LICENSING SPECIALIST - CHILD CARE - 60074834

State of Florida•Sebring, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a professional position specializing in counseling, casework, and administrative activities in Child Care Regulation. The role is responsible for inspecting and licensing Family Day Care Homes, Large Family Child Care Homes, and Child Care Facilities within established time frames. The position involves conducting inspections to monitor compliance with Florida Statutes and Child Care Regulation standards, maintaining a tracking system for inspection timeframes and annual completion numbers, and processing initial and renewal applications. This includes reviewing background screening clearances and training, determining eligibility, and making recommendations for licensure. The role also involves investigating complaints against licensed providers and illegal childcare operations, preparing reports, and initiating administrative actions as needed. Data entry and updates to the provider database (CARES) are regular tasks, along with timely archiving of inspections and monitoring data accuracy. Professional development includes acquiring a proficient working knowledge of applicable statutes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and community resources. Attaining a high proficiency in the program's hardware, software, system applications, and web pages is also expected. The position manages progressive discipline and administrative action processes, including providing timely administrative complaint notifications, keeping the information system current, and closing out actions accurately. Responding to inquiries via telephone, email, and walk-ins from the public, parents, other agencies, and providers with accurate information on childcare programs is a key responsibility. Consultation with stakeholders and clients regarding childcare regulation is also part of the role. The position will perform all job tasks in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements applicable to state and federal laws or procedures. The role will also respond positively and timely to special assignments and perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

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
We hire only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers.
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.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735).

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.