ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST - 64003884

Requisition No: 851944 

Agency: Department of Health

Working Title: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST - 64003884

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 64003884 

Salary:  $39,862.16 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 05/05/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Your Specific Responsibilities:

Conducting inspections within established time frames to determine whether centers and/or family homes follow applicable laws. Inspections are performed for prospective provides for recommendations for approvals for change license, renewal licenses, provisional and probationary licenses. Reviews provider and childcare staff records for require information pertaining to background screening, training, educations, medical information, if applicable, and other required documents. Reviews children’s records for compliance with requirements pertaining to enrollment information, state immunization and health examinations requirements, and emergency medical authorization forms. Inspects the physical facility to determine the health, safety, and sanitary condition for maintaining compliance, including outdoor play areas and play equipment. Reviews for all other required regulations, including but not limited to transportation, disciplinary practices, field trip requirements, facility records, food and nutrition. The required additional standards are monitored for compliance.

Results of the inspections are uploaded into the reporting system and communicated to DEL and ELC for funding qualification purposes. Inspection results are added to the center and/or home file. Conducts re-inspections as assigned to ensure provider has come into compliance in areas that are high risk to children’s health and safety. Prepares file for a center/home inspection prior to the inspection to ensure accuracy of inspection. Completes checklists and license renewals in a thorough and accurate manner within established timeframes.  Maintains files accurately and ensures that information is current. Ensures all licenses, correspondence and provider information sheets are accurate by proofreading thoroughly. Investigates allegations of violations of regulations and unlicensed childcare and follows through with appropriate administrative action and/or legal sanctions, following established timeframes and procedures.

Conducts enforcement actions; maintains accurate documentation while applying appropriate regulations in conjunction with supervisor, including corrective action, administrative actions, fine payment tracking, and other areas as assigned.  Drafts appropriate correspondence, reports, and other documents in order to assist the provider to maintain compliance with applicable rules and regulations.  Prepares for and participates in conferences, hearings, and court appearances.  Testifies at legal proceedings as an expert witness in regulating childcare programs, when appropriate. Reports allegations of child abuse or neglect in children’s centers and family day care homes and coordinates investigative activities with the Child Protective Investigators and law enforcement officials, whenever possible.

Organizes and conducts trainings and in-depth consultations to educate owners, managers, operators, and/or parents regarding licensing requirements and procedures, issues involved in operating a safe and healthy environment for young children, and the developmental needs of young children. Provides technical assistance and recommends improvements or changes to providers to help them understand how to meet requirements of applicable rules and regulations.  Identifies need for specific providers to make improvements that would promote a higher quality of childcare.

Collects and records data in the field and finalizes inspection reports according to required timeframes and communicates with the Senior Clerk and Supervisor to maintain current information in unit databases. Attends training functions that are designed to maintain and improve professional knowledge and skills. Participates in various public health programs and community trainings as assigned.   Completes all required FDOH trainings. Consults with supervisor as needed regarding policy changes and unusual situations. Actively participates as part of the team in achieving program goals and objectives. Prepares accurate statistical reports on activities, as required.

Performs other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the methods of data collection.

Knowledge of principles and best practices in early childhood programs.

Knowledge of early childhood development.

Skilled in operating a computer, including Microsoft Office products.

Skilled in effective written and oral communication.

Ability to collect, record, and analyze data.

Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.

Ability to utilize problem solving techniques.

Ability to bend and life 20 pounds.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Qualifications:

Minimum --

• Associates degree per funding from DCF and JWB. 
• Valid Florida driver’s license
• 1 – 3 years of experience in childcare industry or inspecting childcare programs

Preferred -- 

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood, or related field

Florida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:

Mission:

To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

Vision:

To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.

Values:

I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.

C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.

A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.

R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.

E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.

Where You Will Work:

Mid County Center- 8751 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33771

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions

(For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);

• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Tuition waivers;
• And more!

For a more complete list of benefits, including monthly costs, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

Please be advised:

Your responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.  

This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov 

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida.  Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system.  E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility.   

Incumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.

All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.  

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. 

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation. 

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act. 

Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women.  The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise.  Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.    

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.