BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OPS - 60933470

State of Florida•Orlando, FL

6d•$29 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), through its Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program and Central Regional Office, seeks a Behavioral Health Consultant OPS to provide clinical expertise in regional operations. The position focuses on identifying parents in the child welfare system with behavioral health conditions, particularly opioid use and other substance use disorders. The consultant works with Child Protective Investigators (CPIs), dependency case managers, families, community service providers, and other partners to strengthen identification, engagement, and access to treatment, recovery supports, and resources. The role is based in the regional office and is not telework eligible. The position requires independent judgment, initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across program sections in a fast-paced environment. During emergencies, the incumbent may be deployed to disaster-affected communities within 24–48 hours, work irregular or extended hours including weekends and holidays, work away from official headquarters, and perform duties beyond the regular position description. Emergency duties include assessing community needs, supporting response planning, coordinating psychological and mental health resources, and communicating 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 Florida Class E driver license.
Knowledge of data collection and analysis methods and basic management principles and practices.
Ability to collect, evaluate, and analyze data; develop recommendations; solve problems; and document workflow and operational or management activities.
Ability to organize data for reports, documents, and other written materials and conduct fact-finding research.
Ability to use problem-solving techniques and apply relevant rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments and manage multiple assignments in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Effective verbal and written communication, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to establish and maintain working relationships with internal and external partners.
Knowledge of how substance use disorders and mental health conditions affect 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 identifying and caring for substance-exposed newborns.
Ability to respond effectively to emergencies and demonstrate sound clinical judgment under pressure.
Ability to identify barriers to treatment access and navigate complex behavioral health systems to support families.
Application work history must include all State of Florida and Florida University jobs, all employment periods, unemployment periods, gaps of three months or more, education, and volunteer experience. Supervisor names and phone numbers, including for current employment, must be provided. Employment gaps of three months or more must be explained. Claimed qualifications and responses to pre-qualifying questions must be verifiable.
Applicants claiming Right to First Interview must attach an official layoff letter; this applies to employees laid off from Career Service positions.
Successful completion of required State and National criminal history screening is a condition of employment before starting.

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 effect 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 working relationships with Child Protective Investigators in co-located office space and educate CPIs and dependency case managers about identifying behavioral health disorders, especially opioid use disorders.
Help investigative staff and dependency case managers understand how behavioral health issues affect parent and caregiver behavior, including signs and symptoms of opioid disorders and effective engagement and treatment practices.
Educate staff about medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Provide field assistance and office consultation during pre- or post-commencement when an open 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.
Collaborate with community service providers and the ME to develop contacts, facilitate referrals, and help staff engage clients in recommended services and obtain timely treatment.
Track referrals and treatment entry for parents with behavioral health disorders, particularly substance use disorders.
Support investigators in mitigating behavioral health issues and crises.
Participate in legal, multidisciplinary, and other meetings that support investigative staff and families.
Perform other duties as required to meet program and departmental goals and objectives.
In emergencies, deploy to disaster-affected communities within 24–48 hours; assess impacts and needs, assist with 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.