LICENSING SPECIALIST - CHILD CARE OPS - 1

Licensing Specialist - Child Care Ops

Counselor will be responsible for working with child care providers in Circuit 1: Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton Counties. This is a professional position specializing in counseling, investigative, and administrative activities in Child Care Licensing, responsible for the inspection and licensing of Family Day Care Homes, Large Family Child Care Homes, Child Care Facilities and School Readiness Providers within established time frames. Conducts inspections for child care homes and facilities to monitor compliance with Child Care Handbooks, Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code and Health and Safety Checklist standards. Maintains tracking system to ensure inspection timeframes are met and the correct number of inspections are completed annually. Processes initial and renewal applications, including background screening clearances and training as required by statute, determines eligibility and makes recommendations for licensure to supervisor/regional program manager. Investigates complaints on licensed providers, illegal child care operations and School Readiness providers. Prepares reports and initiates administrative action as required by statute and/or administrative code. Inputs and updates provider databases, Child Care Administration Regulation and Enforcement [CARES], on a regular basis. Archives inspections timely and monitors accuracy of data. Develops professionally by acquiring a proficient working knowledge of the applicable statutes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and community resources which provide the framework for the child care regulation program. Provides technical assistance and support to child care providers to promote sustained compliance with licensing standards and ensure corrective action requirements are met. Attains a high proficiency/skill level as demonstrated through the competent utilization of the program's hardware, software, system applications and web pages. Manages the progressive discipline and administrative action processes, which includes providing timely administrative complaint notifications to providers, keeping the information system current throughout the administrative action process and closing out each action timely and accurately. Responds to telephone and email inquiries and walk-in requests from the public, parents, other agencies and providers and provides accurate information on child care programs. Consults with stakeholders and other clients regarding child care regulation. Responds positively and timely to special assignments and performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications: Must pass fingerprint and background screening. Must have valid, unrestricted Florida driver's license and daily access to personal vehicle. College degree preferred, but not required. This position requires frequent travel and often the use of a personal vehicle while on state business.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of child development and appropriate practices. Knowledge of theories and practice in child protection and family support. Knowledge of professional ethics relating to child care, child protection and counseling. Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques. Skill in organizing community resources to assist families. Ability to recognize indicators of abuse and neglect. Ability to conduct risk and safety investigations. Ability to complete assessments and develop plans with children and families. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments. Ability to be flexible and work independently. Ability to actively listen to others. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to maintain current and well-organized files, both paper and electronic Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, providers, families, co-workers and community partners. Ability to interact appropriately with families, community resources, service providers and other department professionals. Ability use computer systems to complete inspections, maintain communications, run reports and track data for the job.

Location: Pensacola, FL, US, 32502