ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN CHILD PROTECTION OPPORTUNITIES SHOULD PERIODICALLY CHECK THE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY CIVIL SERVICE FOR VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Major Duties
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.
- 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.
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, 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Note: Minimum Qualifications MUST be attained before the recruitment ending date.
Graduation from an accredited four year degree granting 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 State of Florida Child Protection Professional Certification; and Possession of a valid Driver License.
OR
An Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university; and Two 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 State of Florida Child Protection Professional Certification; and Possession of a valid Driver License.
OR
Graduation from high school or possession of a GED Certificate; and Four 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 State of Florida Child Protection Professional Certification; and Possession of a valid Driver License.
OR
Successful completion of the Sheriff's Office Training Program; and Possession of a valid State of Florida Child Protection Professional Certification; and Possession of a valid Driver License.