Regulatory Compliance Specialist (Foster Care Licensing)

The State of Ohio is a drug free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage


• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period.


• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year


• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave


• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)


• Retirement systems including Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

About us

Our mission is to promote positive, lifelong outcomes for Ohio youth through early intervention, quality education, and family support programs. At DCY, we offer our employees a rewarding work experience in public service helping Ohioans achieve a sustainable lifestyle that includes generous benefit options and a flexible work life balance making our agency a great place to work! To learn more about DCY, please visit our website at Department of Children and Youth | Ohio.gov. 

Field Worker

This position is designated as a field position within our Foster Care Licensing Bureau. As a field worker, an employee spends the majority of his/her time traveling for their position performing duties to include, but not limited to inspections, monitoring, observing, training, technical assistance, site visits, conducting interviews, reviewing records, and data collection in various environments. Field workers are expected to manage their daily itineraries, report progress, and coordinate their travel schedule with their supervisor. This designation is determined and approved only by management. Field workers are also required to report to the DCY Office Space on a quarterly basis and based on operational need. Frequent travel within assigned regions in Ohio, some with overnight stays, is required for this position. The selected candidate must provide their own transportation or, to operate a state vehicle, must have a valid driver’s license.

In this role, you will independently evaluate the health, safety, and quality of services provided to children in early care, education, and child welfare environments. You’ll conduct on site monitoring visits, desk audits, and follow up investigations to determine whether agencies and caregivers comply with Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) requirements. Your work directly influences licensing, certification, and enforcement decisions that protect children and promote best practices across the state. 

What You Will Do 

Monitoring & Compliance Work 

• Travel to homes, schools, community locations, and child welfare facilities to verify compliance with state regulations. 
• Review agency files, staff records, and documentation such as handbooks, policies, and procedures. 
• Interview staff, caregivers, youth, and community members to gather information about program operations. 
• Inspect indoor/outdoor environments and observe staff child interactions to evaluate safety and quality. 
• Identify non compliance issues and highlight best practices during visits. 
• Recommend licensure, certification status, or enforcement actions based on findings. 

Investigations & Enforcement 

• Review incident reports and complaints regarding facilities or caregivers. 
• Gather evidence and supporting documentation for enforcement actions under ORC 119. 
• Provide testimony when legal proceedings require it. 
• Conduct re inspections or follow up audits to verify achievement of compliance. 

Technical Assistance & Stakeholder Support 

• Meet with caregivers and agency leadership to discuss violations and clarify regulations. 
• Provide detailed guidance, timelines, and technical assistance to help programs achieve compliance. 
• Maintain confidential records for licensed and unlicensed programs. 
• Consult with current and prospective operators on standards, expectations, and regulatory updates. 

Policy & Data Responsibilities 

• Analyze monitoring data to inform policy development and recommended regulatory updates. 
• Review proposed rules for potential impacts on child safety, placement stability, and service quality. 

Training & Collaboration 

• Conduct or participate in training sessions for owners, administrators, caregivers, and staff. 
• Collaborate with county, city, and state agencies, as well as other regulatory bodies. 
• Attend meetings, workshops, and professional development opportunities related to child care and child welfare standards.

Pay Information

Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary will be step 1 of the salary range associated with this position. New hires advance to the next step in the range after 6 months and annually thereafter. Based on collective bargaining and legislative activity, there may be cost of living increases awarded annually. Additional longevity supplements begin after 5 years. The current wage progression for this position is in the table below.

Background Check Information

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

Status of posted positions

You can check the status of your application online be signing into your profile and clicking the “My Jobpage” tab to view completed submissions and submission details. If you have questions other than your applications status, please direct them to [email protected].

24 mos. exp. working in school, community, &/or home-based early care & education settings or child welfare settings (experience commensurate with program area to be assigned per approved Position Description on file); 6 mos. trg. or 6 mos. exp. in agency, state &/or federal laws, rules, standards & regulations governing early care & education &/or child welfare programs (e.g., staffing, management, licensure, certification & operation of school, community, or home-based early care & education settings &/or child welfare settings); 6 mos. trg. or 6 mos. exp. in inspection & investigation techniques pertinent to evaluating compliance (i.e., early care & education &/or child welfare programs, public/private agencies, caregivers & operations); valid driver's license. 

-Or completion of undergraduate core program in early childhood/human development, social & behavioral sciences or related field; 6 mos. trg. or 6 mos. exp. in agency, state &/or federal laws, rules, standards & regulations governing early care & education &/or child welfare programs (e.g., staffing, management, licensure, certification & operation of school, community, or  home-based early care & education settings &/or public/private child welfare settings); 6 mos. trg. or 6 mos. exp. in inspection & investigation techniques pertinent to evaluating compliance (i.e., early care & education &/or child welfare programs, public/private agencies, caregivers, & operations); valid driver's license. 

-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Note\: Applicants for positions in the Department of Children & Youth (early care & education licensing) must also meet one of the trainer requirements cited in Administrative Rules 5101\:2-12-10 or 5101\:2-13-10. 

Job Skills\: Human Services

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth does not provide employment-based visa sponsorship.

All answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the work experience/education provided on your civil service application. Attachments will not be considered as part of your application.

Selection devices such as a structured interview, proficiency instrument, and/or assessment may be required for this position. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency with a passing score of applicable selection device to be considered for this position. Regardless of a passing or failing score, all results will be maintained for 6 months. Applicant with a passing score will be retained and utilized for a 6-month period. Applicant with a failing score in the same position may not re-take the same selection device for a 6-month period.

Travel required, as needed. Must provide own transportation or in order to operate a state vehicle, you must have a valid driver’s license.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.