REGULATORY SPECIALIST III, CHILDCARE LICENSING PROGRAM

State of Florida • SARASOTA, FL

2d • $36,317 - $40,548 • Hybrid

About The Position

This is a professional regulatory position responsible for counseling, casework, and administrative activities within the Childcare Licensing Program. The position conducts licensing and regulatory activities involving Family Day Care Homes, Large Family Childcare Homes, and Childcare Facilities within established time frames and in accordance with applicable statutes, administrative codes, and licensing standards. This position requires daily in-office and/or field work and reports directly to the Environmental Supervisor I – SES.

Requirements

• Valid driver's license
• Computer literacy
• Knowledge of theories and practice in child protection and family support
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments
• Ability to actively listen to others and 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 learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree in a physical or natural science
• Two or more years of industry experience
• Experience conducting childcare facility inspections in accordance with environmental health, public health, and safety guidelines and regulations.
• Experience teaching or supporting early childhood learning in a professional childcare or early education setting.

Responsibilities

• Conducts inspections of childcare homes and facilities to determine compliance with applicable Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, and licensing standards.
• Plans and tracks inspection activities to ensure required time frames and annual inspection requirements are met.
• Enters and archives inspection records promptly in the Childcare Administration, Regulation, and Enforcement System (CARES) and the Environmental Health Database (EHD) and reviews all entries for completeness and accuracy.
• Investigates complaints involving licensed childcare providers and suspected illegal childcare operations.
• Documents investigative findings, prepares reports, and initiates appropriate corrective or administrative action as required by statute or administrative rule.
• Manages progressive enforcement and administrative action processes, provides timely administrative complaint notifications to providers, maintains current and accurate records throughout each action, and closes actions promptly upon completion.
• Processes initial and renewal applications, including reviewing background screening clearances, required training documentation, and other statutory requirements.
• Determines whether licensing requirements have been met and makes licensure recommendations to the supervisor or regional program manager.
• Provides technical assistance and support to childcare providers to promote and maintain compliance with licensing requirements.
• Communicates corrective action requirements and monitors provider progress to ensure identified deficiencies are addressed.
• Develops and maintains a proficient working knowledge of applicable statutes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and community resources that support the Childcare Licensing Program.
• Maintains proficiency in using the program’s hardware, software, system applications, databases, and web-based resources necessary to perform assigned duties efficiently and accurately.
• Responds promptly and professionally to telephone, email, and walk-in inquiries from childcare providers, parents, members of the public, and other agencies.
• Provides accurate information regarding childcare programs and consults with stakeholders and other clients regarding childcare regulation.
• Responds promptly and positively to special assignments and performs other related duties as assigned by the Environmental Health Director or designee.

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