Investigations Specialist (Compliance Specialist 2) - Bilingual in English/Spanish Preferred

Initial posting: 08/13/2026  |  Application deadline: 08/23/2026

About the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC)

At DELC, we are dedicated to helping Oregon’s young children and families learn and thrive. As the state agency responsible for early learning programs, child care licensing, and family support services, we play a crucial role in shaping the future of Oregon’s children from birth to kindergarten.

We administer state-funded early learning programs, including home visiting and site-based infant, toddler, and preschool services. We also develop coordinated systems through Early Learning Hubs and collaborate with Child Care Resource and Referral organizations to provide training, coaching, and quality improvement opportunities for early learning providers. With over 275,000 young children in Oregon, we have a unique opportunity to transform early childhood support systems, creating a brighter future for families across the state.

Research shows that investing in early childhood has lifelong benefits, and now is your chance to be part of an agency making a lasting impact for generations to come.

Why Join Our Team?

We are passionate about equity in early childhood education. At DELC, we value dedication, integrity, and collective wisdom, fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace where all employees can thrive. We challenge ourselves to lead with courage, refine practices, and drive meaningful change for children and families statewide.

Responsibilities

The primary purpose of the position is to promote the health, safety, and well-being of children in child care facilities. Duties include:

• Conduct unannounced and announced visits to child care facilities.
• Assess regulatory complaint allegations against licensed facilities and allegations of possible illegal care against unlicensed facilities.
• Conduct tandem investigations with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) on assessments involving abuse occurring in child care settings.
• Collaborate with the legal and compliance unit to take legal action against facilities when necessary.
• Apply complex federal, state, and local statutes, codes, rules, and policies related to child care licensing.
• Provide technical assistance to providers and facility staff to aid in compliance with regulations.
• Offer consultation and resource information on state quality initiatives intended to improve child outcomes.
• Maintain considerable contact with collateral agencies such as ODHS (Child Welfare and Office of Training, Investigations, and Safety), law enforcement, and the public.
• Ensure child care licensing functions are carried out in conjunction with agency equity policies and practices.

This position serves one or more counties and may require occasional travel to Multnomah, Clackamas, Hood River, and other surrounding counties based on need.

Requirements

• Four years of experience doing administrative research that included compiling and evaluating facts to recommend management action or decide compliance with program guidelines and regulations. Two of the four years must be above the technical support level.
• College-level course work may substitute for experience on the basis of 45-quarter units per year, up to a maximum of three years.
• Valid driver license and acceptable driving record (or satisfactory alternate mode of transportation).
• Subject to both a Child Protective Services and Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) check, including FBI fingerprinting, with results potentially taking 1–3 weeks. Adverse background data may disqualify applicants.
• Must complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9 within three days of hire to confirm work authorization.

Desired Attributes

• Ability to professionally and effectively communicate, orally and in writing, with a variety of people, answering questions and explaining rules and policies.
• Experience applying regulatory standards and best practices related to program operations and health or safety requirements.
• Experience working independently in a fieldwork setting.
• Experience interpreting, performing, and presenting statutes, laws, rules, and policies to partners and community members with varying levels of understanding.
• Strong relationship-building, de-escalation skills, and customer service experience, often handling difficult situations and frustrated customers.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize work assignments, and respond to emergent situations.
• High degree of accuracy, excellent attention to detail, and sound judgment.
• Ability to analyze and use multiple perspectives and facts to arrive at well-informed conclusions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) and strong written communication skills (spelling, grammar, and editing/proofreading).
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred but not required. Bilingual candidates who pass a language test will receive a 5% bilingual differential pay.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family, plus optional benefits like life and disability insurance, deferred compensation, and flexible spending accounts.
• Work-life balance: 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 1 special day, monthly sick leave, and vacation accruals that increase every 5 years.
• Student loan forgiveness: Potential federal loan forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments.
• Inclusive culture: A diverse, welcoming workplace committed to equity and continuous improvement.

Pay

$4,954 – $7,592 per month.

Schedule

Hybrid schedule: working in the office, in the field, and at an alternate location (home). Expected to come into the office as needed to prepare for facility visits.