Behavioral Health Consultant OPS - 60932063

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OPS - 60932063

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF or Department) is the state of Florida's social services agency. The agency oversees services for child safety, fostering, adoption, domestic violence, adult protective services, refugees, homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, childcare providers, human trafficking, and public assistance. The agency's mission is to work in partnership with local communities to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency.

Within DCF, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) Program office is recognized as the single state authority for substance abuse and mental health services. The Office of SAMH is statutorily responsible for the planning, evaluation, and implementation of a comprehensive statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults with serious mental illnesses or substance use disorders.

This position is a regional position and can be housed in Sarasota, Florida. The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) provides clinical expertise within the child welfare system, supporting the identification, engagement, and service resources of parents/caregivers with behavioral health needs—particularly those involving substance use disorders, with a concentrated focus on opioid misuse. The BHC works directly with Child Protective Investigators (CPIs) and dependency case managers to enhance recognition of behavioral health concerns, improve family engagement, and ensure timely access to appropriate treatment and support services.

Specific duties and responsibilities include:

• Consulting and collaborating with CPI and dependency case managers to help frontline staff identify behavioral health disorders particularly substance use disorders, enhance family engagement, and improve access to appropriate treatment, recovery support, and community resources.
• Providing both in-field and office-based consultation during the pre- and post-commencement phases of child protection investigations.
• Community collaboration and care coordination. Partnering with behavioral health providers and the Managing Entity (ME) to maintain current knowledge of referral processes and treatment options.
• Tracking and documenting all cases where the BHC provides support to child welfare staff.
• Participating in legal proceedings, multidisciplinary meetings, and family navigation staffings.
• Offering subject-matter expertise in the identification and care of substance-exposed newborns.
• May be called upon to perform duties beyond those outlined in this description.
• Work extended or irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Travel is required throughout the state.

In response to emergency events, the incumbent may be required to work irregular hours, to work more than 8 hours per day, to work extended periods, to work at locations other than their official headquarters, and to perform duties in addition to those outlined in the position description. Deploy to communities affected by natural disasters within 24-48 hours of impact.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position include:

• Strong working knowledge of the child welfare system.
• Minimum of three years of experience in the treatment of substance use disorders.
• Comprehensive understanding of how substance use and mental health conditions affect parenting capacity.
• Proficiency in the identification and care of substance-exposed newborns.
• Ability to respond effectively to emergency events.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Ability to evaluate and identify barriers to treatment access.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Florida license in the areas of psychology, social work, mental health counseling, family and marriage therapy or registered intern, or master's level Certified Addiction Professional.
• A minimum of three years of experience treating substance use disorders.
• Working knowledge of the child welfare and behavioral health systems.
• Knowledge/understanding of the impact of substance use disorders and mental health conditions on parenting ability and child safety.
• Valid Driver License.

Preference will be given to applicants who have:

• Knowledge of the child welfare system and motivational interviewing.

Benefits of working for the State of Florida include:

• State Group Insurance coverage options.
• Savings & Spending Accounts.
• 401 (a) FICA Alternative Plan.

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.