Abuse Counselor

Abuse Counselor

Department of Children and Families

Tallahassee, Florida

This is not a telework position. It reports to our Tallahassee office.

What you will do:

This is professional work protecting children and vulnerable adults at the Florida Abuse Hotline. The employee(s) allocated to this class, assess allegations of abuse, neglect or abandonment of children, and abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. The employee(s) will determine if the information meets statutory criteria for an investigation or referral to an appropriate agency.

How you will make an impact :

• Research appropriate information systems to determine prior history to assist in the safety and risk assessment of alleged victim(s).
• Assign cases to appropriate Department of Children and Families county units or law enforcement agencies for investigation.
• Receive and refer, as appropriate, complaints against vendors, related licensed facilities, and department employees that may include human rights violations, inappropriate treatment, and inadequate services.
• Enter reports in the appropriate information system.
• Enter screened out calls in the appropriate database.
• Gather information and consult with supervisory staff regarding child and adult death reports.
• Provide supportive assistance and referral services to persons in need.
• Maintain professional respect with field investigative staff, supervisors, and other adult and child protective service professionals in both public and private sectors.
• Performs other related work as required.

Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent and four years of law enforcement experience or active military service (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably); or
• An associate 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 (honorably discharged or status that current service reflects serving honorably); or

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 welfare, education or medical professional jobs that occur in high-paced, high-stress environments that require critical decision-making to occur

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

An official letter from the college/university registrar or unofficial transcriptions with anticipated graduation dates and credits earned must be provided for all diploma/degree requirements.

Proof of conferred degree such as official transcripts or copy of diploma/degree must be provided within 30 days of hire as a condition of employment.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both orally and in written form.
• Ability to attend an approximate 9 – 13-week training course that could be scheduled during day, weekend, and evening hours.

Additional Information/Requirements

• This position may require evening, night, and weekend hours. It has also been designated as an essential position. Incumbents are expected to work during emergency situations or natural disasters and may be required to work before, during and beyond normal work hours/days.
• If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be suspended or voided, and you will be required to repay all benefits received depending upon the date of your retirement.
• The position will perform all job tasks in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements applicable to state and federal laws or procedures.
• We hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers.
• Participation in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program is required as a condition of employment per F.S. 110.113, and enrollment must be completed within the first 30 calendar days of your appointment.

Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits.

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Growth Opportunities:

With 12,000 employees across the state DCF promotes opportunities and training for all. Our jobs are among the most challenging, complex, and difficult in State government. They are also among the most rewarding. All employees are encouraged to take advantage of available Department opportunities for advancement and professional development.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $37,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person