BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OPS - 60934084

State of Florida•Alachua, FL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Consultant OPS serves within the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program, SunCoast Regional Office, providing clinical expertise to support identification of parents with behavioral health conditions in the child welfare system, particularly opioid use and other substance misuse disorders. The consultant works with Child Protective Investigators (CPIs), dependency case managers, families, community providers, and other partners to improve identification and understanding of behavioral health needs, family engagement, referrals, and timely access to treatment and recovery supports. The position is based in the regional office and is not telework eligible. The role includes consultation and collaboration with frontline child welfare staff, including support during investigations and demonstrations of family engagement techniques in the field. The consultant helps staff assess danger threats, adult functioning, parental protective capacities, and safety management needs; tracks referrals and treatment entry; and supports responses to behavioral health issues and crises. The position also participates in legal and multidisciplinary meetings and maintains knowledge of community behavioral health providers. During emergencies, the incumbent may work irregular or extended hours, including weekends and holidays, and may be assigned to locations other than the official headquarters. The role may require deployment to disaster-affected communities within 24–48 hours to represent the organization, assess community needs, help develop and implement response plans, coordinate psychological and mental health services, and provide information to regional leadership.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a health- or human-services-related field.
Three years of experience treating substance use disorders.
Valid Class E driver license.
Knowledge of data collection and analysis methods.
Knowledge of basic management principles and practices.
Ability to collect, evaluate, and analyze data; develop alternative recommendations; solve problems; and document workflow and operational or management activities.
Ability to organize data for presentation in reports, documents, and other written materials.
Ability to conduct fact-finding research and use problem-solving techniques.
Ability to understand and apply relevant rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
Ability to communicate effectively and maintain effective working relationships.
Knowledge of the impact of substance use disorders and mental health conditions on parenting ability and child safety.
Knowledge of the child welfare system, with demonstrated expertise in motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care approaches.
Knowledge and experience in identifying and caring for substance-exposed newborns.
Ability to respond effectively to emergencies and exercise sound clinical judgment under pressure.
Ability to identify barriers to treatment access and navigate complex behavioral health systems to support families.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Ability to communicate verbally, demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, and work collaboratively with internal and external partners.
Complete the application Candidate Profile, including work history, education, volunteer experience, and explanations for employment gaps of three months or more; provide supervisor names and phone numbers, including for current employment.
Ensure application claims and responses to qualifying questions are verifiable. Applicants claiming Right to First Interview must attach an official layoff letter if applicable.

Nice To Haves

Florida license in psychology, social work, mental health counseling, or marriage and family therapy, or status as a registered intern.
Experience with the child welfare and behavioral health systems and knowledge of the impact of behavioral health conditions on parenting capacity.
Experience in substance abuse prevention, treatment, or recovery support services.
Experience coordinating community-based services for individuals or families.
Certification as a Master’s-Level Addiction Professional.
Experience with motivational interviewing.

Responsibilities

Build relationships with Child Protective Investigators in co-located office space.
Educate CPIs and dependency case managers on identifying behavioral health disorders, especially opioid use disorders, and on how these conditions may affect parent or caregiver behavior.
Explain signs and symptoms of opioid disorders and best practices for engagement and treatment.
Educate CPIs and dependency case managers about medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Provide field assistance and office consultation during pre- or post-commencement when an investigation involves a suspected or identified behavioral health need.
Demonstrate family engagement techniques while accompanying investigative staff in the field.
Consult with investigative staff to identify danger threats, adult functioning, parental protective capacities, and safety management services.
Maintain working knowledge of community mental health and substance use providers.
Work with community service providers and the ME to develop contacts, facilitate referrals, and help investigative staff engage clients in recommended services and obtain timely treatment access.
Track referrals and treatment entry for parents with behavioral health disorders, particularly substance misuse disorders.
Support investigators in addressing behavioral health issues and crises.
Participate in legal, multidisciplinary, and other meetings that support investigative staff and families.
Deploy to disaster-affected communities within 24–48 hours of impact when required; represent the organization and promote and implement post-disaster services.
Assess disaster impacts and community needs, help develop response strategies and goals, and implement disaster response plans.
Coordinate psychological and mental health resources and services for people, first responders, and communities affected by disasters.
Provide critical information to the Regional Manager and Director of Regional Operations and Initiatives.
Perform other duties as required to meet program and departmental goals and objectives.