Licensing Specialist

Licensing Specialist

Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) is a social and human services agency whose mission is to successfully partner with families, caregivers, and the community to strengthen families, ensure safety, and achieve permanency for all Arizona’s children through prevention, services, and support.

Job Location:

FOSTER CARE SUPPORTS, A3003 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85012

Salary: $24.3271 Hrly/$50,600.37 Salary | Grade: 19 | Closing Date:
January 20, 2026

Under the general supervision of the Social Services Administrator 3, this position licenses and monitors licensed Child Welfare Agencies operating Group Care Facilities and Outdoor Experience Programs, Child Placing Agencies, and Child Adoption Agencies that are subject to audit, in order to verify all applicable laws and regulations are being observed.

• Processes initial, renewal, and amended license applications within required time frames. Approves or denies the initial or renewal licenses for child welfare adoption agencies. Provides technical assistance and training to providers related to licensing statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Monitors licensed providers to ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Conducts ongoing scheduled and unannounced visits with various agencies each year.
• Investigates licensing issues and completes a variety of reports and correspondence, including but not limited to investigative and inspection reports, notice of violations or cease and desist orders, responses to inquiries including requests for information, research reports, etc. Evaluates and assesses providers for licensure and/or adverse actions.
• Attends a variety of meetings such as meetings with management, agency staff, coworkers, current or prospective licensees, etc.
• Other duties as assigned related to the position.

• Regulatory principles and practices, as well as federal and state laws and regulations regarding licensing, renewal and safety inspection requirements.
• State and agency policy and procedures governing licensing, licensing amendments and renewals, monitoring and safety inspections.
• Interviewing and information gathering techniques.
• Department of Child Safety (DCS) organizational structure and agency human resource policies and procedures.
• Problem solving techniques.
• Project management/control methodologies.
• Writing and presentation of reports.
• Personal computers and software (e.g. Microsoft Office Access, Excel, etc.).

• Organization and workload management.
• Verbal and written communication of complex regulatory issues in a clear, concise and effective manner to licensing agency staff.
• Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships.
• Conflict resolution.
• Database management and utilizing computer software programs.
• Planning and prioritizing work.
• Problem solving techniques.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Providing excellent customer service.

• Work without direct supervision.
• Stay on task and complete assignments by deadline.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with colleagues, staff, other departments, and the public.
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy in representing the department.
• Understand and address the concerns of individuals regulated by OLR.
• Multi-task with accuracy.
• Interpret state and federal laws and rules.
• Display sound judgment.
• Work as a member of a team as well as independently.
• Be flexible or adaptable.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, social work, psychology, counseling or other related field with two years of licensing experience. A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of these or related fields will substitute for one year of experience.

In-state and out-of-state travel is required. Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver license record check, must maintain acceptable driving record and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R). Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintain valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration.

Mileage may be reimbursed, if applicable. The ability to secure and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card and the ability to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry.

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.42 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility will become…