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Missing Children Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Youth Justice/PINS/DOC- Conferencing, Missing Children's Outreach Unit, Supervision to 21, RCPPU ... with Investigative Consultants in recovering youth that are AWOC -Working closely with DYCD-Safe ...

Analyze, collate, and disseminate information concerning missing and exploited children to the appropriate investigative agencies. Maintain contact and provide technical assistance to parents, police ...

... investigations * Work with Case Managers to ensure that missing children identified as victims of child sex trafficking are properly noted in the Missing Child Database * Identify trends and patterns ...

... investigations. * Work with Case Managers to ensure that missing children identified as victims of child sex trafficking are properly noted in the Missing Child Database. * Identify trends and ...

Police Officer

Clemson, SC · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

... missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc. Takes appropriate law enforcement action ... Conducts follow-up investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift. Seeks out and ...

Police Officer

Clemson, SC · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

... missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs, etc. Takes appropriate law enforcement action ... Conducts follow-up investigations of crimes committed during assigned shift. Seeks out and ...

Investigative Consultant I

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

... children in the custody of ACS, including investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect, helping locate youth who have left or who are missing from foster care or DYFJ non-secure detention and ...

Police Officer (Certified)

Newnan, GA · On-site

$59K - $94K/yr

Respond to emergencies and investigate accidents, robberies, civil disturbances, domestic disputes, fights, drunkenness, missing children, prowlers, abuse of drugs and take appropriate law ...

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Missing Children Investigator information

See salary details

$30.5K

$70.1K

$114K

How much do missing children investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for missing children investigator in the United States is $70,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a missing children investigator?

Missing Children Investigators are specialized professionals who work to locate and recover children who have gone missing or have been abducted. They often collaborate with law enforcement agencies, social services, and families to gather information, follow leads, and conduct searches. Their work involves interviewing witnesses, analyzing evidence, and sometimes working undercover. These investigators play a crucial role in bringing missing children home safely and ensuring their well-being. They may be employed by government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private investigative firms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a missing children investigator?

To thrive as a Missing Children Investigator, you need a background in criminal justice or law enforcement, strong investigative skills, and knowledge of child protection laws. Familiarity with case management software, databases like NCIC, and evidence collection techniques is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, empathy, and resilience are crucial for engaging with families and collaborating with various agencies. These competencies ensure thorough investigations, effective coordination, and compassionate support for affected children and families.

What are some common challenges faced by missing children investigators during their investigations?

Missing Children Investigators often encounter challenges such as gathering timely and accurate information, dealing with high emotional stakes, and coordinating with multiple agencies and jurisdictions. The urgency in these cases means investigators must act quickly, often working long hours and responding to leads as they come in. Additionally, they must maintain sensitivity when communicating with families while ensuring all protocols are followed to maximize the chances of a safe recovery.

What is the difference between Missing Children Investigator vs Child Protective Services Investigator?

AspectMissing Children InvestigatorChild Protective Services Investigator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED; law enforcement or investigative trainingHigh school diploma or GED; social work or child welfare training
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, investigation unitsChild welfare agencies, social service offices
Employer & IndustryPolice departments, federal agenciesState or local child protective services
Common Search & ComparisonFocus on locating missing childrenFocus on child safety and welfare investigations

While both roles involve working with children, Missing Children Investigators primarily focus on locating and recovering missing children, often working closely with law enforcement. Child Protective Services Investigators concentrate on child safety, investigating abuse or neglect cases within families. Both roles require investigative skills but differ in their specific focus and work environment.

More about Missing Children Investigator jobs

What states have the most Missing Children Investigator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Missing Children Investigator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Missing Children Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,123 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Missing Children Specialist

City of New York

Manhattan, NY

$60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

625th of 852 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY OF $60,428.00
HESE POSITIONS ARE ONLY OPEN TO CANDIDATES WHO ARE PERMAMENT (NOT PROVISIONAL) IN THE CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST CIVIL SERVICE TITLE
The Administration for Children's Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services and provides subsidized childcare vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement and programs for youth in the community.
The Division of Family Permanency Services (FPS) ensures that high quality services are provided to children in foster care by supporting provider agency staff with technical assistance and other services for children in foster care. FPS staff offer guidance to provider agencies on child welfare policies and procedures to improve service delivery and achieve safety, permanency, and well-being for children in foster care.
The Office of Older Youth Development Services (OYDS) is responsible for technical assistance around permanency planning and promoting shorter lengths of stay in residential placements for youth in foster care. In addition, we look at the well-being and safety of youth 12-21 years of age. The Office of Older Youth Development Services includes the following program areas: Youth Justice/PINS/DOC- Conferencing, Missing Children's Outreach Unit, Supervision to 21, RCPPU (Residential Care Permanency Planning Unit), Fast-Track Long-Stayers, APPLA Monitoring Unit, Teen Specialist Unit, Office of Child Trafficking Prevention and Policy, Reentry, Independent Review, OYDS Special Projects and OYDS Data Accountability. We also provide guidance for the foster care agencies around child sex trafficking, iFoster, transitional plans, NYTD (National Transitional Database), Sexual Health and Reproduction, CCRS coding and crossover youth practice model and Raise the Age. OYDS- Missing Children's Outreach Specialist.
The Missing Children Specialist would be responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:
- Facilitating training on policies and administrative directives on youth that go missing
- Reviewing and processing MCOU AWOC referral
- Working directly with provider agencies to provide direct support to case planners on TA and best practice involving AWOC youth
- Work closely with Investigative Consultants in recovering youth that are AWOC
- Working closely with DYCD-Safe Horizon drop-in shelters to recover youth that are in foster care that are at the shelter
- Participating in family team conferences for when youth return from AWOC
- Participating in high-risk AWOC cases involving Law Enforcement, FBI, NCEMC and cross-jurisdictions to recover missing and trafficked youth
- Bi-weekly supervision and group meeting with Residential Permanency Planning unit and Office of Child Trafficking Prevention and Consultation unit to discuss cross-work of cases
- Working closely with OCFS in participation of locating missing NYC youth in other jurisdictions.
Additional Information:
Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child-caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report.
The Administration for Children's Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing access to all individuals. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Simone Campbell at [email protected] or 212-676-6955.
To Apply
Please go to www.cityjobs.nyc.gov or www.nyc.gov/ess for current NYC employees and search for Job ID # 792793.
No phone calls, faxes or personal inquiries permitted.
Note: Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST - 52369

Qualifications

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college. Candidates must pass a test to demonstrate English language proficiency.
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college. Candidates must pass a test to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Requirements for Assignment Level II
a. Upon satisfactory completion of six months of training and experience at Assignment Level I, an employee shall be assigned to Assignment Level II.
b. Upon completion of one year of satisfactory experience at Assignment Level II of Child Welfare Specialist and satisfactory completion of the probationary period an employee shall receive no less than the minimum salary after 18 months in title.
c. To be appointed directly to Assignment Level II, a candidate must have, in addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements set forth above, one year of satisfactory child welfare casework experience.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.


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