Lead Licensing Specialist; Mesa, Garfield, Eagle Summit Counties

Overview

Position:
Compliance Specialist IV – work lead for child care licensing. The role covers Steamboat, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Jackson counties, managing caseloads and supporting staff on critical licensing matters.

• Review and evaluate childcare facility applications and supporting documents, including legal, criminal, and zoning reports.
• Conduct inspections, interviews, and analyses of policies, procedures, staff qualifications, and program practices.
• Provide training and oversight to compliance specialists, ensuring consistency and reliability.
• Determine licensing actions, corrective plans, and inspection priorities based on program rules.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and data for supervision, performance monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
• Offer technical expertise to boards and panels such as the Colorado State Department of Social Services Appeal Panel, Institutional Abuse Review Team, and local zoning boards.
• Support special projects related to licensing and quality initiatives.
• Collaborate with County Departments of Human Services and law enforcement to assess abuse and neglect allegations for potential legal action.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Childhood Development, or a closely related field.
• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in human or social services and early childhood programs, including at least two (2) years as a licensing specialist in Colorado child care licensing.
• Submission of work experience supporting all qualifications.

• Prior state experience related to child care licensing duties.
• Knowledge of the Child Care Licensing Act and related regulations.
• Experience researching, analyzing, and interpreting legal and regulatory documents.

• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Experience with adverse licensing actions.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Investigative skills and knowledge of licensing principles.
• Time management and de‑escalation techniques.

• 11 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• State-paid life insurance.
• Choice of two retirement plans (defined benefit or defined contribution).
• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans.
• State-paid short‑term disability coverage.
• Additional optional life and disability plans.
• Credit Union membership.
• Training and professional development.

For more information on benefits, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Applicants must be residents of the State of Colorado at the time of application.

• Travel required to cover caseloads; reliable transportation necessary.
• Background and motor vehicle records checks required prior to employment.

The State of Colorado is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments. We provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, or any other protected status under applicable law.