Licensing Specialist - Mesa, AZ
A New Leaf, Arizona City, AZ, United States
Posted Friday, April 24, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Since 1971, A New Leaf has been dedicated to its mission of “Helping Families…Changing Lives,” making a positive impact on the lives of over 24,000 people annually in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. A New Leaf is committed to empowering individuals and enriching communities through transformative services. Guided by our core values—Compassion, Passion for Results, Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, and Conscientiousness—we strive to create meaningful, lasting impacts in the communities we serve.
Licensing Specialist
A New Leaf is committed to empowering individuals and enriching communities through transformative services. Our core values—Compassion, Passion for Results, Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, and Conscientiousness—guide us in creating meaningful, lasting impacts in the communities we serve.
Schedule
Mon - Fri 8-5pm with evenings as needed
Job Summary
The Licensing Specialist supports the recruitment, training, certification, and ongoing compliance of foster, therapeutic foster care (HCTC), and adoptive families. This position works directly with families and internal teams to ensure licensing standards are met, documentation is accurate, and families receive guidance through the certification and adoption processes. The role also supports Child and Family Team collaboration, training delivery, and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
Complete state-required licensing processes for HCTC providers, foster parents, and adoptive families in accordance with Article 58 and agency standards
Conduct foster, adoptive, and conversion home studies and prepare certification documentation
Maintain accurate demographic, licensing, and case documentation in required systems, including DES Quick Connect
Track renewals, corrective actions, and ongoing compliance of licensed families
Assure compliance of each foster provider with agency policies and state licensing requirements
Manage communication and certification processes with county courts, licensing entities, and applicants
Provide support and guidance to families throughout the foster care and adoption process
Coordinate services with families and community providers to support placement stability
Complete required certifications to train HCTC providers in PS-MAPP, Advanced Trainings, HCTC Curriculum, ACYF Discipline Policy, and additional required trainings
Facilitate training sessions for foster and adoptive families as assigned
Assist supervisor in orienting and supporting staff when requested
Utilize best practice guidelines when participating in Child and Family Team (CFT) planning
Access community resources to support family needs
Attend court hearings and external meetings as required within scope of practice
Participate in on-call rotations as required by program needs
Support utilization management and program improvement initiatives
Assist in identifying barriers and contributing to system improvements
Complete case documentation and agency paperwork accurately and within required timeframes
Recognize common symptoms of mental health disorders, substance use concerns, and medication considerations to support appropriate referrals
Drive a personal or agency vehicle to conduct program business
Perform other duties as assigned
Education
High School Diploma or GED required.
Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Health, Social Work, Human Services, or related field preferred.
Experience
One year of experience in foster care, adoption services, or related human services field
Experience conducting home studies or working with licensing or certification processes preferred
Experience working with youth and families from diverse backgrounds
Strong documentation, organizational, and communication skills
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
Combination of office-based work and travel to family homes, courts, and community locations
Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs. for materials or office supplies.
Standard office environment with exposure to typical office equipment, such as computers, phones, and printers.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment.
Must be able to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions, in accordance with applicable law.
Compliance Requirements
Must Be At Least 21 Years of Age
Central Registry Background Check
Drug Screening
CPR/First Aid Certification
Valid Unrestricted Driver’s License
Current Auto Liability Insurance
39 Month Motor Vehicle Record
Adhere to all organizational policies, including the Code of Conduct, professional standards, and relevant regulations.
Mandated Reporter Requirements
As a mandated reporter under Arizona statute A.R.S. § 13-3620, you are required to immediately report any suspected abuse or neglect of a minor to your Supervisor, Manager, Director, Clinical Director, or Chief Officer, who will assist in making the appropriate report to authorities.
Reports should be directed to either the local law enforcement agency or child protective services (1-888-SOS-CHILD). Abuse suspected of involving a family member or legal guardian should be reported to child protective services, while other cases should be reported to law enforcement.
Responsible to
Program Manager
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Benefits Package
All of our employees enjoy the following benefits: direct deposit, competitive pay, accrued sick time, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), an annual team member appreciation event, and an informal yet professional team environment.
For full-time employees, we also provide the following as part of the total compensation plan: Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage, Accrued Sick and Vacation Time, Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, 401(K), Tuition Reimbursement, and a Wellness Program. This program has received a Silver Level of excellence in worksite wellness and includes Annual Biometrics, Gym Reimbursements, Wellness Initiatives, Workers Compensation improvements, and much more.
We appreciate your interest in our organization. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
A New Leaf is an at-will employer. Any offer of employment with A New Leaf is contingent upon a successful consumer report, which includes verification of employment, education, criminal background search, and driving records.
A New Leaf is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and participates in the E-Verify program.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Since 1971, A New Leaf has been dedicated to its mission of “Helping Families…Changing Lives,” making a positive impact on the lives of over 24,000 people annually in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. A New Leaf is committed to empowering individuals and enriching communities through transformative services. Guided by our core values—Compassion, Passion for Results, Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, and Conscientiousness—we strive to create meaningful, lasting impacts in the communities we serve.
Licensing Specialist
A New Leaf is committed to empowering individuals and enriching communities through transformative services. Our core values—Compassion, Passion for Results, Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, and Conscientiousness—guide us in creating meaningful, lasting impacts in the communities we serve.
Schedule
Mon - Fri 8-5pm with evenings as needed
Job Summary
The Licensing Specialist supports the recruitment, training, certification, and ongoing compliance of foster, therapeutic foster care (HCTC), and adoptive families. This position works directly with families and internal teams to ensure licensing standards are met, documentation is accurate, and families receive guidance through the certification and adoption processes. The role also supports Child and Family Team collaboration, training delivery, and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
Complete state-required licensing processes for HCTC providers, foster parents, and adoptive families in accordance with Article 58 and agency standards
Conduct foster, adoptive, and conversion home studies and prepare certification documentation
Maintain accurate demographic, licensing, and case documentation in required systems, including DES Quick Connect
Track renewals, corrective actions, and ongoing compliance of licensed families
Assure compliance of each foster provider with agency policies and state licensing requirements
Manage communication and certification processes with county courts, licensing entities, and applicants
Provide support and guidance to families throughout the foster care and adoption process
Coordinate services with families and community providers to support placement stability
Complete required certifications to train HCTC providers in PS-MAPP, Advanced Trainings, HCTC Curriculum, ACYF Discipline Policy, and additional required trainings
Facilitate training sessions for foster and adoptive families as assigned
Assist supervisor in orienting and supporting staff when requested
Utilize best practice guidelines when participating in Child and Family Team (CFT) planning
Access community resources to support family needs
Attend court hearings and external meetings as required within scope of practice
Participate in on-call rotations as required by program needs
Support utilization management and program improvement initiatives
Assist in identifying barriers and contributing to system improvements
Complete case documentation and agency paperwork accurately and within required timeframes
Recognize common symptoms of mental health disorders, substance use concerns, and medication considerations to support appropriate referrals
Drive a personal or agency vehicle to conduct program business
Perform other duties as assigned
Education
High School Diploma or GED required.
Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Health, Social Work, Human Services, or related field preferred.
Experience
One year of experience in foster care, adoption services, or related human services field
Experience conducting home studies or working with licensing or certification processes preferred
Experience working with youth and families from diverse backgrounds
Strong documentation, organizational, and communication skills
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
Combination of office-based work and travel to family homes, courts, and community locations
Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs. for materials or office supplies.
Standard office environment with exposure to typical office equipment, such as computers, phones, and printers.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment.
Must be able to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions, in accordance with applicable law.
Compliance Requirements
Must Be At Least 21 Years of Age
Central Registry Background Check
Drug Screening
CPR/First Aid Certification
Valid Unrestricted Driver’s License
Current Auto Liability Insurance
39 Month Motor Vehicle Record
Adhere to all organizational policies, including the Code of Conduct, professional standards, and relevant regulations.
Mandated Reporter Requirements
As a mandated reporter under Arizona statute A.R.S. § 13-3620, you are required to immediately report any suspected abuse or neglect of a minor to your Supervisor, Manager, Director, Clinical Director, or Chief Officer, who will assist in making the appropriate report to authorities.
Reports should be directed to either the local law enforcement agency or child protective services (1-888-SOS-CHILD). Abuse suspected of involving a family member or legal guardian should be reported to child protective services, while other cases should be reported to law enforcement.
Responsible to
Program Manager
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Benefits Package
All of our employees enjoy the following benefits: direct deposit, competitive pay, accrued sick time, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), an annual team member appreciation event, and an informal yet professional team environment.
For full-time employees, we also provide the following as part of the total compensation plan: Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage, Accrued Sick and Vacation Time, Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, 401(K), Tuition Reimbursement, and a Wellness Program. This program has received a Silver Level of excellence in worksite wellness and includes Annual Biometrics, Gym Reimbursements, Wellness Initiatives, Workers Compensation improvements, and much more.
We appreciate your interest in our organization. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
A New Leaf is an at-will employer. Any offer of employment with A New Leaf is contingent upon a successful consumer report, which includes verification of employment, education, criminal background search, and driving records.
A New Leaf is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and participates in the E-Verify program.
#J-18808-Ljbffr