Child Development Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $47,667.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 191248
Agency: Department of Social Services
Division: Child Care
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: GA14
Position Number:: 61015445
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN07
Hiring Range - Min.: $47,667.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $47,667.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: All applicants must apply online. All correspondence from DSS Human Resources will be made through electronic mail, unless otherwise indicated.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
SPECIAL NOTICE: This is a a hybrid/remote position.
Do you have a passion to provide meaningful work in the community? Would you like to be part of an organization whose central mission is helping to protect, stabilize and strengthen the lives of children, families, and vulnerable adults? Then the South Carolina Department of Social Services has the right job opportunity for you.
Job Duties:

• The Child Care Licensing Specialist ensures that all child care facilities meet applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

• Inspects and monitors public family child care facilities to ensure facilities meet and maintain regulatory requirements. Conducts one unannounced inspection per year on child care facilities, as required; submits monthly reports on the number of inspections performed.

• Initiates renewal process a minimum of 120 days prior to expiration of current regulatory permit; ensures overdue regulatory permits each quarter are renewed within 30 days of the beginning of the next quarter. Collects, reviews, and completes initial and renewal applications within 90 days of receipt of the information required for regulatory permits; maintains accurate case files.

• Responds to complaints against child care facilities, as well as possible illegal operations, by supervising the investigation and ensuring appropriate follow up.

• Initiates and implements enforcement activities, including denial and/or withdrawal of the registration; prepares summaries in preparation of negative action and appeals/hearings; participates in administrative reconsideration staffings and appeals/hearings.

• Provides technical assistance, pre-application consultation, and ongoing consultation to potential and current operators as to the statutes, regulations, and department policies and procedures. Disseminates resource information and develops and conducts training for providers; assists with training other agencies as to regulatory procedures concerning child care statutes and regulations.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
A Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, and/or Child Psychology, or a related field.
Additional Comments
This application for employment with the SC Department of Social Services must be completed in its entirety. A resume may be included; but shall not be substituted in lieu of the completion of this application in part or in whole. "See Resume" is not acceptable information for the completion of any part of the requirements of this application. If such is submitted, this employment application will be considered incomplete and may not be forwarded as eligible for consideration to hiring managers.
Must possess a valid driver's license and have access to and be able to operate a motor vehicle. Individuals must comply with necessary field work assignments.
If you certify, by completion and submission of this application, that you possess educational credentials that qualify you for the available DSS positions, you will be required to provide a certified official transcript, if you are selected for job offer.
The South Carolina Department of Social Services offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

DIVISION: Child Care / Richland County
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01
Have you ever been terminated or forced to resign from any job? If yes, please explain.
02
I understand that supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation will result in disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. If there are periods of time when you were not employed, you must also list those periods on your employment application. A resume cannot be submitted for completed work history and education sections of the employment application. The employment application may be considered incomplete and may not be forwarded. I have read and acknowledge the above.

• Yes
• No

03
I understand that by completion and submission of this application, that if I possess educational credentials that qualify me for the available position(s) and in the event I am offered a position with the SC Department of Social Services, I will be required to provide a certified official transcript within two (2) weeks of employment.

• Yes
• No

04
If you selected "Yes" that you are a veteran in the Agency-Wide Questions, are you able to provide a Member 4, Service 2-Copy, or NGB22 DD-214?

• Yes
• No

05
Have you ever been employed by the State of South Carolina? If yes, please provide the state agency/agencies.
06
How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• HR Recruiter
• DSS Employee
• DSS Internship
• Careers Website
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• SCWORKS
• College/University Job Portal
• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
• Radio/TV/Billboard
• Other

07
If you selected "Other" or "DSS Employee" in the previous question, please list the source below.
08
Have you completed an internship with the SC Department of Social Services?

• Yes
• No

09
Which of the following best describes your highest level of completed education?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate
• None of the above

10
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, and/or Child Psychology, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

Required Question