Licensing Specialist - Child Care - 60074340

Requisition No: 869154 

Agency: Children and Families

Working Title: LICENSING SPECIALIST - CHILD CARE - 60074340

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 60074340 

Salary:  $36,317.06 

Posting Closing Date: 02/03/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Time Duties and Responsibilities

1. This is a professional position specializing in counseling, casework, and administrative activities in Child Care Licensing, responsible for inspecting and licensing Family Day Care Homes, Large Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Facilities within established time frames.


2. Conducts inspections for child care homes and facilities to monitor compliance with Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code licensing standards. Maintains tracking system to ensure inspection timeframes are met and the correct number of inspections are completed annually.


3. 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.


4. Investigates complaints on licensed providers and illegal child care operations. Prepares reports and initiates administrative action as required by statute and/or administrative code.


5. Inputs and updates provider database, CARES2, on a regular basis. Archives inspections timely and monitors accuracy of data.


6. 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.


7. Provides technical assistance and support to child care providers to promote sustained compliance with licensing standards and ensures corrective action requirements are met.


8. Attains a high proficiency/skill level as demonstrated through the competent utilization of the program's hardware, software, system applications and web pages.


9. 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.


10. 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.


11. Responds positively and timely to special assignments and performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.


12. Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position: Knowledge of theories and practice in child protection and family support. Knowledge of professional ethics relating to child protection and counseling. Knowledge of family-centered interviewing and counseling techniques. Skill in considering child development in guiding placement of children. Skill in employing family-centered practice. 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 actively listen to others. Ability to 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 partners. Ability to use computer systems. Ability to review compliance of foster care providers' licensed capacity. Ability to interact appropriately with families, community resources, service providers and other department professionals. Ability to track data for maximization of Federal funds earned by the state.


13. Licensure/registration/certification requirements (If applicable, list the appropriate Florida Statute or federal regulation cite): Must maintain valid and unrestricted driver's license and daily access to personal vehicle.


14. Other job-related requirements for this position: Must pass fingerprint and background screening.


15.  The position requires travel and mandatory 3 weeks of pre-service training.


16. Working hours: (A) Daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM (B) Total hours in workweek 40 (C) Explain any variation in work (split shift, rotation).

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.