Child Care Licensing Specialist (#MDDX01 )
$40,446.00 Yearly Min / $50,558.00 Yearly Mid / $60,670.00 Yearly Max

A class incumbent performs full performance level administration in the licensure of out-of-home programs for children on a regional or statewide basis.

A class incumbent functions under the general supervision of a technical superior. An incumbent investigates applications and licensees for compliance with legal and departmental regulatory requirements, makes recommendations for licensure to superiors, provides ongoing supervision, technical assistance, education and consultation to child care applicants and licensees and investigates complaints of regulatory noncompliance and abuse/neglect in facilities. Incumbents are responsible for ensuring the effective operation of early care, education and school-age centers, family and large family child care homes, foster care and adoption agencies, residential child care facilities and day treatment programs. Incumbents provide guidance and direction to child care providers in such areas as management of children in group settings, effective discipline techniques, development of activities for children, and types of materials and resources which should be available. In addition, an incumbent interacts with other regulatory agencies, community organizations and other interested groups by providing information and interpretation of the law and child care regulations. At this level, an incumbent assists in the formulation of licensing policies, procedures and regulations. In addition, an incumbent may assist in the development of requests for proposals, development and negotiation of contracts, and development and implementation of grants. An incumbent may also participate on committees and task forces in support of department programs/projects and may assist in special projects.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Evaluates the facility and programs for compliance with child care licensure requirements based on evaluation of applicant interviews, on-site observations, collateral contact and review of records. 
   
• Coordinates fire, health and safety inspections with other regulatory agencies.
   
• Participates in the development and implementation of policies and procedures for various programs. Coordinates the activities of other regulatory agencies.
   
• Investigates complaints and assists licensee in developing appropriate corrective action plan.
   
• Provides on-going technical assistance and education/consultation to licensee for improvement and expansion of specific program areas as well as the physical plant.  Provides orientation and training to prospective licensees.
   
• Participates in appropriate community advisory committees, seminars and workshops. 
   
• Provides program information and interpretation to the community.
   
• Prepares documentation of non-compliance and participates in decisions and appeals of decisions to take adverse action against licensees not complying with the law.

 The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of childhood development program design and implementation.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations related to child care and child abuse/neglect.
• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of child care licensing principles, practices, procedures and methodologies.
• Knowledge of the national, state and local resources used in working with individuals and groups in developing human service programs.
• Skill in conducting workshops and teaching childhood development program techniques.
• Skill in effective communication, policy interpretation and problem analysis and resolution.
• Skill in curriculum development.
• Skill in the conduct of sensitive interviews and group meetings.
• Ability to exercise judgement in evaluation of licensing applications.
• Ability to identify violations of laws and regulations.
• Ability to formulate functional corrective action plans.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Child Care Licensing Specialist
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Education, Behavioral or Social Science or related field.
2. Six months experience in program evaluation which includes evaluating programs and services to identify problems, determine compliance and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency to ensure program goals and overall objectives are met.
3. Knowledge of childhood development program design and implementation.
4. Six months experience in interviewing using structured or unstructured interview techniques to obtain facts, explore issues and identify courses of action.
5. Six months experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
6. Six months experience in narrative report writing.
7. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).