HUMAN Services Program Specialist - 60020829

Human Services Program Specialist - 60020829

This is a promotional position for an Adult Protective Investigator or Human Services Counselor. This is an advanced professional work assessing and developing Adult Protective Investigators and Human Service Counselor IIIs to ensure possession of the appropriate level of professional competencies. This position will work in cooperation with Program Administrator, API Supervisors and Regional management in promoting the development of knowledge, skills and applications to case activities.

This advanced professional position will receive abuse intakes, maintain a caseload, while coaching, motivating and modeling best practices to provide real time casework guidance and assessment for both new and existing APIs. The position may also be called upon to assist the Services Component as needed by the Circuit. The position will be located in Circuit 18 (covering Brevard and Seminole counties) and will work directly under the Program Administrator.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas: Florida Abuse Hotline, developmental services, law enforcement investigations, licensed health care, aging and adult services, licensed child day care, mental health.
• Currently work as an Adult Protective Investigator or Human Service Counselor III with two years of experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of Chapter 415 and CFOP 140-2.
• Working knowledge of investigative techniques and practices.
• Working Knowledge of the Services Component as needed by the Circuit.
• Ability to actively listen, communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly and accurately, both orally and in written form.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of Chapter 415 and CFOP 140-2.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques and practices.
• 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 review Initial ASAs.
• Ability to review cases for closure.
• 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 and management tasks. Typing and good time management skills are necessary for this job.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts investigations regarding allegations of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation or self-neglect of vulnerable adults in accordance to Florida Statute Chapter 415 and CFOP 140-2;
• Coaches, motivates and models best practice to provide real time field casework guidance and assessment for both new and existing APIs.
• Observe and evaluate investigators' casework activities, assessment of service needs and referrals to services and provide feedback to the API and Adult Protective Supervisor.
• Assess and coach APIs interviewing, assessment and documentation skills.
• Review casework, assessment and findings, providing consultation and direction to ensure appropriateness, clarity and quality of the investigation.
• Coordinate and provide in-service training to address areas where individual and/or unit performance improvement is required.
• Identify operational problems in the implementation of policies, procedures, and training gaps, making recommendations for improvements. Works with management and participates on performance improvement teams based on results of quality assurance reviews.
• Provide backup to Adult Protective Investigators, and Supervisors in field work, reviewing and closing cases and at times filling in for Adult Protective Supervisors when needed.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.
• The position will perform all job tasks in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements applicable to state and federal laws or procedures.

Special Requirements:

• A valid driver's license and safe driving history.
• Must own, or have access to, a licensed, operational, insured automobile that would be available for doing fieldwork daily. (Prior to employment proof of the required level of automobile insurance must be provided)
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays and schedules on a rotating basis as necessary.

Special Note:

• State of Florida Employment Applications should be up-to-date and complete in order to receive full consideration. Some Agency positions may require successful completion of pre-interview assessment or a work sample prior to interview.
• Ability to speak/read/write Spanish/Creole/French or other foreign language may be considered in the selection process as determined by Agency need at time of interview.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Veterans' Preference. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.