVESTIGATOR TRAINEE: Civil Service Office of Hillsborough

Performs trainee duties investigating alleged child abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment in accordance with Chapter 39, Florida Statutes.

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all of the activities described below.

Note: Incumbents function in a trainee status under the supervision of a Child Protection Investigator to attain proficiency in the below listed duties and become eligible for promotion to a Child Protection Investigator in the Sheriff's Office.

• Investigates alleged abuse, neglect, and /or abandonment of children to determine if abusive or unsafe conditions exist and takes appropriate action to ensure the safety of children.
• Interviews 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.
• Informs clients of available social service programs to assist them with their needs.
• Conducts followup visits to ensure the safety of children is being maintained and support programs are inplace.
• Testifies in court to accurately relate the circumstances of cases investigated.
• Establishes and maintains case management files, to include computer databases, to provide accurate recording and availability of case information.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Considerable knowledge of the theories and practices used in child protection and family support.
• Working knowledge federal, state and local laws governing child protection.
• Working knowledge of professional ethics related to child protection investigations.
• Working knowledge of Federal, State, County and 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 composure during court testimony and cross
• examination.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to work nights, week
• ends and holidays.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Note: Minimum Qualifications MUST be attained before the recruitment ending date.

Graduation from an accredited four year degree granting college or university; and
Possession of a valid Driver License.

OR

An Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university; and
One year of experience investigating child abuse allegations; assessing client's needs and eligibility for social services, community services, legal or medical services; or counseling clients; and
Possession of a valid Driver License.

OR

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate; and
Three years of experience investigating child abuse allegations; assessing client's needs and eligibility for social services, community services, legal or medical services; or counseling clients; and
Possession of a valid Driver License.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION AT TIME OF APPLICATION

If you believe that you qualify for this position based upon education or training you have received, you will be required to provide a copy of your official college transcripts or copy of diploma from the accredited college/university, and/or a copy of a certificate indicating your successful completion of any required training, before your qualifications will be evaluated.

Note: If you will be faxing copies to the Civil Service Office, please include your full name and last four digits of your social security number, and fax the required documents to (813) 272 - 5620.

A background investigation prior to initial hiring; and Possession of a valid State of Florida Child Protection Professional Certification within the probationary period.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Preference will ONLY be entitled upon initial appointment for eligible veterans and eligible spouses of veterans. Documentation to support entitlement to preference MUST be provided at the time of application.

DRUG-FREE WORK PLACE: The employers of Hillsborough County have implemented a drug-free workplace and all offers of employment are conditioned on job applicants successfully passing a drug test.

NOTE: Depending on the agency of employment, individuals hired may be required to review Hillsborough County driving eligibility criteria and acknowledge their understanding of its provisions.

NOTE: Employees are required to participate in the response/recovery activities related to emergencies/disasters affecting the County. They are required to work in their normal job duties or other activities within their skills and capabilities. Proper compensation will be made in accordance with existing rules and procedures.

EXAMINATION: Applicants will be competitively rated on the basis of their training and experience.

Hillsborough County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.