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

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, we encourage that you live within 75 miles of Mesa, Garfield, Edwards, Eagle, and Summit counties. NOTE: This announcement may be used to fill multiple openings. Benefits 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave Medical, dental, and vision plans State‑paid life insurance policy 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 Additional information about State of Colorado benefits is available at Remote Work This position will have the opportunity to participate in a fully remote schedule; however, it may be requested to come into the office for business reasons, upon request by the hiring manager. Please note that equipment provisioning and certain onboarding tasks will take place in person, in our Denver office, on the first day of employment. What you’ll be doing This position functions as a work lead. The work lead provides training and consistency on inspecting facilities and authorizes the issuance of licenses for ten types of childcare facilities after compliance with eight sets of rules and regulations has been verified; investigates complaints concerning children in Stage‑II cases and documents facts on licensees for possible adverse or legal action to assure the safety of children in out‑of‑home settings. The work lead provides direction, interpretation, and consultation on all aspects of rules, regulations, the licensing process, and child‑care laws; possesses knowledge of regulations; completes records and reports necessary to issue licenses and ensure facility compliance; maintains records and reports used in supervision, caseload tracking, and other office operations; provides technical expertise to various boards and review panels; and completes special projects associated with licensing and quality initiatives. Major job duties include, but are not limited to the following: Reviews and evaluates applications and supporting documents, including legal documents, criminal records, child‑abuse and neglect records, and health, fire, building, and zoning department reports. Conducts inspections and interviews relevant parties to evaluate the facility’s programs through the analysis of documents such as policies and procedures, behavior management and discipline, staff qualifications, medical administration, floor plans, and plans for educational, community, and recreational activities. Observes and trains compliance specialist III to ensure reliability and consistency. Analyzes the application and program to determine whether a licensing inspection can be conducted or if a corrected action plan is required prior to an on‑site inspection. Prioritizes and personally organizes workload to complete inspections and paperwork in a timely manner. Identifies which of seven separate rule sets to apply to programs based on operation, policies, and ages of children served. Prioritizes and assigns work, monitors services and products to ensure quality, timeliness, and quantity meet standards and deadlines. Implements methods, procedures, and processes to improve workflow and productivity. Develops plans for training and development, and provides training as needed. Provides feedback and coaching, monitors performance, and contributes to each assigned employee’s annual performance plan and evaluation. Regularly reviews criminal background investigation reports, data entry, and investigation narratives entered into the licensing system to determine if compliance specialist III and contract staff meet job requirements per Standard Operating Procedures. Physically inspects the facility for health, safety, and program standards and interviews administrative staff. Supports the licensing unit by ensuring all inspections and investigations are completed on time. Reviews inspection response forms and audits the scanning system to ensure all required documents are properly scanned into licensing systems. Provides technical expertise to various boards and review panels, including Child and Adult Mistreatment Dispute Review Section, Institutional Abuse Review Team, local government zoning boards, community stakeholder activities, legislative activities, Child Care Associations, Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, Early Childhood Councils, and other agency boards. Completes special projects associated with licensing and quality initiatives on behalf of the Division. Works closely with County Departments of Human Services and law‑enforcement agencies to determine when allegations of abuse and neglect rise to criminal charges or county findings and make decisions on appropriate legal actions. Other duties as assigned. Residency Requirement This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of application. Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: 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 work assigned to the position, which could include human or social services and early childhood programs. Experience must include at least two (2) years of professional experience as a licensing specialist in Child Care Licensing in Colorado. Experience Only: Seven (7) years of relevant experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position, including human or social services and early childhood programs. Experience must include at least two (2) years of professional experience as a licensing specialist in Child Care Licensing in Colorado. Substitutions: Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year‑for‑year basis. Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year‑for‑year basis. Preferred Qualifications Prior state experience related to the duties of this position. Demonstrated knowledge of the Child Care Licensing Act, licensing system rules, policies, and best‑practice standards. Experience researching, analyzing, and interpreting law (State and Federal), constitutions, statutes, rules, case law, Civil Procedure, Evidence Rules, and policy to advise management. Ability to effectively engage people, organizations, and partners in developing goals. Highly Desired Skills Effective written and verbal communication. Experience in adverse licensing for child care facilities. Proficient computer skills. Ability to communicate with diverse backgrounds. Investigative practices and techniques. Knowledge of licensing principles. Time management. De‑escalation techniques for volatile situations. Conditions of Employment Travel as needed to cover caseloads and support child care licensing staff; a driver’s license is not required, but reliable transportation is necessary. Applicants must pass a thorough background check and motor‑vehicle records check prior to employment. Employees who have been disciplinary terminated, resigned in lieu of disciplinary termination, or negotiated their termination from the State of Colorado must disclose this information on the application. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and encourages candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. 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 is based on merit and fitness. All applicants will receive employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, military status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Colorado