Lead Licensing Specialist(Mesa, Garfield, Eagle, & Summit Counties)

Compliance Specialist IV – Early Childhood

STATE OF COLORADO RESIDENCY REQUIRED

This position will be servicing Steamboat, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Jackson counties to cover caseloads and support child care licensing staff for critical and time constrained issues. For this reason, applicants should live within 75 miles of Mesa, Garfield, Edwards, Eagle, and Summit Counties. Benefits 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave Medical, dental, and vision plans State paid life insurance policy Choice of 2 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 Responsibilities Work lead provides training, ensures compliance, authorizes issuance of licenses for ten types of childcare facilities, investigates complaints, interprets regulations, maintains records, provides technical expertise to boards and review panels, and completes special projects associated with licensing and quality initiatives. Review and evaluate applications and supporting documents, including legal documents, criminal records, child abuse records, health, fire, building, and zoning reports. Conduct inspections and interviews, review policies, procedures, behavior management, staff qualifications, medical administration, floor plans, and educational programs. Observe and train compliance specialists for reliability and consistency. Analyze applications to determine if an inspection can be conducted or if a corrected action plan is required prior to on‑site inspection. Prioritize and organize workload to complete inspections and paperwork in a timely manner. Identify applicable rule sets for programs based on operation, policies, and ages of children served. Prioritize and assign work, monitor services and products to ensure quality, timeliness, and quantity meet standards and deadlines. Implement methods, procedures, and processes to improve workflow and productivity. Develop training and development plans, and provide training as needed. Provide feedback and coaching, monitor performance, contribute to employee annual performance plan and evaluation. Review criminal background reports, data entry, and investigations narratives for compliance with SOPs. Physically inspect facilities for health, safety, program standards; interview staff to determine qualifications. Support licensing unit by ensuring inspections and investigations complete on time. Review inspection response forms and audit scanning system for proper document integration. Provide technical expertise to various boards and review panels such as Child and Adult Mistreatment Dispute Review, Institutional Abuse Review, local zoning boards, etc. Work closely with County Departments of Human Services and law enforcement to determine legal actions related to abuse and neglect. Other duties as assigned. Residency Requirement Posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of application. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Childhood Development, or a closely related field. Three (3) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the position, including human or social services and early childhood programs. At least two (2) years of professional experience as a licensing specialist in Child Care Licensing in Colorado. Seven (7) years of relevant experience in an occupational field related to the position (if not meeting bachelor's requirement), including at least two (2) years licensing specialist experience in Colorado. The following substitutions are accepted on a year‑for‑year basis: additional appropriate experience may substitute for the degree requirement; additional appropriate education may substitute for the required experience. Preferred Qualifications Prior state experience related to the duties of this position. Demonstrated knowledge of the Child Care Licensing Act, licensing system rules and regulations, policies, practices, and best standards. Experience researching, analyzing, and interpreting state and federal law, constitutions, statutes, rules, case law, civil procedure, evidence rules, and policy to advise management. Ability to effectively engage people, organizations, and partners to develop common goals. Highly Desired Skills Effective written and verbal communication. Experience in adverse licensing for child care facilities. Proficient computer skills. Ability to communicate and work with diverse backgrounds. Investigative practices/techniques. Knowledge of licensing principles. Time management. De‑scalation techniques for volatile situations. Conditions of Employment Travel as needed to cover caseloads; reliable transportation required. Applicants must pass a thorough background check and motor vehicle records check prior to employment. Individuals who have been disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of disciplinary termination, or negotiated termination from the State of Colorado must disclose this information on the application. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and serve them. Employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to veterans). This position is open to all qualified applicants who meet the required credentials and performance criteria. #J-18808-Ljbffr Department of Early Childhood