BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OPS - 60934080

State of Florida • Orlando, FL

18d • Onsite

About The Position

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) to provide clinical expertise within the child welfare system. This role supports the identification, engagement, and service resource connection for parents/caregivers with behavioral health needs, with a particular focus on substance use disorders, especially opioid misuse. The BHC will collaborate with Child Protective Investigators (CPIs) and dependency case managers to improve the recognition of behavioral health concerns, enhance family engagement, and ensure timely access to appropriate treatment and support services. This is a regional position based in Orlando, Florida, and is not a telework position, requiring the candidate to work in the office.

Requirements

• Florida license in the areas of psychology, social work, mental health counseling, family and marriage therapy or registered intern, or master’s level Certified Addiction Professional (Acceptable: LMHC, LCSW, LMFT, MCAP, Licensed Psychologist).
• A minimum of three years of experience treating substance use disorders.
• Working knowledge of the child welfare and behavioral health systems.
• Knowledge related to the impact of behavioral health conditions on parenting capacity.
• Knowledge/understanding of the impact of substance use disorders and mental health conditions on parenting ability and child safety.
• Valid Driver License.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Consult and collaborate with CPI and dependency case managers to identify behavioral health disorders, particularly substance use disorders, enhance family engagement, and improve access to appropriate treatment, recovery support, and community resources.
• Actively build relationships with investigative staff, providing regular education on behavioral health indicators, the effects of behavioral health conditions on parenting behavior, and engagement strategies.
• Educate and train investigative staff and case managers on the use and benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
• Provide in-field and office-based consultation during pre- and post-commencement phases of child protection investigations, including joint visits with CPIs, modeling effective family engagement techniques, and offering guidance on best practices for working with families affected by behavioral health issues, particularly opioid misuse.
• Assist CPIs in understanding how a parent’s behavioral health condition may impact their ability to safely and effectively care for their child, while identifying and recommending appropriate treatment and referral resources within the community.
• Partner with behavioral health providers and the Managing Entity (ME) to maintain current knowledge of referral processes and treatment options, helping CPIs connect families to the most appropriate levels of care.
• Track and document all cases where the BHC provides support to child welfare staff, including staffings, joint visits, consultations, and brief assessments.
• Participate in legal proceedings, multidisciplinary meetings, and family navigation staffings to support case progression and improve outcomes for children and families.
• Offer subject-matter expertise in the identification and care of substance-exposed newborns, including consultation on treatment options, supporting care coordination for mothers and infants, and ensuring access to early intervention and family stabilization services.
• Perform duties beyond those outlined to meet emergent organizational or regional needs.
• Work extended or irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and potentially operating from outside the assigned duty location.
• Travel throughout the state, potentially including overnight stays.
• Assist with disaster recovery efforts and participate in Critical Incident Rapid Response Team (CIRRT) case investigations as needed throughout the state.
• Assess the impact and needs of communities affected by natural disasters, assist with developing response strategies and goals, and implement disaster response plans.
• Coordinate psychological and mental health resources and services for individuals, first responders, and communities impacted by disasters.
• Provide critical information to the Regional Manager and Director of Regional Operations and Initiatives.

Benefits

• State Group Insurance coverage options (for OPS employees who are reasonably expected to work 30 hours or more per week on average), including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options.
• Savings & Spending Accounts
• 401 (a) FICA Alternative Plan administered through VALIC

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level