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Entry Level Missing Persons Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Missing Persons Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do entry level missing persons investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level missing persons investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level missing persons investigators, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level missing persons investigators often encounter challenges such as handling emotionally charged situations, managing large amounts of information, and coordinating with multiple agencies. To overcome these obstacles, it's important to develop strong communication skills, stay organized with case files, and seek guidance from experienced colleagues. Building rapport with families and collaborating effectively with law enforcement and social services are also key to successfully resolving cases and gaining valuable experience in the field.

What does an Entry Level Missing Persons Investigator do?

An Entry Level Missing Persons Investigator assists in locating and recovering individuals who have gone missing. Their responsibilities typically include gathering information, conducting interviews, searching public records, coordinating with law enforcement, and following leads to help find missing persons. They often work under the supervision of experienced investigators and may be employed by private investigation firms, law enforcement agencies, or non-profit organizations. Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills are important for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Missing Persons Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Missing Persons Investigator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice or law enforcement, often supported by an associate's or bachelor's degree. Familiarity with investigative databases, case management software, and public records systems is typically required. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and empathy are important soft skills for gathering information and working with families or other agencies. These skills and qualities are crucial for efficiently locating missing individuals and ensuring thorough, sensitive investigations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Missing Persons Investigator jobs? The most popular types of Missing Persons Investigator jobs are:
Missing Person's Coordinator (Closes 7/27)

Missing Person's Coordinator (Closes 7/27)

Allegheny County Department of Human Services

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Allegheny County rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

610th of 833 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary
The Missing Persons & Exploitation Prevention Coordinator will serve as the County's central point of contact for missing persons reports, with a priority on children and vulnerable adults. This role ensures rapid response to recover missing individuals, addresses the underlying risks contributing to disappearances, and implements strategies to prevent reoccurrence. The coordinator will also lead the County's efforts in preventing and disrupting human trafficking, child exploitation, and other forms of abuse that may be linked to missing incidents.
Key Responsibilities
  1. Case Management & Coordination

  • Receive, log, and track all missing person reports referred to the County, ensuring accurate data entry into internal systems and state/national databases (NCIC, NAMUS).
  • Coordinate the County's missing persons response in partnership with law enforcement, CYF caseworkers, schools, and community agencies.
  • Lead high-priority response efforts for cases involving suspected human trafficking, exploitation, or significant mental health risk.
  • Maintain a secure, confidential case management system for all open and closed cases.

  1. Interagency Collaboration

  • Serve as liaison between CYF, Allegheny County Police, Pennsylvania State Police, municipal police departments, the FBI, NCMEC, and other relevant entities.
  • Facilitate multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings for complex or high-risk cases involving law enforcement, social services, victim advocacy, and healthcare providers.
  • Develop joint prevention campaigns with community partners, focusing on at-risk youth populations.

  1. Prevention & Recovery Support

  • Create and maintain individualized recovery plans for returned missing persons, including interviews, safety planning, and referrals to therapeutic or protective services.
  • Conduct exploitation risk assessments for all recovered children and youth in CYF care.
  • Implement prevention strategies targeting repeat-missing youth, including mentoring, family mediation, and placement stability initiatives.

  1. Special Focus - Human Trafficking & Exploitation Prevention

  • Identify patterns and indicators of human trafficking and exploitation linked to missing person cases.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with victim service providers, safe housing programs, and survivor advocacy networks.
  • Deliver countywide training for CYF, foster carers, and law enforcement on trafficking indicators, survivor-centered engagement, and rapid response protocols.
  • Ensure mandatory reporting to NCMEC and law enforcement for all suspected trafficking cases.

  1. Compliance & Reporting

  • Ensure compliance with Pennsylvania missing persons laws, the Adam Walsh Act, the Missing Children's Assistance Act, and Allegheny County policy.
  • Submit monthly data reports to leadership highlighting trends, recovery rates, and trafficking concerns.
  • Maintain readiness for internal audits, external reviews, and grant compliance checks.

  1. Training & Policy Development

  • Develop and deliver training modules for County staff, law enforcement, and partner agencies on missing persons procedures, exploitation risk, and trauma-informed practice.
  • Contribute to updates of the County's Missing Persons Protocol and Human Trafficking Response Plan.

Qualifications
  1. Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Social Work, Public Administration, or related field (Master's preferred).
  • Minimum 3 years' experience in missing person's coordination, child welfare, victim services, or law enforcement.
  • Demonstrated experience in human trafficking prevention and multi-agency coordination.

  1. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Strong understanding of Pennsylvania missing people's statutes, NCIC protocols, and child protection law.
  • Excellent crisis response, investigative coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Ability to handle sensitive, confidential information with integrity.
  • Skilled in risk assessment and trauma-informed interviewing.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and case management software.

  1. Licenses & Certifications

  • Valid Pennsylvania driver's license.
  • NCIC certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
  • Completion of certified human trafficking awareness and response training (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
  • Child abuse and criminal history clearances required.

Working Conditions
  • Primarily office-based with required fieldwork.
  • May require evening, weekend, or on-call availability for urgent cases.
  • Frequent contact with individuals in crisis and exposure to sensitive information.

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