In this role, you will independently evaluate the health, safety, and quality of services provided to children in early care, education, and child welfare environments. You'll conduct on site monitoring visits, desk audits, and follow up investigations to determine whether agencies and caregivers comply with Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) requirements. Your work directly influences licensing, certification, and enforcement decisions that protect children and promote best practices across the state.

What You Will Do

Monitoring & Compliance Work

• Travel to homes, schools, community locations, and child welfare facilities to verify compliance with state regulations.
• Review agency files, staff records, and documentation such as handbooks, policies, and procedures.
• Interview staff, caregivers, youth, and community members to gather information about program operations.
• Inspect indoor/outdoor environments and observe staff child interactions to evaluate safety and quality.
• Identify non compliance issues and highlight best practices during visits.
• Recommend licensure, certification status, or enforcement actions based on findings.

Investigations & Enforcement

• Review incident reports and complaints regarding facilities or caregivers.
• Gather evidence and supporting documentation for enforcement actions under ORC 119.
• Provide testimony when legal proceedings require it.
• Conduct re inspections or follow up audits to verify achievement of compliance.

Technical Assistance & Stakeholder Support

• Meet with caregivers and agency leadership to discuss violations and clarify regulations.
• Provide detailed guidance, timelines, and technical assistance to help programs achieve compliance.
• Maintain confidential records for licensed and unlicensed programs.
• Consult with current and prospective operators on standards, expectations, and regulatory updates.

Policy & Data Responsibilities

• Analyze monitoring data to inform policy development and recommended regulatory updates.
• Review proposed rules for potential impacts on child safety, placement stability, and service quality.

Training & Collaboration

• Conduct or participate in training sessions for owners, administrators, caregivers, and staff.
• Collaborate with county, city, and state agencies, as well as other regulatory bodies.
• Attend meetings, workshops, and professional development opportunities related to child care and child welfare standards.

Pay Information

Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary will be step 1 of the salary range associated with this position. New hires advance to the next step in the range after 6 months and annually thereafter. Based on collective bargaining and legislative activity, there may be cost of living increases awarded annually. Additional longevity supplements begin after 5 years. The current wage progression for this position is in the table below.

Months of Employment

At Hire

6 months

18 months

30 months

42 months

54 Months

66 Months

78 Months

Pay Range

1199/12

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Hourly

$32.69

$34.35

$36.01

$37.75

$39.64

$41.53

$43.56

$45.72

Annual

$67,995

$71,448

$74,901

$78,520

$82,451

$86,382

$90,605

$95,098

Qualifications

24 mos. exp. working in school, community, &/or home-based early care & education settings or child welfare settings (experience commensurate with program area to be assigned per approved Position Description on file); 6 mos. trg. or 6 mos. exp. in agency, state &/or federal laws, rules, standards & regulations governing early care & education &/or child welfare programs (e.g., staffing, management, licensure, certification & operation of school, community, or home-based early care & education settings &/or child welfare settings); 6 mos. trg. or 6 mos. exp. in inspection & investigation techniques pertinent to evaluating compliance (i.e., early care & education &/or child welfare programs, public/private agencies, caregivers & operations); valid driver's license.

-Or completion of undergraduate core program in early childhood/human development, social & behavioral sciences or related field; 6 mos. trg. or 6 mos. exp. in agency, state &/or federal laws, rules, standards & regulations governing early care & education &/or child welfare programs (e.g., staffing, management, licensure, certification & operation of school, community, or home-based early care & education settings &/or public/private child welfare settings); 6 mos. trg. or 6 mos. exp. in inspection & investigation techniques pertinent to evaluating compliance (i.e., early care & education &/or child welfare programs, public/private agencies, caregivers, & operations); valid driver's license.

-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Note: Applicants for positions in the Department of Children & Youth (early care & education licensing) must also meet one of the trainer requirements cited in Administrative Rules 5101:2-12-10 or 5101:2-13-10.

Job Skills: Human Services