REGULATORY SPECIALIST III; CHILDCARE LICENSING PROGRAM

Regulatory Specialist III; Childcare Licensing ProgramThis 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 sections 402.301–402.319, Florida Statutes; Chapters 65C-20, 65C-22, and, when applicable, 65C-25, Florida Administrative Code; Rule 64E-11, Florida Administrative Code; Sarasota County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 62, Articles V and VI; current DCF childcare licensing handbooks; CFOP 170-20, Childcare Licensing Program Desk Reference Guide; other applicable DCF policies and procedures and DOH Environmental Public Health Program Manual 150-4. This position requires daily in-office and/or field work and reports directly to the Environmental Supervisor I – SES.Inspections and Compliance Documentation: 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.Complaint Investigations and Administrative Enforcement: 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.Licensing Applications: 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.Provider Technical Assistance: 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.Program Knowledge and Professional Development: Develops and maintains a proficient working knowledge of applicable statutes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and community resources that support the Childcare Licensing Program.Technology and Information Systems: Maintains proficiency in using the program's hardware, software, system applications, databases, and web-based resources necessary to perform assigned duties efficiently and accurately.Public and Stakeholder Communication: 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.Other Assigned Duties: Responds promptly and positively to special assignments and performs other related duties as assigned by the Environmental Health Director or designee.Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Computer literate, phone, and office equipment 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 partnersQualifications: Minimum – Valid driver's license, or the ability to obtain one Preferred – Bachelor's degree Experience conducting inspections in childcare facilities