Licensing Certification Specialist

Introduction

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), Division of Early Care and Education (DECE), Bureau of Early Care Regulation (BECR), is currently recruiting to fill a full time Licensing/Certification Specialist position in the Western Region. DCF offers great benefits, personal growth opportunities and work-life balance as a State of Wisconsin employee; and the intrinsic reward associated with serving the children and families of Wisconsin. To learn more about DCF’s complete compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator!

The State of Wisconsin continues to follow necessary health and safety protocols for COVID.  Please visit Division of Personnel Management Coronavirus - COVID-19 (wi.gov) for the most up-to-date information. Guidance may be subject to change.

This position is headquartered at 610 Gibson Street, Eau Claire, WI and is comprised primarily of field work requiring on-site, in-person visits approximately 3-4 days per week. Successful candidates must have the ability to travel anywhere within the Southeastern region at any time, based on the needs of the work unit. This position will have the option to work hybrid for up to 12 hours per week to complete office work.  This schedule may change based on training or operational needs.  Employees need to report to either 201 W. Washington Ave, Madison, WI OR 635 N 26 St. Milwaukee, WI office on their first day for onboarding and orientation. 

High speed internet access is required to meet the needs of hybrid work.

Come see why DCF is such a great place to work!

DCF is committed to the important work of helping children, youth and families become safer, more secure and progress down the road to true independence. For more information about DCF, visit our website at http://dcf.wi.gov/.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the regional licensing manager, Bureau of Early Care Regulation, evaluate, license and monitor assigned childcare programs (family childcare, group childcare, day camps) to determine compliance with regulations established by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in order to protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of the children being served.  Recommends and participates in taking enforcement actions.  Investigate complaints against illegally operating programs and licensed programs as assigned.  Provide technical assistance to individuals or groups involved in childcare programs.

View the complete position description. 

Salary Information

The classification title for this position is Licensing/Certification Specialist. The starting salary is between $22.96 and $34.23 per hour ($47,756 and $71,198 annually), depending on qualifications. Pay for current State of WI employees will be based on the compensation plan in effect at the time of the appointment. Pay for current state employees who are transferring will be determined based upon the pay on transfer rules (higher level duties or equity) as outlined in the compensation plan in effect at the time of appointment.

The pay schedule/range is 12-63. A one-year probationary period may be required.  

Job Details

Due to the nature of the position, final candidates may be required to allow DCF to conduct a security background check to determine whether the circumstances of any pending charges or convictions would be substantially related to the job being filled.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DCF sponsorship.) The Department of Children and Families does not sponsor visas, either at time of hire or at any later time.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have:

• Experience working with investigative techniques and/or strategies (investigating complaints and/or concerns etc.)
• Experience working in an early care and education setting (programmatic experiences can include, but are not limited to non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, regulated childcare, afterschool programs, etc.)
• Experience writing complex and/or detailed reports, memos, and/or correspondences
• Experience interpreting and/or applying policy, state statutes and/or administrative rules
• Experience using applications and/or databases (electronic mail, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, mainframe systems, etc.)

Well-qualified applicants will have:

• Experience preparing and/or testifying in court or administrative hearings
• Experience making home visits or business site visiting in a regulatory capacity
• Experience operating and/or navigating childcare related automated systems (Child Care Statewide Administration on the Web (CSAW), CARES, Cares Worker Webb (CWW), Child Care Finder (CCF), Child Care Provider Portal (CCPP), Wisconsin Child Care Regulatory Systems (WISCCRS)) or other public assistance program systems
• Experience working in community-based or regulated childcare setting

How To Apply

If you haven’t already done so, you will need to create an account and apply online. You must apply online to be considered for this position. Application materials will not be accepted if received in an e-mail, as a hard copy or a fax. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. After you are logged in and are viewing the announcement, click “Apply Now.” You will be asked to provide your personal information and required materials.  Online applications that do not include all of the requested materials will not be considered. 

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application at DCF and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. View instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your DCF application and what should be included in these materials. 

Submitted materials will be evaluated by one or more subject matter experts and qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. 

The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants of any race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national original, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

 

Veterans with at least a 30% service-connected disability rating should contact the HR Specialist listed in this posting regarding eligibility for consideration under the non-competitive appointment process. For a list job categories that match our positions, see our Military Crosswalk to match your skills.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or former employees as a reinstatement) must complete the application process to apply.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM on June 30, 2024. If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact, Rebekah Gaumitz at 608-422-6417 or via email at Rebekah.Gaumitz@wisconsin.gov. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.