Joshua Wurst
Ocala,FL
Summary
I am currently an Adult Protective Investigator (API) with the Florida Department of Children and Families. For over 2 years, I have gained experience in assessing and investigating reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. I also have over a year of experience as a navigator with DCF's Hope Florida program, where I assisted clients with overcoming barriers to self sufficiency and created care plans to help them obtain services they needed. Prior to my employment with DCF, I was a police officer with both Panama City Beach Police Department and Lynn Haven Police Department, with a combined total of over 6 years of law enforcement experience. With this combined experience as an API, navigator, and police officer, I have developed and honed a variety of skills including, but not limited to, crisis intervention, analysis, and written and verbal communication. I consider these to be by biggest strengths. Aside from my work experience, I graduated with honors from Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in criminology.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adult Protective Investigator
Florida Department of Children and Families
08.2023 - Current
- Investigate abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults.
- Interview victims and alleged perpetrators in homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing facilities.
- Assess the capacity of vulnerable adults to consent to services.
- Complete risk assessments and safety plans for vulnerable adults.
- Complete case notes and investigative summaries.
- Gather and analyze evidence such as medical and financial records pertaining to allegations of maltreatment.
- Make referrals for in-home service and coordinate with service providers.
- File petitions and testify in court as necessary.
Care Navigator
Florida Department of Children and Families
03.2022 - 08.2023
- Assist clients with overcoming barriers to self-sufficiency.
- Use FLORIDA Access and other databases to review Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF cases.
- Complete interviews with clients to identify barriers and needs for service.
- Complete care plan for clients to outline steps they need to take to resolve their barriers and needs.
Adult Protective Investigator
Florida Department Of Children And Families
04.2021 - 03.2022
- Investigate abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults.
- Interview victims and alleged perpetrators in homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing facilities.
- Assess the capacity of vulnerable adults to consent to services.
- Complete risk assessments and safety plans for vulnerable adults.
- Complete case notes and investigative summaries.
- Gather and analyze evidence such as medical and financial records pertaining to allegations of maltreatment.
- Make referrals for in-home service and coordinate with service providers.
- File petitions and testify in court as necessary.
Police Officer
Lynn Haven Police Department
10.2020 - 03.2021
- Proactively patrol assigned zones to detect and deter suspicious activity and crime
- Respond to incidents including but not limited to disturbances, domestic violence, theft, suspicious activity, traffic crashes, deaths, fraud, and civil disputes
- Conduct thorough investigations of crimes and traffic crashes and prepared detailed reports of such
- Make arrests when applicable for violations of Florida Statutes and municipal ordinances
- Secure crime scenes, gather evidence, and question suspects and witnesses
- Enforce traffic laws through use of laser and radar speed measurement devices and other means
- Work closely with the State Attorney's Office by assembling case files for felony offenses and testifying in court
Police Officer
Panama City Beach Police Department
07.2015 - 09.2020
- Proactively patrolled assigned zones to detect and deter suspicious activity and crime
- Responded to incidents including but not limited to disturbances, domestic violence, theft, suspicious activity, traffic crashes, deaths, fraud, and civil disputes
- Conducted thorough investigations of crimes and traffic crashes and prepared detailed reports of such
- Made arrests when applicable for violations of Florida Statutes and municipal ordinances
- Secured crime scenes, gathered evidence, and questioned suspects and witnesses
- Enforced traffic laws through use of laser and radar speed measurement devices and other means
- Obtained advanced training in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and DUI detection and enforcement, and proactively investigated and arrested motorists who were impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Worked closely with the State Attorney's Office by assembling case files for felony offenses and testifying in court
- Supervised crowds at busy events such as 4th of July and New Year's Eve celebrations, Gulf Coast Jam, Thunder Beach rallies, Ironman competitions, and parades
- As a senior officer, evaluated case work of other officers when needed to ensure accuracy and efficiency as well as adherence to department policy, state law, and civil rights
Security Officer
L Lance & Associates, LLC
12.2014 - 04.2015
- Directed guests around the properties, including resorts and condos, and answered questions regarding accessibility
- Conducted foot patrols on property, detected suspicious activities, and watched for criminal acts and rule infractions
- Prepared reports for various types of incidents and suspicious activity occurring on properties
- Monitored central alarm systems for fire, intrusion, and duress and responded when needed
- Manned front gates and denied entrance to the properties to unauthorized persons
- Assisted first responders in emergency situations
Education
Law Enforcement
Gulf Coast State College
Panama City, FL2013
Bachelor of Science - Criminology
Florida State University
Panama City, FL2012
Associate of Arts - General
Gulf Coast Community College
Panama City, FL2010
Intelligence
Mercyhurst College
Erie, PASkills
- Knowledge and application of criminal, civil, and traffic laws
- Investigative techniques and evidence collection
- Interpersonal communication skills, de-escalation and crisis intervention, and interview techniques
- Familiarization with various mental illnesses and dementia
- Recognition of signs of abuse, exploitation, and neglect
- Detailed report writing, risk assessment, and creation of safety plans
- Court preparation and testimony
- Recognition of all classes of drugs and related impairment
Accomplishments
- Graduated with honors from Florida State Univeristy
- Graduated at the top of my class at the Gulf Coast State College Law Enforcement Academy and received the Charles H. Abbott Award for Academic Excellence and the Kevin S. Kight Memorial Law Enforcement State Officer Certification Award
- Received Mother's Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019 for being one of the top 3 DUI enforcement officers in my agency as well as one of the top 30 DUI enforcement officers in the region
Certification
- Florida State Law Enforcement Officer Certification
- TASER Conducted Electronic Weapons (CEW) Certification
- Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) Certification
- Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving (ARIDE) Certification
- Breath Test Operator (BTO) Certification
Timeline
Adult Protective Investigator
Florida Department of Children and Families
08.2023 - Current
Care Navigator
Florida Department of Children and Families
03.2022 - 08.2023
Adult Protective Investigator
Florida Department Of Children And Families
04.2021 - 03.2022
Police Officer
Lynn Haven Police Department
10.2020 - 03.2021
Police Officer
Panama City Beach Police Department
07.2015 - 09.2020
Security Officer
L Lance & Associates, LLC
12.2014 - 04.2015
Law Enforcement
Gulf Coast State College
Bachelor of Science - Criminology
Florida State University
Associate of Arts - General
Gulf Coast Community College
Intelligence
Mercyhurst College
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