Licensing Specialist

Agency Information: The Kansas Office of Early Childhood exists to strengthen Kansas’s early childhood system by improving efficiency, transparency, and safety in state programs, funding, and policy implementation. KOEC oversees over 20 early childhood care and education programs including childcare licensing and subsidy, home visiting, and grant programs funded through the Children’s Initiatives Fund. We envision an early childhood system where:

• Every child is supported and equipped with the foundations for necessary lifelong success;
• Families have access to early childhood programs and services through a coordinated, easy-to-navigate system that reduces fragmentation and administrative burden;
• Providers across the mixed-delivery system are supported, well-prepared, and have the resources necessary to deliver high-quality experiences for children; and communities and businesses are strengthened through a coordinated approach that supports workforce participation and enables families to thrive.

Following the application period, KOEC leadership will review applications and invite chosen candidates to interview.

About the Position

• Who can apply: Anyone residing in Clay, Dickinson, Geary, Pottawatomie or adjacent counties
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes

Compensation:

• Hourly Pay Range: $20.00 - $21.00
• Note: Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Employment Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Fitness Centers in select locations
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information

Position Description:

Job Responsibilities:

• Evaluate compliance with state laws and regulations within assigned counties by conducting on-site initial, annual, compliance, and complaint surveys in licensed childcare facilities.
• Interpret the application of regulations in each facility's unique environment utilizing current KDHE regulation interpretation and guidance information.
• Assist other licensing specialists with complex childcare surveys as assigned by the program.
• Participate with partnering agencies, such as DCF or law enforcement, in conducting joint complaint investigations.
• Collaborate with the Field Services team for regulatory clarification when encountering new or complex circumstances.
• Serve as the local expert in childcare licensing.
• Educate childcare providers on the rationale behind regulations.
• Provide support, consultation, and technical assistance to facilities/providers to encourage compliance with laws and regulations.
• Use independent judgment and extensive knowledge of the program, organizational goals, and regulations when communicating with facilities.
• Conduct required licensing orientations for new applicants and provide ongoing guidance and consultation during the application process.
• Review floor plans and provide site approval for new commercial facilities. Testify as an expert witness at administrative hearings.
• Plan and organize work, prioritizing due dates, initial surveys, and complaint surveys.
• Create thorough and accurate written reports as required.
• Coordinate the division or collaboration of surveys as needed.
• Record data necessary for reporting to the federal Office of Child Care.
• Complete work that is timely, satisfactory, and meets statutory mandates.
• Partner at the community level to support the availability of quality childcare.
• Interact with health departments, childcare provider organizations, partner agencies, childcare coalitions/committees, and the public.
• Obtain an understanding of regional and community needs in childcare and analyze barriers to establishing local facilities.
• Make recommendations to the field services team regarding new or revised programs, standards, and regulations based on observations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of experience in services to young children including exposure to regulated childcare facilities.
• Resides in one of the counties assigned for field work or resides in a county adjacent to assigned counties. (Clay, Dickinson, Geary, Pottawatomie)
• Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications

• Twelve credit hours in Early Childhood Education coursework from an accredited source
• Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Nursing, or related field.

Special Skills, Abilities, Certifications

• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Work, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, etc.)
• Strong grammatical skills (Proofreading, editing, attention to detail)
• Caseload management (efficient, self-motivated)
• Leadership (decision-making, sound judgement, accountability)
• Communication (verbal/written, good listener)
• Cultural competence (awareness, respect)
• Interpersonal (patience, ability to connect with others)
• Understanding of early childhood education principles
• Understanding of regulator theory and application

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate: A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is a condition of employment for all employees of the State of Kansas. Applicants (including non-residents) who receive a formal job offer for a State job, are required to obtain a valid Tax Clearance within ten (10) days of the job offer. A Tax Clearance can be obtained through the Kansas Department of Revenue who reviews individual accounts for compliance with Kansas Tax Law. Please be encouraged if you have a missing tax return(s) or you owe taxes to the State of Kansas, the Kansas Department of Revenue will work with you. The Kansas Department of Revenue can set you up on a payment plan to receive a Tax Clearance so you can get a job working for the State of Kansas. The Kansas Department of Revenue can be contacted at 785-296-3199. Kansas Department of Revenue - Tax Clearance Frequently Asked Questions

Recruiter Contact Information:

Name: Sarah Aasen

Email: Sarah.Aasen@ks.gov

Job Application Process:

• First Sign in or register as a New User.
• Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page.
• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.
  • Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.
• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.
  • Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page
  • Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete:

Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page

• DD FM 214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application

• Resume
• Letter of Interest / Cover Letter

How to Claim Veterans Preference:

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Docking State Office Building
915 SW Harrison Street, Suite 260,
Topeka, KS 66612

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.