Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.
Department:
GG_Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs: Youth ServicesSalary will be based on qualifications.
Closing Date:
05/05/2026Job Details:
The Compliance Specialist ensures that multiple City of Gainesville after-school and education programs operate in compliance with Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) regulations and standards. This role supports the integrity, safety, and operation of youth programs by overseeing licensing requirements, reporting, standard processes, documentation, and staff training. The specialist works closely with program leadership, site staff, and partners to facilitate adherence to licensing and program standards.Job Description:
SUMMARY
The Compliance Specialist ensures that multiple City of Gainesville after-school and education programs operate in compliance with Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) regulations and standards. This role supports the integrity, safety, and operation of youth programs by overseeing licensing requirements, reporting, standard processes, documentation, and staff training. The specialist works closely with program leadership, site staff, and partners to facilitate adherence to licensing and program standards.
Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its administrative responsibilities.
EXAMPLES OF WORK*
*This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower-level duties may be required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Regulatory Oversight: Monitor and ensure compliance with DCF licensing standards for afterschool and/or out-of-school-time programs, including program and facility safety, staff qualifications, and standard processes.
Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate onsite and electronic records and data systems for DCF reporting and access at all times, working with staff, other teams, and departments. This includes information such as staff background screenings, policies and procedures, maintenance, and safety inspections in accordance with DCF and governmental requirements. Prepare reports for renewals.
Inspection Support: Prepare for and support DCF inspections, internal reviews, and government program evaluations. Respond to findings and implement corrective actions as needed.
Policy Implementation: Collaborate with leadership to develop and update policies and procedures that align with DCF and City of Gainesville policies and practices.
Staff Training: Coordinate and deliver training for staff on DCF compliance and mandatory training, creating support and resources for staff success in obtaining DCF credentials.
Credential Coordination: Track and ensure timely renewal of staff certifications, including Director Credential, 40 – hour Child Care licensing training, and annual renewals/in-service. Become a subject matter expert on DCF and Director credentialing to assist staff with appropriate training paths. Work with various departments to coordinate new and recurring certifications and standard operating processes.
Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison with DCF, other departments, and the staff of DCF matters.
Program Support: Works collaboratively with program staff to integrate DCF standard operating procedures, routines, and practices, helping to facilitate a balance between program operations, compliance, and youth development.
Budget: Works with leadership and administration to monitor costs associated with DCF-specific requirements. Assist in aligning program operations with government funding requirements.
Data Management: Assists the division with data collection and performance measures across programs to improve safety, monitoring, and compliance
Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Assists with site coverage for out-of-school-time programs.
Assists with and attends special events.
May act in the absence of a supervisor.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Social Work, or a related field.
Minimum combined experience of 2 years in licensed after school or childcare programs, compliance, child welfare environment, or government administration.
Must be at least 21 years old at the time of appointment.
Preferred:
Strong working knowledge of Florida DCF licensing standards and government programs.
DCF staff credential or 40-hour Childcare Introductory training.
CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES
Licenses
Valid Florida Driver's License required within 30 days of appointment.
Certifications
Must complete or have a current valid American Red Cross certification (or equivalent) in Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Pediatric CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and First Aid.
Must complete the Department of Children and Families (DCF) 40-hour Introductory Child Care Training within 15 months of hire, take additional specialized DCF training courses, or have an education exemption. You must complete annual In-service training.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of Florida DCF licensing standards and government programs.
Knowledge of after-school and out-of-school-time program standards and practices.
Knowledge and ability to effectively administer policies, procedures, and practices.
Knowledge and ability to use personal computers and departmental software.
Effective organizational skills for accurate record keeping, reporting, and communications.
Excellent written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by the ability to articulate complex information and issues clearly and concisely.
Ability to develop and facilitate training for staff on DCF standards and processes.
Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with front-line staff, managers, department representatives, and outside agencies
Ability to collect, manage, track and report on data and outcomes.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work-related environmental conditions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to sit for prolonged periods of time.
While performing this job, the employee must be able to travel between worksites.
While performing this job, the employee must be able to set up and break down programs, events, and outreach items.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, work will require attendance at meetings, programs and/or events outside regular business hours.
Note:
May Require Assessment(s).
May fill multiple positions.
May establish an eligibility list.
Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. Not only do we offer traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy.
Equal Opportunity
The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.
Veterans' Preference
Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.
If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077.