Program Administrator 2 (Enforcement Specialist)

Ohio Department of Administrative Services•Columbus, OH

About The Position

This role sits in the Regulatory Compliance division and reports to the Enforcement Coordinator. As an Enforcement Specialist, you help ensure that early care, education, and child welfare programs follow Ohio law and administrative rules — and you step in when they don’t. You’ll collaborate closely with licensing staff, legal counsel, and external partners. Some days are desk-heavy and detail-driven; others involve site visits, hearings, or training sessions.

Requirements

4 yrs. trg. or 4 yrs. exp. in business administration management science or public administration.
Or completion of undergraduate core program in business administration, management science or public administration; 2 yrs. trg. or 2 yrs. exp. in supervisory, administrative &/or managerial position.
Or completion of undergraduate core program in academic field commensurate with program area to be assigned per approved Position Description on file; 2 yrs. trg. or 2 yrs. exp. in supervisory, administrative &/or managerial position or staff position involving planning, research &/or policy/procedure development.
Or 1 yr. exp. as Program Administrator 1, 63122.
Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above

Responsibilities

Supporting compliance and enforcement
Provide technical guidance to licensed and certified providers, prospective operators, and DCY staff on how rules apply and what enforcement processes look like.
Review findings from licensing specialists to determine whether non-compliances rise to the level of enforcement action.
Assess recommendations for denial, suspension, or revocation of licenses or certifications and help determine next steps.
Preparing enforcement actions
Draft and review adjudication orders, suspension orders, settlement agreements, and formal correspondence to caretakers and providers.
Gather, organize, and analyze evidence and documentation for cases subject to enforcement under Ohio Revised Code Section 119.
Maintain accurate, confidential records related to licensed, certified, and unlicensed programs.
Working with legal partners and hearings
Consult with DCY legal counsel and Assistant Attorneys General on enforcement cases.
Help prepare witnesses and participate in hearings, including providing legal testimony when required.
Represent DCY during administrative hearings and enforcement proceedings.
Inspections, data, and systems work
Participate in site inspections when directed.
Use databases, tracking tools, and reporting systems to document findings, identify trends, and monitor enforcement activity.
Help develop and improve tracking and reporting procedures so leadership can see what’s happening across the system.
Policy, training, and collaboration
Analyze data and field experience to help shape policies, rules, and enforcement procedures.
Serve as a subject matter expert during system design or enhancement meetings.
Review proposed rules and assess their impact on child safety, service delivery, and placement stability.
Conduct or assist with trainings for providers, caregivers, and partner agencies.
Coordinate with county, city, state, and private agencies to exchange information and align efforts.