ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST - 64003887 1

State of Florida • Largo, FL

23d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is for an Environmental Health Specialist, also known as a Child Care Licensing Specialist, within the Department of Health. The specialist is responsible for planning and coordinating inspections of Children’s Centers and Family Child Care Homes to ensure compliance with licensing requirements. Key duties include reviewing and submitting applications, maintaining facility files, investigating complaints, conducting enforcement actions, and testifying in legal proceedings when necessary. The role also involves reporting allegations of child abuse or neglect and coordinating with child protection and law enforcement officials. A significant part of the job is to organize and conduct training and consultations for childcare providers and parents, offering technical assistance to help them meet licensing standards and promote safe, healthy environments for young children. The specialist collects and records data from field inspections, communicates with supervisors, and participates in various public health programs and required trainings. Accurate statistical reporting and timely completion of administrative tasks are also expected.

Requirements

• Knowledge of early education development
• Knowledge of principles and best practices in early childhood programs
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others.
• Skilled in operating a computer, including Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Skilled in effective written and oral communication.
• Knowledge in methods of data collection
• Ability to collect, record and analyze data.
• Ability to bend and lift 20 pounds.
• Associate’s degree (with course work in early childhood subject area such as, child development or early childhood education) in accordance with Florida Statute sections 402.26-402.319 AND At least 2 years of early childhood experience working in or regulating licensed childcare programs OR Associate's degree with course work in any subject area, in accordance with Florida Statute sections 402.26-402.319 AND At least 3 years of experience working in or regulating licensed child care programs.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in an early childhood subject area such as, child development or early childhood education with 2 years of early childhood experience working in or regulating licensed childcare programs.
• Experience inspecting or regulating licensed childcare programs is a plus.
• Bilingual with written, spoken, and reading ability in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinates inspections to complete assigned caseload of Children’s Center and Family Child Care Homes in specified timeframes.
• Review and submit checklists responding to renewal, new and change applications for licensure.
• Prepare and maintains Children’s Center and Family Child Care Home files for assigned caseload.
• Investigate complaints received by PCLB for both Children’s Centers and Family Child Care Homes.
• Conducts enforcement actions for Children’s Centers and Family Child Care Homes found to be out of compliance and testifies in legal proceedings when appropriate.
• Report allegations of child abuse or neglect in Children’s Centers and/or Family Child Care Homes and coordinates investigative activities with Child Protection Investigators and law enforcement officials whenever necessary.
• Organize and conduct training and in-depth consultations to educate owners, managers, operators and/or parents regarding childcare licensing requirements and procedures, issues of operating a safe and healthy environment for young children and the developmental needs of young children.
• Provide technical assistance and recommend improvements or changes to childcare providers to aid them in better meeting the licensing standards and promote higher quality care for children.
• Collect and records data from field inspections and communicate with Supervisors and Senior Clerks to maintain current information is up to date in unit databases.
• Attend trainings functions that are designed to maintain and improve professional knowledge and skills. Participate in various public health programs and community training as assigned. Completes all required Florida Department of Health training.
• Consult with Supervisor as needed regarding policy changes and unusual situations and works as part of a team and to achieve program goals and objectives.
• Prepare accurate statistical reports on activities, as required.
• Complete all time sheets and EARS timely and accurately to ensure accountability.
• Meet or exceed SMART performance expectations.

Benefits

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition waivers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree