Licensing Specialist - Child Care

LICENSING SPECIALIST - CHILD CARE -

Date:
Feb 4, 2026

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Requisition No: 869672

Agency:
Children and Families

Working Title:

LICENSING SPECIALIST - CHILD CARE -

Current employees will be compensated in accordance with the DCF salary policy.

Agency:
Florida Department of Children and Families

Working Title:

FAMILY SERVICES COUNSELOR

Monday - Friday (8-5pm)

• This is a professional position specializing in counseling, casework, and administrative activities in Child Care Regulation, responsible for inspecting and licensing Family Day Care Homes, Large Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Facilities within established time frames.
• Conducts inspections for childcare homes and facilities to monitor compliance with Florida Statutes and Child Care Regulation standards. Maintains tracking system to ensure inspection time frames are met and the correct number of inspections are completed annually.
• Processes initial and renewal applications, including background screening clearances and training as required by statute, determines eligibility and makes recommendations for licensure to supervisor/Licensing Manager.
• Investigates complaints on licensed providers and illegal childcare operations. Prepares reports and initiates administrative action as required by statute and/or Child Care Regulation Standards.
• Inputs and updates provider database, CARES, on a regular basis. Archives inspections timely and monitors accuracy of data.
• 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 childcare regulation program.
• Attains a high proficiency/skill level as demonstrated through the competent utilization of the program's hardware, software, system applications and web pages.
• Manage 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.
• Responds to telephone and email inquiries and walk-in requests from the public, parents, other agencies and providers and provides accurate information on childcare programs. Consults with stakeholders and other clients regarding childcare regulation.
• Responds positively and timely to special assignments and performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• Provide technical assistance and support to childcare providers to promote sustained compliance with Child Care Regulation standards and ensures corrective action requirements are met.
• Ensure the health and safety of children in Childcare licensed programs through on-site inspections and monitoring of Childcare Programs.

• 2 + years of experience in the Child Care Industry (example: Classroom Teacher, Director, Paraprofessional)
• High School Diploma required.

• Ability to use a computer and knowledge of computer programs such as Excel, Microsoft, Notepad, Outlook, etc.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems to conduct on-site complaint inspections.
• Ability to write comprehensive and cohesive reports that are detailed and objective.
• Public Speaking required (utilized during hearings or presentations).
• Time management, strong organizational skills, ability to maintain confidentiality, multitask, and adapt to changes.

Driver’s License:
Required

Education: N/A

Years of Experience: 2 or more years in the Child Care Industry

Candidate Profile (application) must be completed in its entirety.

• Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment.
• Account for and explain any gaps in employment so that the hiring process is not delayed.
• Experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities as well as responses to pre-qualifying questions must be verifiable to meet the minimum qualifications.
• It is unacceptable to use the statement “See Resume” in place of entering work…