DoD SkillBridge: Abuse Counselor

DoD SkillBridge Internship: Abuse Counselor

Industry Mentor: Florida Department of Children and Families

SkillBridge Provider: Vets2PM LLC

Location: Tallahassee, Florida

Applicants must be active-duty U.S. Military Members who qualify for the DoD SkillBridge Program.

To Apply: Apply to this internship posting and if you haven't already go to and complete the SkillBridge interest form (this is a requirement).

About the Florida Department of Children and Families:

Working in partnership with local communities to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency.

This department is seeking U.S. military veterans to fill critical positions via the DoD SkillBridge program. Some of the requirements of these positions are waived for U.S. military veterans. If you are interested in this internship, in any location in Florida, please apply and we will connect you with the proper people to discuss DoD SkillBridge opportunities.

Florida Department of Children and Families website:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the internship:

Knowledge of theories and practices in social work or education.

Knowledge of professional ethics relating to child and adult protective services.

Knowledge of interviewing techniques.

Knowledge of basic investigative techniques.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Ability to make critical decisions independently.

Ability to conduct thorough telephone assessments.

Ability to analyze information and determine its validity.

Ability to understand and apply Chapters 39 and 415, Florida Statutes, and other relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to provide guidance and assistance to persons in crisis.

Ability to conduct fact-finding interviews.

Ability to assess risk factors for indicators of abuse, neglect or abandonment of children.

Ability to assess risk factors for indicators of abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults.

Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.

Ability to actively listen to others.

Ability to write accurate allegation narratives that support the need for an investigation.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with others.

Ability to utilize personal computer systems and associated applications, including Microsoft® Word.

Knowledge of web-based applications.

Ability to use general office equipment, such as facsimile and copyin Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This is professional work protecting children and vulnerable adults at the Florida Abuse Hotline. The incumbent assesses allegations of abuse, neglect or abandonment of children, and abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults. The incumbent determines if the information meets statutory criteria for an investigation or referral to an approprate agency. Some incumbents may provide bilingual services

Enters abuse reports in the appropriate information system.

Receives and assesses verbal and written allegations of abuse, neglect or abandonment of children, and abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults.

Researches appropriate information systems to determine prior history to assist in the safety and risk assessment of alleged victim.

Receives and refers, as appropriate, complaints against vendors, related licensed facilities, and Department employees that may include human rights violations, inappropriate treatment, and inadequate services.

Enters screened out calls in the appropriate information system.

Assigns cases to appropriate Department of Children and Families county unit or law enforcement agency for investigation.

Gathers information and consults with supervisory staff regarding child and adult death reports.

Provides supportive assistance and referral services to persons in need.

Maintains liaison with field investigative staff, supervisors, and other adult and child protective services professionals in both public and private sectors.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned. Licensure/Registration/Certification requirements (if applicable):

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 A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Incumbents must successfully complete a written and a performance-based assessment during the probationary period.

CJIS Certification must be obtained upon completion of pre-service training. Other job-related requirements for this position:

All Florida Abuse Hotline employees are considered essential personnel and are expected to report to work during emergencies or natural disasters. Incumbent must be able to work non-traditional work hours, which may include nights and/or weekends.

Drug Screening

Background & Fingerprints required [NOTE: Because this is a SkillBridge Internship, it is understood that no single candidate will have equal expertise in all the areas of responsibility listed. Successful candidates will possess a compelling combination of many of them and the self-awareness and wisdom to leverage existing and/or new resources in the area(s) where they lack personal mastery.]

Current locations for this position: Tallahasse, Florida

Vets2PM Provides:

Mentorship and guidance via weekly SkillBridge Intern Zoom Meetings.

PM Fundamentals course, Resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, and interview skills course.

Other free resources, including an electronic copy of 'How to Speak Civilian Fluently'.