Topeka ? The former Kansas secretary of Social and Rehabilitation Services has a new job in Florida.

Rob Siedlecki was chief of staff for the Florida Department of Health before his appointment last January to the top social services job in Kansas. He announced his resignation last Thursday.

The Florida Department of Children and Family Services said Tuesday that Siedlecki has been hired as assistant secretary for substance abuse and mental health programs. He begins the new job Jan. 5.

In Kansas, Siedlecki ran an agency with more than 5,000 employees and budget of $1.7 billion. He frequently ran into opposition from legislators who questioned his management style, motives and knowledge of SRS.