Behavioral Health Consultant

requisition no:877836

agency: children and families

working title: behavioral health consultant -

the florida department of children and families (dcf) 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.

within samh, the northeast regional office staff ensure that individuals and families have timely access to prevention, treatment, and recovery support services across the region. They collaborate with local providers, community partners, and key stakeholders to identify service gaps, enhance resource availability, and promote continuity of care. The northeast regional office monitors program performance, addresses barriers to service delivery, and fosters cross‑system collaboration to strengthen the regional behavioral health network and improve overall outcomes for the communities served.

to be considered for this position responses to the qualifying questions are required and must be verifiable based on your submitted application.

this is not a telework position. Candidate will be required to work in a regional office.

this advertisment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

this is a highly responsible and professional position serving as a behavioral health consultant within regional operations. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative team player who works seamlessly across all sections within the program office. This role requires the use of independent judgment, a proactive approach to responsibilities, and exceptional attention to detail. If you are driven, organized, and thrive in a fast‑paced environment, we encourage you to apply.

the behavioral health consultant will provide clinical expertise and assist with the identification of parents with behavioral health conditions in the child welfare system, with a concentrated focus on opioid use and other substance misuse disorders. The bhcs will consult and collaborate with child protective investigators (cpis) and dependency case managers to build expertise with front line staff in the identification of behavioral health disorder(s), with specific focus on those with possible substance misuse disorders, improve engagement with families, and improve access to treatment, recovery supports, and resources.

• actively establish relationships with cpis in co‑located office space; educate cpis and dependency case managers on the identification of behavioral health disorders with an emphasis on opioid use. Support the investigative staff and dependency case managers in understanding the effects of the behavioral health issue on parent/caregiver behavior. Assist investigative staff and dependency case managers in understanding the signs and symptoms of opioid disorders and the best practices to engage and treat.
• educate cpis and dependency case managers on the use of mat; assist in the field and provide office consultation during pre‑or post‑commencement when there is an open investigation with a suspected or identified behavioral health need. Actively demonstrate engagement techniques with the family when in the field with investigative staff.
• partner with the investigative staff to provide consultations to assist in identifying danger threats, adult functioning, parental protective capacities (diminished or present), and safety management services.
• maintain a…