LICENSING SPECIALIST - CHILD CARE - 60074340

State of Florida•Orlando, FL

About The Position

This is a professional position specializing in counseling, casework, and administrative activities in Child Care Licensing, responsible for inspecting and licensing Family Day Care Homes, Large Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Facilities within established time frames. Conducts inspections for child care homes and facilities to monitor compliance with Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code licensing 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/regional program manager. Investigates complaints on licensed providers and illegal child care operations. Prepares reports and initiates administrative action as required by statute and/or administrative code. Inputs and updates provider database, CARES2, 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 child care regulation program. Provides technical assistance and support to child care providers to promote sustained compliance with licensing standards and ensures corrective action requirements are met. Attains a high proficiency/skill level as demonstrated through the competent utilization of the program's hardware, software, system applications and web pages. Manages 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 child care programs. Consults with stakeholders and other clients regarding child care regulation. Responds positively and timely to special assignments and performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

Knowledge of theories and practice in child protection and family support.
Knowledge of professional ethics relating to child protection and counseling.
Knowledge of family-centered interviewing and counseling techniques.
Skill in considering child development in guiding placement of children.
Skill in employing family-centered practice.
Skill in organizing community resources to assist families.
Ability to recognize indicators of abuse and neglect.
Ability to conduct risk and safety investigations.
Ability to complete assessments and develop plans with children and families.
Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
Ability to actively listen to others.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to maintain well-executed case files.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, family members, co-workers and community partners.
Ability to use computer systems.
Ability to review compliance of foster care providers' licensed capacity.
Ability to interact appropriately with families, community resources, service providers and other department professionals.
Ability to track data for maximization of Federal funds earned by the state.
Must maintain valid and unrestricted driver's license and daily access to personal vehicle.
Must pass fingerprint and background screening.
The position requires travel and mandatory 3 weeks of pre-service training.

Responsibilities

Conducts inspections for child care homes and facilities to monitor compliance with Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code licensing 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/regional program manager.
Investigates complaints on licensed providers and illegal child care operations.
Prepares reports and initiates administrative action as required by statute and/or administrative code.
Inputs and updates provider database, CARES2, 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 child care regulation program.
Provides technical assistance and support to child care providers to promote sustained compliance with licensing standards and ensures corrective action requirements are met.
Attains a high proficiency/skill level as demonstrated through the competent utilization of the program's hardware, software, system applications and web pages.
Manages 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 child care programs.
Consults with stakeholders and other clients regarding child care regulation.
Responds positively and timely to special assignments and performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.