Child Care Inspection Specialist-Western Nebraska/Panhandle

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:
Health & Human Services - Agency 25
Location:
Broken Bow, NE, Kearney, NE, Lexington, NE
Hiring Rate:
$21.332
Job Posting:
JR2026-00029471 Child Care Inspection Specialist-Western Nebraska/Panhandle (Open)
Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):
10-08-2026
Job Description:
Join our dedicated team as a Child Care Inspection Specialist, where your independence and organizational skills will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and quality of child care facilities across Western Nebraska and the Panhandle.

Under general supervision, you will conduct mandated inspections of licensed and unlicensed child care and preschool facilities, providing crucial education on licensing requirements and investigating complaints in collaboration with agencies such as Law Enforcement and Children and Family Services.

This role offers the opportunity to work within a geographically diverse team, requiring self-motivation to meet annual inspection goals and the ability to effectively manage your schedule.

Your expertise will help uphold regulatory standards, recommend appropriate licensing actions, and support the enforcement process through testimony at appeal hearings, making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in the region.

This is field position has a coverage area including Blaine, Loup, Garfield, Custer, Valley, Sherman, Dawson, Buffalo, Gosper, Phelps, Furnas, and Harlan counties.

The position may be located in DHHS/Public Health offices such as Lexington, Kearney, or Broken Bow, subject to availability.

Since this is a field position, daily travel could be possible based on business need.

The Child Care Inspection Specialist-

- Conducts complaint investigations on licensed facilities and unlicensed child care.
- Coordinates with other agencies, such as Law Enforcement and/or Children and Family Services.
- Recommends and initiates appropriate licensing response to regulation violations and testifies at appeal hearings.

The coverage area for this position is Blaine, Loup, Garfield, Custer, Valley, Sherman, Dawson, Buffalo, Gosper, Phelps, Furnas, and Harlan counties.

Since this is a field position, daily travel could be possible based on business need.

Requirements/Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with specialization in elementary or early childhood education, human development, sociology, psychology, child development, social work, nursing or related field.  Experience as an inspector/complaint investigator in human services licensing, child welfare investigator, and/or children’s services provider at the level of licensee, director or assistant director of a child care center. Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in elementary or early childhood education, human development, sociology, psychology, child development, social work, nursing or related field AND experience as an inspector/ investigator, evaluator in human services licensing/ child welfare and/or experience as a provider at the level of licensee or Director of a licensed child care center. Experience managing an inspection case load.

Other: Valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation. Ability to travel daily, if necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice that enhances the emotional, social, and intellectual growth of children.  Components of quality children's programs.  Key issues that impact quality early childhood programs.  Microsoft Office Software.

Skills:  Communicate verbally and in writing in a professional, efficient manner, interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedures.  Prioritize and work independently, while maintaining accuracy.

Ability to communicate and coordinate with team members, licensees, and other partners in a courteous, professional, and timely manner.

Quickly analyze difficult situations and develop strategies to overcome.  Evaluate and determine the appropriateness of children's programs. Compare data with established criteria to determine similarities and differences and identify conformity with standards.

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Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.