Job Description

Division of Licensing and Background Checks Director

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $53.23 - $79.45 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Niccole Johnson | niccolejohnson@utah.gov | 801-538-3956
Application Deadline – 9/20/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

The Director of the Division of Licensing and Background Checks (DLBC) is a critical senior leadership role within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) This position is responsible for overseeing the regulatory framework that ensures the safety and well-being of individuals served by licensed and certified programs across the state. The Director provides strategic vision, operational leadership, and policy direction for licensing and background check processes, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the division's strategic plan, aligning goals with the broader DHHS mission to ensure all Utahns are healthy and safe.
• Regulatory Oversight: Oversees the Office of Licensing, which is responsible for the licensing and inspection of facilities and providers, ensuring rigorous enforcement of health and safety standards.
• Background Check Oversight: Oversees the Office of Background Processing, ensuring timely and accurate processing to protect vulnerable populations.
• Policy Development: Lead the development and revision of administrative rules, policies, and legislative proposals related to licensing and background check requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a liaison with providers, advocacy groups, legislators, and other government agencies to address complex regulatory issues.
• Fiscal & Personnel Management: Manage the division budget and lead a multi-disciplinary team of professionals,fostering a high-performance and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Health Care Administration, Social Work, Law, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with experience in public speaking and legislative relations.
• Ability to start stakeholder and partner conversations with the assumption the parties can get to “yes” rather than looking for an excuse to say “no”.
• Experience navigating complex systems and decisions apolitically
• Extensive knowledge of Utah state government processes
• Extensive knowledge of health or human services delivery systems
• Proven ability to interpret complex laws and regulations and translate them into operational policies.
• Familiarity with Results Based Accountability or another quality improvement framework

Example of Tasks

• Develops, directs, and evaluates programs.
• Directs, develops, and coordinates plans and policies, resources, and mission as well as goals, vision, and expectations of the division; prepares and updates plans and priorities.
• Manages a statewide division
• Monitors division budget including revenues, expenditures and budget projection, etc.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal and r state laws, regulations, and agency rules, standards and guidelines, etc.
• Interprets, clarifies, explains and applies agency policy and procedures, business practices, federal or state laws and regulations, etc.
• Represents the agency with federal, state, local governments, related agencies, the media and with private organizations.
• Supervises subordinate personnel including: hiring, determining workload and delegating assignments, training, monitoring and evaluating performance, and initiating corrective or disciplinary actions.

Supplemental Information

• Effective July 1, 2021, State of Utah Employees must either reside in Utah or be in the process of relocating to within 30 days of their start date.
• Please note, a position's eligibility for remote and/or hybrid work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion, at any time and for any reason.
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
• DHRM rules apply for promotions and transfers.

About the Role

Location –
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – AD - Employees Reporting to Dept. Head, Commissioners, or Dept. Director

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
Become an integral part of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and contribute to the vision of advocating for, supporting, and serving all individuals and communities in Utah; and ensuring all Utahns have fair and equitable opportunities to live safe and healthy lives. Help us achieve this through effective policy and a seamless system of services and programs.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.