Behavioral Health Consultant Ops

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OPS –

Requisition No: 861523
Agency:
Children and Families

Working Title:

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OPS –

Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) oversees child safety, fostering, adoption, domestic violence, adult protective services, refugee services, homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, childcare providers, human trafficking, and public assistance. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) Program plans and implements statewide care for children and adults with serious mental illnesses or substance use disorders.

Position is regional and can be housed in Lake Wales, Florida. The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) is not a telework position; the candidate will be required to work in the office.

• Consult with Child Protective Investigators and dependency case managers to identify behavioral health disorders, especially substance use disorders, and enhance family engagement and access to treatment.
• Provide in-field and office-based consultation during pre- and post-commencement phases of child protection investigations, including joint visits, modeling engagement techniques, and guidance on best practices.
• Collaborate with behavioral health providers and the Managing Entity to maintain knowledge of referral processes and treatment options.
• Track and document all cases where the BHC provides support, including staffings, joint visits, brief assessments, and other required tracking.
• Participate in legal proceedings, multidisciplinary meetings, and family navigation staffings to support case progression and improve outcomes.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise for substance‑exposed newborns, including consultation on treatment options and early intervention services.
• May be called upon to perform duties beyond those outlined in this description to meet emergent organizational or regional needs.
• Work extended or irregular hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and potentially outside the assigned duty location.
• Travel throughout the state, including overnight stays, and support disaster recovery efforts and Critical Incident Rapid Response Team investigations as needed.

• Work irregular hours and at other locations during emergency events.
• Assess impact, needs, and develop response strategies for affected communities.
• Coordinate psychological and mental health resources for individuals, first responders, and communities.
• Provide critical information to the Regional Manager and Director of Regional Operations.

• Strong working knowledge of the child welfare system, with experience in motivational interviewing and trauma‑informed care.
• Minimum of three years of experience treating substance use disorders.
• Comprehensive understanding of how substance use and mental health conditions affect parenting capacity and child safety.
• Proficiency in identification and care of substance‑exposed newborns.
• Ability to respond effectively to emergency events and demonstrate sound clinical judgment under pressure.
• Excellent written communication skills, including report and presentation writing.
• Ability to evaluate barriers to treatment access and navigate complex behavioral health systems.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills to establish collaborative relationships.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments in a fast‑paced environment.

• Florida license in psychology, social work, mental health counseling, family and marriage therapy, or registered internship; or master’s level Certified Addiction Professional (e.g., LMHC, LCSW, LMFT, MCAP, Licensed Psychologist).
• Minimum of three years of experience treating substance use disorders.
• Working knowledge of the child welfare and behavioral health systems.
• Knowledge of the impact of substance use disorders and mental health conditions on parenting and child safety.
• Valid driver’s license.

• Knowledge of the child welfare system and motivational interviewing.

• State Group Insurance coverage options (health, life, dental, vision, and other…