Licensing Specialist - Child Care Ops

LICENSING SPECIALIST – CHILD CARE OPS

This position provides professional counseling, investigative, and administrative support for child care licensing within Circuit 1:
Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. Responsibilities include inspections, application processing, complaint investigation, data maintenance, and technical assistance to providers, as well as administrative handling of discipline actions and public inquiries.

• Conduct inspections of child care homes and facilities to ensure compliance with the child care handbooks, Florida statutes, administrative codes, and health and safety checklists; maintain tracking system to meet inspection time frames.
• Process initial and renewal licensing applications, including background screening, training clearances, eligibility assessment, and license recommendations.
• Investigate complaints against licensed providers, illegal child‑care operations, and school readiness providers; prepare reports and initiate administrative action as required.
• Enter and update provider data in the CARES system; archive inspections promptly and verify data accuracy.
• Provide technical assistance and support to providers, promoting compliance and addressing corrective action requirements.
• Maintain proficiency in hardware, software, systems, and web pages relevant to the program.
• Manage progressive discipline and administrative action processes, including timely notifications, system updates, and closure of actions.
• Respond to telephone, email, and walk‑in inquiries from the public, parents, agencies, providers, and stakeholders; provide accurate information on child‑care programs.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• Successful completion of fingerprint and background screening; valid, unrestricted Florida driver’s license and daily access to a personal vehicle.
• College degree preferred but not required.
• Frequent travel within Circuit 1; regular use of personal vehicle for state business.

• Knowledge of child development theories and practices.
• Knowledge of child‑protection theories, ethics, interviewing, and counseling techniques.
• Proficiency in organizing community resources to assist families.
• Ability to recognize abuse and neglect indicators; conduct risk and safety investigations.
• Ability to complete assessments and develop plans with children and families.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and coordinating work assignments.
• Flexibility and independent work capability.
• Active listening and effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain current, well‑organized files in paper and electronic formats.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with children, providers, families, staff, and community partners.
• Proficient computer skills for inspections, communications, reports, and data tracking.

Benefits are provided by the State of Florida in accordance with the Department’s compensation package and benefit guidelines.