Child Care Licensing Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $64,512.00 - $86,688.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-06538
Department: Dept of Children, Youth, and Families
Division: Licensing
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Our vision is to ensure that "Washington state's children and youth grow up safe and healthy, thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community."
Job Title: Child Care Licensor (SHPC2)
Location: Olympia, WA - Flexible/Hybrid
Closes: Wednesday, August 19th, 2026
Salary: $64,512 - $86,688 Annually
The mission of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is to work alongside Washington's vulnerable children, youth, and families to foster safety, stability, and better outcomes by strengthening opportunities, connections, and community.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is accepting applications for a Social and Health Program Consultant 2 (SHPC2) within the Licensing Division, Region 6, based in Olympia, WA. This position functions as a Child Care and Early Learning Services Licensor, administering uniform procedures according to RCWs, WACs, and DCYF policies for recruitment, development, licensing, technical assistance, monitoring, complaint inspections, and legal activities for all required child care and early learning environments, including Child Care Centers, School Age, and Family Home Child Care programs.
to learn more about DCYF.
The Opportunity:
As an SHPC2 in the Child Care Licensing Division, you will carry a caseload of licensed and prospective early learning providers, conducting evaluations, managing compliance, responding to complaints, and providing technical assistance to support high-quality child care in your community. While the Region 6 team serves Pierce, Thurston, Mason, Lewis, and Grays Harbor counties, this position's primary caseload will be in Pierce County.
This position offers a flexible hybrid work schedule, allowing you to work from home, in the field, and from the Olympia office while partnering directly with providers, families, and community organizations. You will also serve as the Department's representative in administrative hearings when needed.
This is meaningful, community-facing work that directly impacts the safety, quality, and accessibility of child care and early learning services for children and families throughout Pierce County.
Some of what you'll do:

• Conduct initial and annual evaluations of child care and early learning environments, including family home child care, child care centers, and school-age programs, to determine compliance with WAC 110 and DCYF policies and procedures; assess safety, health, developmental appropriateness, and cultural relevancy of services.
• Verify licensing qualifications in MERIT for applicants, licensees, family members, and staff; coordinate background clearance processes in accordance with WAC 110 and DCYF Background Check Rules.
• Complete all licensing applications within required timeframes per RCW 43.216.305; submit initial, non-expiring, and probationary licenses and certifications to the Child Care Licensing Supervisor to meet the 90-day deadline.
• Maintain accurate and current records in the licensing management system; document licensing activities and observation notes in an objective, factual, and timely manner per DCYF Child Care policies and procedures.
• Evaluate complaints concerning licensed and unlicensed early learning providers; collaborate with DCYF Licensing Division and Child Protective Services investigative units; initiate adverse actions when necessary in consultation with the supervisor.
• Appear and provide testimony as the Department's representative at administrative hearings concerning licensing adverse actions; prepare materials to substantiate the Department's position.
• Review requests for variances and waivers; recommend approval or denial per DCYF Child Care policy and procedure.
• Provide technical assistance and consultation to early learning providers on licensing regulations and Early Achievers requirements; support enrollment, orientation, and training activities.
• Participate in community outreach and education for parents and community partners on child care licensing and Early Achievers.
• Establish and maintain provider files in accordance with DCYF's agency-specific schedule and records retention policies.

Required Qualifications:

• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience in planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health, or chemical dependency treatment services programs totaling four (4) years.

OR

• One (1) year of experience as a Social and Health Program Consultant 1.

OR

• A master's degree (or higher) in early childhood education, social work, health or social science, public administration, or a related field; AND two (2) years of professional experience planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health or chemical dependency treatment services programs.

OR

• A bachelor's degree in early childhood education, social work, health or social science, public administration, or a related field; AND three (3) years of professional experience planning, administering, developing, or delivering social, financial, health or chemical dependency treatment services programs.

AND

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Experience may include professional-level child care licensing or early childhood education in a licensed or formal early childhood setting.
Note: A degree in Social Work must be from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. College-level coursework may substitute for degree type if 30 semester or 45 quarter credits are in social services or child development disciplines.
In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Demonstrated history of and/or ability for effective and clear communication with all levels including management, peers, clients, and the public.
• Demonstrated history of and/or ability for explaining in writing and verbally, complex technical and regulatory information in a clear and concise non-threatening but factual manner to clients and the public of diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Experience in monitoring or overseeing licensed child care, Head Start or ECEAP performance standards.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of child development; risk assessment and decision making.
• Demonstrated ability to research and apply law and regulations.
• Demonstrated interviewing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to serve the role of expert representative in both court proceedings and multi-disciplinary team service delivery.
• Demonstrated knowledge of group work and group dynamics.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current literature on early care and education practices as well as concepts of community organization as applied to the development of community resources.
• Demonstrated ability to deduce potential impacts of conditions or assess risk.
• Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Office products and the use of mobile computing devices.

How do I apply?In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• College Transcripts -If applicable. (An unofficial copy is acceptable for applying).
• Cover Letter (describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position).
• Resume

Supplemental Information:
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington's children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our goal to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver's license.
Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org. Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S.
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information:
Benefits eligibility for this position may be different than what's listed in the benefits tab of this recruitment announcement. For more information on employee benefits eligibility, visit:
If you would like to request an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, contact . If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at360-664-1960.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, NGB Form 22, or Predischarge Certification (issued not more than 120 days prior to End of Term of Service (ETS) by date of submission). If claiming preference based on Predischarge Certification, the individual will be required to provide their official discharge documentation, such as a DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or equivalent, within 30 days after the date of discharge. Please blackout (redact) the social security number before attaching any documents. For additional information on Veterans' Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, .
DCYF participates in the federal E-Verify program. The selected candidate must provide proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States, consistent with E-Verify requirements, on their first day of employment.
2026-06538
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-