LICENSING SPECIALIST - SAMH

LICENSING SPECIALIST - SAMH - 60073541

Date:  Sep 1, 2026

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Requisition No: 872082 

Agency: Children and Families

Working Title: LICENSING SPECIALIST - SAMH - 60073541

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 60073541 

Salary:  AGENCY TO UPDATE 

Posting Closing Date: 09/02/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator 

Job Title: LICENSING SPECIALIST

Substance Use Disorder Licensing Specialist

Hiring Position for Polk-Hardee-Highlands

This position licenses substance abuse service providers located within the Central Region and assists with designations for Baker Act receiving facilities.   This position is responsible for ensuring substance abuse providers are licensed according to all applicable licensing requirements within the designated time frames as well as exploring all complaints and grievances related to those providers. The position also provides technical assistance to community-based substance abuse agencies to assist with the licensure process. This position primarily covers Polk, Hardee and Highlands County.  However, this position is also requireed to assist in other areas of the Central Region.

Substance Abuse Licensing Activities:  Responsible for monitoring, licensing, and evaluating substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment programs per licensing standards outlined in Florida Statute and Administrative Code. Responsible for implementing policies and procedures. Monitors and conducts on-site inspections of service providers and licenses substance abuse programs as assigned by supervisor in accordance with established guidelines. Investigates licensing violations and complaints on licensed providers and illegal operations. Prepares reports and initiates administrative action as required by statute and/or administrative code. Identify any corrective actions necessary. Monitors the progressive discipline and administrative action processes, which includes providing timely administrative complaint notifications to providers, keeping the information system current throughout the administrative action process and closing out each action timely and accurately. Review corrective action plans for sufficiency to meet regulatory standards and follow-up monitoring for compliance. Review documents submitted for substance use disorder and designated provider applications, generate provider invoices, document and review complaints received, conduct audits of assigned licensed providers, monitoring visits, and ensure any necessary information and updates are maintained in the program's technological system. Provides technical assistance to subcontractor and providers to support and promote sustained compliance with licensing standards. Responds to telephone, email inquiries, and walk-in requests from the public and other agencies and providers and provides accurate information on licensed programs. Consults with stakeholders and other clients regarding licensing regulations. Completed public record requests upon request.

Represent the Department in community meetings, on work groups and forums related to licensing, substance abuse, and mental health issues.

The position is housed  at 1170 Van Fleet Dr, Bartow FL 33830.  

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Regional Licensing Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree in social services or related field from an accredited college or university and 2 years of social service work experience or a master’s degree with 1-year social service work experience. Licensing and/or substance use disorder experience preferred.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of family-centered interviewing and counseling techniques.

Skill in organizing community resources to assist individuals and families in need of services.

Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.

Ability to actively listen to others.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to maintain well-executed case files.

Ability to write comprehensive reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals, family members, co-workers and community partners.

Ability to use computer systems.

Ability to review compliance of licensing standards.

Ability to interact appropriately with individuals, families, community resources, service providers and other department professionals.

Candidate Profile (application) must be completed in its entirety.

• Include supervisor names and phone numbers for all periods of employment.
• Account for and explain any gaps in employment so that the hiring process is not delayed.
• Experience, education, training, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities as well as responses to pre-qualifying questions must be verifiable to meet the minimum qualifications. 
• It is unacceptable to use the statement “See Resume” in place of entering work history.
• If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at View phone number on jobs.myflorida.com.

Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits.

For a more complete list of benefits, visit  .

Growth Opportunities:

With 12,000 employees across the state, DCF promotes opportunities and training for all.  Our jobs are among the most challenging, complex, and difficult in state government. They are also among the most rewarding. All employees are encouraged to take advantage of available Department opportunities for advancement and professional development.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center View phone number on jobs.myflorida.com). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.   Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here .  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. 

Location:  BARTOW, FL, US, 33830

Nearest Major Market: Lakeland