District Specialist (211223)

Job Description:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has a District Specialist opening. This position is fully remote with a preference for a candidate in the south-central Kansas area. This position manages and directs training and technical assistance in surveyor application of childcare licensing and registration regulations and policies to local surveyors within an assigned region of the State. Reviews and analyzes survey reports and practices to provide one-on-one assistance to surveyors to improve skills and abilities.  Uses extensive knowledge of program and organizational goals and regulations and guidelines which tend to be technical in nature, requiring careful interpretation and application when developing plans to improve skills and abilities of surveyors through training in group or one-on-one settings. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Implements policy and management strategies to monitor surveyor contracts for quality assurance and control.  Evaluates surveyor knowledge and implementation of regulations, policies and procedures and evaluates surveyor deliverables for accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.  Recommends administrative action when contract obligations are not met.  Develops, implements, and monitors regulatory improvement plans in conjunction with regional administrators.

Directs activities of contract surveyors in conducting surveys and complaint investigations. Functions as role-model to local surveyors on difficult complaints/surveys and reports of unsafe, harmful, or illegal childcare in keeping with agency regulations, policies and procedures and recommends appropriate regulatory action(s).  Assists surveyors with skills and knowledge in planning, developing, and analyzing of childcare programs to determine compliance with regulations, policies, procedures, and overall state goals for childcare programs.  Participates on local staffing teams to make findings and recommendations as to appropriate regulatory action such as licensure or license revocation, denial, suspension, or civil penalty.  Testifies as an expert witness at administrative hearings.  Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Four years of experience in child services.  A bachelor’s degree in nursing, child development, social services or a related field may be substituted for the required experience.

Education:

• High School, GED

Licensing & Certification:

• Valid Driver’s License – Incumbent is required to have and maintain a valid driver’s license when operating a state vehicle, a private vehicle, or a rental vehicle for the benefit of the State.

Preferred Qualifications:

Any additional skills, experiences, or qualifications that would be beneficial, but aren’t strictly necessary.

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing, child development, social services, or a related field.
• Two years of administrative experience in a childcare, surveying, or related setting.
• Knowledge of adult education.
• Knowledge of regulatory theory and application.
• Knowledge of principals/practices of early childhood education.
• Ability to exercise independent decision making.
• Good customer service skills.
• Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing.
• Proofreading, editing, attention to detail.
• Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access.

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Anyone (External)
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (Flexible schedules available)
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes

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

How to Apply:

Specific instructions for applying, which might include submitting a resume, cover letter, list of references, or completing an online application.

• Please include the Job ID number when emailing.

Job Application Process:  Only applications submitted within our State of Kansas Careers Portal will be considered.

• First Sign in or register as a New User at https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs
• Complete or update your contact information on the State of Kansas Careers Portal > My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.
• Upload required documents listed for each specific job posting.
• 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”

Contact Information:

[email protected] 

Salary Range

$ $22.19 to $22.60