Licensing/Certification Specialist

Position Summary

This position will evaluate, license, and monitor assigned child care programs (family childcare, group child care, day camps, certified providers). The Licensing/Certification Specialist will 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. This position recommends and participates in issuing enforcement actions to support compliance of the licensing or certification rules. The Licensing/Certification Specialist will also be responsible for investigating complaints against illegally operating programs and licensed programs as assigned and provides technical assistance to individuals or groups involved in child care programs. These duties will require the drafting of documentation, reports, and comments, in addition to entering updates in the Wisconsin Child Care Regulatory System (WISCCRS) automation system and entering visit data in the licensing checklist mobile application.

Salary Information

The classification title for this position is Licensing/Certification Specialist. The starting salary is between $30.75 and $36.00 per hour ($63,960 and $74,880 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.

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.

Driver License Requirement

The selected candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment and meet the requirements of the State of Wisconsin Fleet Vehicle Policy. The candidate must be at least 18 years of age with 2 years’ driving experience. Candidates with three (3) or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents in the past two (2) years, or who have an OWI/DUE violation within the past year are not eligible to drive state vehicles.

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.

Qualifications

• Experience conducting complaint investigations and/or audits in a professional setting (reviewing records, interviewing subjects, documenting findings, entering data etc.)
• Experience using an automated caseload management system (WISSCRS, Compass, EWISACWIS, Litify, Case Manager by Vortex, Casebook, Bonterra Apricot, or similar)
• Experience applying, interpreting, and/or enforcing laws, rules, regulations, or policies
• Experience working in early education, K12, child welfare, family services or with other human services programs
• Experience conducting on-site monitoring visits for compliance with state statutes, rules, and codes.
• Experience preparing for and/or testifying in court or administrative hearings
• Experience being a part of workgroups or special projects in a professional setting.
• Experience providing technical assistance and/or providing training to internal and/or external stakeholders

Application Process

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 Program

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM on July 16, 2026. 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.