Ascension Recovery Services
Licensure & Accreditation Specialist
Ascension Recovery Services, Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 37247
Job Title: Licensure & Accreditation Specialist (Full-Time, Remote)
Department: Compliance & Quality
Location: Remote - U.S. Based (occasional travel required)
Contract Position
About Us
We are a fast-growing behavioral health organization dedicated to improving access to high-quality substance use disorder and mental health treatment nationwide. We develop and operate facilities across the U.S., serving communities with compassion, evidence-based care, and operational excellence.
Position Summary
The Licensure & Accreditation Specialist will lead the end-to-end process of obtaining state behavioral health licenses and achieving national accreditation (CARF and/or Joint Commission) for new and existing programs across the country. This role will develop policies, procedures, and supporting documentation that meet state-specific and national standards, ensuring our facilities are compliant and prepared for surveys from day one.
The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented professional with deep knowledge of behavioral health regulations, accreditation standards, and healthcare compliance best practices.
Key Responsibilities
Licensure
Research state-specific behavioral health licensing requirements for new facilities and programs. Prepare and submit complete licensure applications and supporting materials. Develop facility-specific policies, procedures, and operational documents in alignment with licensing regulations. Serve as primary liaison with state licensing bodies during application, review, and inspection phases. Accreditation
Lead facility accreditation preparation for CARF and Joint Commission, including policy development, program descriptions, and compliance plans. Conduct internal audits and mock surveys to ensure readiness for accreditation site visits. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of accreditation standards and implement changes organization-wide. Coordinate cross-departmental efforts to achieve and maintain accreditation status. Ongoing Compliance
Maintain a library of licensing and accreditation documentation for organizational use. Provide training and guidance to facility leadership on licensing and accreditation requirements. Monitor regulatory changes and update policies accordingly. Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, behavioral health, public health, or related field (Master's preferred). Minimum 5 years of experience in behavioral health licensing and accreditation. Proven track record of obtaining state behavioral health licenses in multiple states. Experience with both CARF and Joint Commission accreditation processes required. Strong technical writing skills, particularly in policy and procedure development. Exceptional organizational, project management, and communication skills. Ability to travel occasionally to facility locations for site visits and surveys. Key Competencies
Regulatory expertise in behavioral health and substance use treatment. Ability to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines. Skilled at translating regulatory requirements into operational practices. Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills. Collaborative and adaptable in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. Work Conditions
Remote with occasional travel for site visits, inspections, and surveys. Standard business hours with flexibility for deadlines and survey schedules. Must have reliable internet access and dedicated workspace. Performance Expectations
Obtain all required state licenses on time and without deficiencies. Achieve CARF or Joint Commission accreditation for new programs within targeted timelines. Maintain 100% compliance with all licensing and accreditation standards during audits and surveys.
Equal Opportunity Employer We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We actively encourage applications from individuals with lived experience in recovery.
About Us
We are a fast-growing behavioral health organization dedicated to improving access to high-quality substance use disorder and mental health treatment nationwide. We develop and operate facilities across the U.S., serving communities with compassion, evidence-based care, and operational excellence.
Position Summary
The Licensure & Accreditation Specialist will lead the end-to-end process of obtaining state behavioral health licenses and achieving national accreditation (CARF and/or Joint Commission) for new and existing programs across the country. This role will develop policies, procedures, and supporting documentation that meet state-specific and national standards, ensuring our facilities are compliant and prepared for surveys from day one.
The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented professional with deep knowledge of behavioral health regulations, accreditation standards, and healthcare compliance best practices.
Key Responsibilities
Licensure
Research state-specific behavioral health licensing requirements for new facilities and programs. Prepare and submit complete licensure applications and supporting materials. Develop facility-specific policies, procedures, and operational documents in alignment with licensing regulations. Serve as primary liaison with state licensing bodies during application, review, and inspection phases. Accreditation
Lead facility accreditation preparation for CARF and Joint Commission, including policy development, program descriptions, and compliance plans. Conduct internal audits and mock surveys to ensure readiness for accreditation site visits. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of accreditation standards and implement changes organization-wide. Coordinate cross-departmental efforts to achieve and maintain accreditation status. Ongoing Compliance
Maintain a library of licensing and accreditation documentation for organizational use. Provide training and guidance to facility leadership on licensing and accreditation requirements. Monitor regulatory changes and update policies accordingly. Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, behavioral health, public health, or related field (Master's preferred). Minimum 5 years of experience in behavioral health licensing and accreditation. Proven track record of obtaining state behavioral health licenses in multiple states. Experience with both CARF and Joint Commission accreditation processes required. Strong technical writing skills, particularly in policy and procedure development. Exceptional organizational, project management, and communication skills. Ability to travel occasionally to facility locations for site visits and surveys. Key Competencies
Regulatory expertise in behavioral health and substance use treatment. Ability to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines. Skilled at translating regulatory requirements into operational practices. Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills. Collaborative and adaptable in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. Work Conditions
Remote with occasional travel for site visits, inspections, and surveys. Standard business hours with flexibility for deadlines and survey schedules. Must have reliable internet access and dedicated workspace. Performance Expectations
Obtain all required state licenses on time and without deficiencies. Achieve CARF or Joint Commission accreditation for new programs within targeted timelines. Maintain 100% compliance with all licensing and accreditation standards during audits and surveys.
Equal Opportunity Employer We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We actively encourage applications from individuals with lived experience in recovery.