BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT - 60006788

State of Florida • NEW PORT RICHEY, FL

4d • $60,000 - $70,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) provides clinical expertise within the child welfare system, supporting the identification and engagement of parents and caregivers with behavioral health needs and connecting families with appropriate services. The role particularly focuses on substance use disorders, including opioid misuse. The BHC works with Child Protective Investigators (CPIs) and dependency case managers to improve recognition of behavioral health concerns, family engagement, and timely access to treatment and support services.

The position provides in-field and office-based consultation during child protection investigations, including joint visits, brief assessments, staff education, and guidance on family engagement and treatment referrals. The BHC collaborates with behavioral health providers and the Managing Entity, documents consultation activities, participates in legal and multidisciplinary proceedings, and advises on care for substance-exposed newborns.

The role is based in an office and is not telework eligible. It is regional and may be housed in New Port Richey. Statewide travel, potentially including overnight stays, is required. The incumbent may work irregular or extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, work outside the assigned duty location, and support disaster recovery and Critical Incident Rapid Response Team investigations. During emergencies, the employee may deploy to affected communities within 24–48 hours and help assess needs, coordinate psychological and mental health resources, implement response plans, and report information to regional leadership.

Requirements

• Florida license in psychology, social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or registered intern status, or master’s-level Certified Addiction Professional; listed acceptable credentials include LMHC, LCSW, LMFT, MCAP, and Licensed Psychologist.
• At least three years of experience treating substance use disorders.
• Working knowledge of the child welfare and behavioral health systems.
• Knowledge of how behavioral health conditions, substance use disorders, and mental health conditions affect parenting capacity, parenting ability, and child safety.
• Proficiency in identifying and caring for substance-exposed newborns.
• Valid driver license.
• Ability to respond effectively to emergency events and demonstrate sound clinical judgment under pressure.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, thorough, professional reports and presentations.
• Ability to evaluate barriers to treatment access and navigate complex behavioral health systems.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external partners.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel throughout Florida, potentially with overnight stays, and work irregular or extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must successfully complete required State and National criminal history screening before beginning employment.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the child welfare system.
• Demonstrated expertise in motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care approaches.

Responsibilities

• Consult and collaborate with Child Protective Investigators and dependency case managers to identify behavioral health disorders, particularly substance use disorders, improve family engagement, and connect families with treatment, recovery support, and community resources.
• Build relationships with investigative staff and educate them on behavioral health indicators, effects of behavioral health conditions on parenting, engagement strategies, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
• Provide in-field and office-based consultation during pre- and post-commencement phases of child protection investigations.
• Participate in joint visits with Child Protective Investigators, model family engagement techniques, and advise on best practices for working with families affected by behavioral health issues, particularly opioid misuse.
• Help staff understand how a parent’s behavioral health condition may affect safe and effective care of a child, and identify and recommend suitable community treatment and referral resources.
• Partner with behavioral health providers and the Managing Entity to stay informed about referral processes and treatment options and help connect families to appropriate levels of care.
• Track and document cases in which the BHC supports child welfare staff, including staffings, joint visits, consultations, brief assessments, and other department-directed tracking.
• Participate in legal proceedings, multidisciplinary meetings, and family navigation staffings to support case progression and outcomes for children and families.
• Provide expertise on identifying and caring for substance-exposed newborns, including consultation on treatment, care coordination for mothers and infants, and access to early intervention and family stabilization services.
• Respond to emergencies, including deployment to disaster-affected communities within 24–48 hours, assessing community impacts and needs, helping develop and implement response strategies, coordinating psychological and mental health resources, and providing information to regional leadership.
• Work irregular or extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and perform duties outside the assigned duty location when needed.
• Travel throughout Florida, potentially with overnight stays, and assist with disaster recovery and Critical Incident Rapid Response Team case investigations as needed.
• Perform additional duties to meet emergent organizational or regional needs.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Life insurance, including a free $25,000 policy and the option to purchase additional coverage
• Dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Tuition waiver for public college courses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level