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Missing Persons Unit Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Residential MHA (Gadsden)

Quincy, FL ยท On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

... direction and unit procedures. Assists patients in activities of daily living, assists in ... missing persons or elopements. Shift: 7:30am-8:00pm , 12 hour Day or 7:30pm-8:00am, 12 hour Night ...

... missing persons or elopements. OTHER JOB-SPECIFIC: * Must participate and complete all levels of ... At the conclusion of a shift, must clear departure with the unit supervisor to ensure shift ...

... suspicious persons. * Performs other tasks as assigned. * Ensures each scheduled patient has ... Communicates incorrect and/or missing charges to manager/team leader. * Reviews and reconciles all ...

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Missing Persons Unit information

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How much do missing persons unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for missing persons unit in Florida is $15.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Missing Persons Unit?

A Missing Persons Unit is a specialized division within law enforcement agencies dedicated to investigating and locating individuals who have been reported missing. These units collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to gather information, analyze evidence, and coordinate search efforts. They also provide support and resources to the families of missing persons. The primary goal of a Missing Persons Unit is to safely locate missing individuals and resolve their cases as quickly as possible.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a Missing Persons Unit?

Professionals in a Missing Persons Unit often encounter emotionally charged situations, balancing sensitivity with investigative rigor. One common challenge is managing high caseloads while ensuring each case receives adequate attention and resources. Collaborating effectively with law enforcement agencies, social services, and families is crucial to gathering information and leads. Additionally, the unpredictable nature of each case can require flexible hours and adaptability to rapidly changing circumstances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Missing Persons Unit, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Missing Persons Unit, you need a strong background in criminal justice or law enforcement, investigative skills, and often relevant police academy training or degree. Familiarity with case management systems, forensic technologies, and national databases like NCIC is typically required. Strong soft skills such as empathy, resilience, and effective communication are vital for working with distressed families and coordinating with various agencies. These competencies are crucial for efficiently investigating cases, supporting affected individuals, and increasing the chances of locating missing persons safely.

What is the difference between Missing Persons Unit vs Missing Persons Investigator?

AspectMissing Persons UnitMissing Persons Investigator
Required CredentialsLaw enforcement training, criminal justice degree often preferredLaw enforcement background, criminal justice degree, specialized training
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, field operations, community outreachField investigations, interviews, case analysis
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsLaw enforcement agencies, private investigation firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in missing persons casesSpecific investigative responsibilities in missing persons cases

The Missing Persons Unit typically refers to a specialized team within law enforcement focused on locating missing individuals, often involving community outreach and coordination. A Missing Persons Investigator is a role within or associated with this unit, responsible for conducting investigations, interviews, and case analysis. While both roles require law enforcement credentials and work within similar environments, the investigator focuses more on active casework, whereas the unit encompasses broader coordination efforts.

How much do missing persons unit investigators make?

Missing Persons Unit investigators typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and agency size. They often require law enforcement training and may work irregular hours, including nights and weekends.

Is tracking missing persons a real job?

Yes, tracking missing persons is a real job typically performed by law enforcement agencies' Missing Persons Units. These professionals use investigative skills, databases, and sometimes forensic tools to locate individuals and assist in recovery efforts.

What does it take to become a missing persons unit investigator?

A missing persons unit investigator typically needs a background in law enforcement, strong investigative skills, and knowledge of case management and evidence collection. Relevant training, such as criminal investigation courses, and proficiency with tools like databases and surveillance equipment are also important. Often, experience in patrol or detective work is required before specializing in missing persons cases.

What are popular job titles related to Missing Persons Unit jobs in Florida?

For Missing Persons Unit jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Missing Persons Unit jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Missing Persons Unit jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Missing Persons Unit jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Missing Persons Unit job openings:

Infographic showing various Missing Persons Unit job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,995 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Inpatient MHA II (Children's Unit & Associate's Level)

APALACHEE CENTER INC

Tallahassee, FL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Apalachee Center, Inc. is best known for helping individuals and families of North Florida succeed in recovering from emotional, psychiatric, and substance abuse crises. Apalachee Center, Inc. provides comprehensive behavioral health services across 8 counties (Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties).

Apalachee Center, Inc. offers competitive benefits for our full-time positions to include health, dental, vision, basic life insurance, long term disability, paid time off, and more.

Overview:

Provides client supervision, care, and activities services in accordance with professional staff direction and unit procedures.ย  Assists clients in activities of daily living, assists in implementing treatment plans and provides supportive contact with clients. Please note: this position is only available on our children's unit.ย 

ESSENTIAL/CORE JOB-SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ย 

1. Follows MHA guidelines as outlined for assigned unit.

2. Supervises clients during program activities, meals, courtyard breaks and all unscheduled times or as directed by supervisor.ย  Assists clients with activities of daily living as necessary.ย  ACI (eating, laundry, personal hygiene, etc.)ย  Ensures laundry is tracked accurately and returned to client.ย  Assists clients in ambulating as needed.ย  Assists in meal preparation, serving, and clean-up in conjunction with dietary staff. Supervises and documents meal intake as directed by nursing or supervisory staff.

ย  ย  ย  a. Build rapport with clients through consistent, respectful, and supportive interactions.

ย  ย  ย  b. Facilitate group and individual therapeutic activities that align with treatment goals.

ย  ย  ย  c. Monitor and document client progress, behaviors, and interactions.

ย  ย  ย d. Assist in the supervision of the unit as directed. Respond to crises with professionalism, using de-escalation and therapeutic intervention techniques.

ย  ย  ย e. Uphold safety protocols and maintain composure under high-pressure situations.

3. Supervises clients on special observation/precautionary status levels as assigned by supervisor.ย Monitors other clients in accordance with program procedures or as assigned by supervisory staff.

4.ย  Orients clients to unit/facility, rules and responsibilities, schedules and activities, etc. at time of admission in accordance with unit procedure.ย  Documents orientation activities in accordance with program specifications.ย  Performs accurate inventory and documents correctly upon admission of a client. Completes inventory of client belongings and monitors client compliance with contraband prohibition in accordance with unit procedures to ensure the safety and security of clients and staff.ย  Notifies nurse of any suspected possession of contraband or potentially dangerous object on unit.

5. Communicates immediately to nursing staff important information regarding client's concerns or complaints regarding physical and emotional needs, changes in client functioning or status, any symptoms of possible medical or psychiatric emergencies, or possible missing persons or elopements.

Education/Experience:ย 

  • An Associates degree required.
  • Experience working with clients in behavioral health, education, or a therapeutic setting.

Licensure or Certification:

  • Must obtain and maintain current CPR, First Aid, and CPI certifications.
  • Must possess current, valid driverโ€™s license and maintain Apalachee Designated Auto Driver status.