Program Specialist Jobs in Florida

Requisition No: 883202

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: REGULATORY SPECIALIST III, CHILDCARE LICENSING PROGRAM

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64041791

Salary: $36,317.32 - $40,548.31

Posting Closing Date: 09/13/2026

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

REGULATORY SPECIALIST III

Open Competitive

Your Specific Responsibilities:
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.

INSPECTIONS AND COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION: Conducts inspections of childcare homes and facilities to determine compliance with applicable Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code, and licensing standards. Plans and tracks inspection activities to ensure required time frames and annual inspection requirements are met. Enters and archives inspection records promptly in the Childcare Administration, Regulation, and Enforcement System (CARES) and the Environmental Health Database (EHD) and reviews all entries for completeness and accuracy.

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.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Computer literacy
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

Qualifications:
Minimum –

Valid driver's license

Preferred –

Bachelor’s Degree in a physical or natural science
Two or more years of industry experience
Experience conducting childcare facility inspections in accordance with environmental health, public health, and safety guidelines and regulations.
Experience teaching or supporting early childhood learning in a professional childcare or early education setting.

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:
Mission:
To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:
To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:
I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:
Environmental Public Health - North

1001 Sarasota Center Boulevard

Sarasota, FL 34240

Incumbent will be required to travel throughout Sarasota County.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

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

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Flexible Spending Accounts;
Tuition waivers;
And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Total Compensation Estimator Tool: https://compcalculator.myflorida.com/

Please be advised:
Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.

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.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system. E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

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

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). 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.

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women. The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise. Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.

If there are any problems applying online, please call People First Staffing Administration: (877) 562-7287.

Service Center hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ET. TTY users, call (866) 221-0268.

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.

Location:
SARASOTA, FL, US, 34240

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Nearest Major Market: Sarasota
Nearest Secondary Market: Tampa