Licensing Specialist Jobs

Requisition No: 883936

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: REGULATORY SPECIALIST III; CHILDCARE LICENSING PROGRAM

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64031094

Salary: $34,760.00 - $40,548.31

Posting Closing Date: 09/24/2026

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This is a professional regulatory position responsible for counseling, casework, and administrative activities within the Childcare Licensing Program. The position conducts licensing and regulatory activities involving Family Day Care Homes, Large Family Childcare Homes, and Childcare Facilities within established time frames and in accordance with sections 402.301–402.319, Florida Statutes; Chapters 65C-20, 65C-22, and, when applicable, 65C-25, Florida Administrative Code; Rule 64E-11, Florida Administrative Code; Sarasota County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 62, Articles V and VI; current DCF childcare licensing handbooks; CFOP 170-20, Childcare Licensing Program Desk Reference Guide; other applicable DCF policies and procedures and DOH Environmental Public Health Program Manual 150-4. This position requires daily in-office and/or field work and reports directly to the Environmental Supervisor I – SES.

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT: Investigates complaints involving licensed childcare providers and suspected illegal childcare operations. Documents investigative findings, prepares reports, and initiates appropriate corrective or administrative action as required by statute or administrative rule. Manages progressive enforcement and administrative action processes, provides timely administrative complaint notifications to providers, maintains current and accurate records throughout each action, and closes actions promptly upon completion.

LICENSING APPLICATIONS: Processes initial and renewal applications, including reviewing background screening clearances, required training documentation, and other statutory requirements. Determines whether licensing requirements have been met and makes licensure recommendations to the supervisor or regional program manager.

PROVIDER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Provides technical assistance and support to childcare providers to promote and maintain compliance with licensing requirements. Communicates corrective action requirements and monitors provider progress to ensure identified deficiencies are addressed.

PROGRAM KNOWLEDGE AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Develops and maintains a proficient working knowledge of applicable statutes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and community resources that support the Childcare Licensing Program.

TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS: Maintains proficiency in using the program’s hardware, software, system applications, databases, and web-based resources necessary to perform assigned duties efficiently and accurately.

PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION: Responds promptly and professionally to telephone, email, and walk-in inquiries from childcare providers, parents, members of the public, and other agencies. Provides accurate information regarding childcare programs and consults with stakeholders and other clients regarding childcare regulation.

OTHER ASSIGNED DUTIES: Responds promptly and positively to special assignments and performs other related duties as assigned by the Environmental Health Director or designee.

• Computer literate, phone, and office equipment
• Knowledge of theories and practice in child protection and family support
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments
• Ability to actively listen to others and 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

• Valid driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience conducting inspections in childcare facilities

Vision:

Values:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions

• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

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. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

Nearest Major Market: Sarasota
Nearest Secondary Market: Tampa