CHILD CARE LICENSING SPECIALIST

State of Florida • Tampa, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a professional position specializing in counseling, casework, and administrative activities in Child Care Regulation, responsible for inspecting and licensing Family Day Care Homes, Large Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Facilities within established time frames. The role involves conducting inspections to monitor compliance with Florida Statutes and Child Care Regulation standards, processing applications, investigating complaints, and managing administrative actions. It also requires developing a proficient working knowledge of applicable statutes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and community resources, and attaining a high proficiency in the program's hardware, software, system applications, and web pages. The position also involves responding to inquiries and providing technical assistance and support to childcare providers to promote sustained compliance and ensure the health and safety of children in licensed programs.

Requirements

• 2 + years of experience in the Child Care Industry (example: Classroom Teacher, Director, Paraprofessional)
• High School Diploma required.
• Ability to use a computer and knowledge of computer programs such Excel, Microsoft, Notepad, Outlook etc)
• The ability to have and utilize analytical and problem-solving skills to conduct on-site complaint inspections.
• Ability to write comprehensive and cohesive reports that are detailed and objective.
• Public Speaking a Must (utilize during hearings or presentations)
• Must possess the following qualities/ skills, time management, strong organizational, maintain confidentiality, ability to multitask, and adapt to changes.
• Driver’s License: Required
• Candidate Profile (application) must be completed in its entirety.
• Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment.
• Account for and explain any gaps in employment so that the hiring process is not delayed.
• Experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities as well as responses to pre-qualifying questions must be verifiable to meet the minimum qualifications.
• It is unacceptable to use the statement “See Resume” in place of entering work history.
• Participation in the State of Florida Direct Deposit Program is required as a condition of employment per F.S. 110.113, and enrollment must be completed within the first 30 calendar days of your appointment.
• Male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion into an authorized position unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS.
• Any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S., and, if applicable, Chapter 408, F.S.
• Background screening shall include, but not be limited to, fingerprinting for State and Federal criminal records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and may include local criminal history checks through local law enforcement agencies.

Nice To Haves

• If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be suspended or voided, and you will be required to repay all benefits received depending upon the date of your retirement.

Responsibilities

• Conducts inspections for childcare homes and facilities to monitor compliance with Florida Statutes and Child Care Regulation standards.
• Maintains tracking system to ensure inspection timeframes are met and the correct number of inspections are completed annually.
• Processes initial and renewal applications, including background screening clearances and training as required by statute, determines eligibility and makes recommendations for licensure to supervisor/Licensing Manager.
• Investigates complaints on licensed providers and illegal childcare operations.
• Prepares reports and initiates administrative action as required by statute and/or Child Care Regulation Standards.
• Inputs and updates provider database, CARES, on a regular basis.
• Archives inspections timely and monitors accuracy of data.
• Develops professionally by acquiring a proficient working knowledge of the applicable statutes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and community resources which provide the framework for the childcare regulation program.
• Attains a high proficiency/skill level as demonstrated through the competent utilization of the program's hardware, software, system applications and web pages.
• Manage the progressive discipline and administrative action processes, which includes providing timely administrative complaint notifications to providers, keeping the information system current throughout the administrative action process and closing out each action timely and accurately.
• Responds to telephone and email inquiries and walk-in requests from the public, parents, other agencies and providers and provides accurate information on childcare programs.
• Consults with stakeholders and other clients regarding childcare regulation.
• Responds positively and timely to special assignments and performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Provide technical assistance and support to childcare providers to promote sustained compliance with Child Care Regulation standards and ensures corrective action requirements are met.
• Ensure the health and safety of children in Childcare licensed programs through on-site inspections and monitoring of Childcare Programs.

Benefits

• The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits.
• Growth Opportunities:With 12,000 employees across the state DCF promotes opportunities and training for all.
• All employees are encouraged to take advantage of available Department opportunities for advancement and professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED