Child Care Licensor (SHPC2) - Olympia

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is seeking to fill a Non-Permanent Social and Health Program Consultant 2 (SHPC2) position within the Licensing Division, Region 6, based in Olympia, WA. This role supports Child Care and Early Learning Services by administering uniform licensing procedures according to RCWs, WACs, and DCYF policies for child care centers, school-age programs, and family home child care environments. While based in Olympia, the position does not carry an independent caseload but primarily assists and supports existing licensors. The role may also support work in Region 5 (Tacoma) and Region 6 (including Vancouver) based on team needs. This position requires flexibility, collaboration, and adaptability to shifting priorities to ensure continuity of licensing services. A flexible hybrid work schedule allows for remote, field, and office work. The position may involve representing the Department in administrative hearings. This work ensures high-quality, safe, and accessible child care environments across multiple counties during a period of critical staffing need.

Requirements

An equivalent combination of education and/or experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency treatment services programs totaling four (4) years.
OR One (1) year of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 1.
OR A master's degree (or higher) in early childhood education, social work, health or social science, public administration, or a related field; AND two (2) years of professional experience planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health or chemical dependency treatment services programs.
OR A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, social work, health or social science, public administration, or a related field; AND three (3) years of professional experience planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health or chemical dependency treatment services programs.
The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Experience may include professional-level child care licensing or early childhood education in a licensed or formal early childhood setting.
Note: A degree in Social Work must be from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
College-level coursework may substitute for degree type if 30 semester or 45 quarter credits are in social services or child development disciplines.
Incumbent must hold a valid driver's license when operating a state or privately-owned vehicle on official state business.
Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org.
Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated history of and/or ability for effective and clear communication with all levels including management, peers, clients, and the public.
Demonstrated history of and/or ability for explaining in writing and verbally, complex technical and regulatory information in a clear and concise non-threatening but factual manner to clients and the public of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Experience in monitoring or overseeing licensed child care, Head Start or ECEAP performance standards.
Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of child development; risk assessment and decision making.
Demonstrated ability to research and apply law and regulations.
Demonstrated interviewing skills.
Demonstrated ability to serve as the role of expert representative in both court proceedings and multi-disciplinary team service delivery.
Demonstrated knowledge of group work and group dynamics.
Demonstrated knowledge of current literature on early care and education practices as well as concepts of community organization as applied to the development of community resources.
Demonstrated ability to deduce potential impacts of conditions or assess risk.
Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Office products and the use of mobile computing devices.

Responsibilities

Conduct initial and annual evaluations of child care and early learning environments, including family home child care, child care centers, and school-age programs, to determine compliance with WAC 110 and DCYF policies and procedures; assess safety, health, developmental appropriateness, and cultural relevancy of services.
Verify licensing qualifications in MERIT for applicants, licensees, family members, and staff; coordinate background clearance processes in accordance with WAC 110 and DCYF Background Check Rules.
Complete all licensing applications within required timeframes per RCW 43.216.305; submit initial, non-expiring, and probationary licenses and certifications to the Child Care Licensing Supervisor to meet the 90-day deadline.
Maintain accurate and current records in the licensing management system; document licensing activities and observation notes in an objective, factual, and timely manner per DCYF Child Care policies and procedures.
Evaluate complaints concerning licensed and unlicensed early learning providers; collaborate with DCYF Licensing Division and Child Protective Services investigative units; initiate adverse actions when necessary in consultation with the supervisor.
Appear and provide testimony as the Department's representative at administrative hearings concerning licensing adverse actions; prepare materials to substantiate the Department's position.
Review requests for variances and waivers; recommend approval or denial per DCYF Child Care policy and procedure.
Provide technical assistance and consultation to early learning providers on licensing regulations and Early Achievers requirements; support enrollment, orientation, and training activities.
Participate in community outreach and education for parents and community partners on child care licensing and Early Achievers.
Establish and maintain provider files in accordance with DCYF's agency-specific schedule and records retention policies.