BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OPS - 60932627

About the role

The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) serves as a key member of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) Program office within the SunCoast Region of the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). This role involves providing clinical expertise and collaborating with Child Protective Investigators (CPIs) and dependency case managers to address behavioral health needs, particularly those related to opioid use and other substance misuse disorders.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical expertise and assist with the identification of parents with behavioral health conditions in the child welfare system, focusing on opioid use and other substance misuse disorders.
• Consult and collaborate with CPIs and dependency case managers to improve engagement with families and access to treatment, recovery supports, and resources.
• Educate CPIs and dependency case managers on the identification of behavioral health disorders, the effects of such disorders on parent/caregiver behavior, and best practices for engagement and treatment.
• Support investigative staff in understanding the signs and symptoms of opioid disorders and the best practices to engage and treat.
• Establish relationships with CPIs in co-located office space and provide ongoing education and consultation.
• Track referrals and entry into treatment for parents with behavioral health disorders, especially those with substance misuse disorders.
• Participate in legal, multi-disciplinary, and other meetings to assist investigative staff and families.
• Deploy to communities affected by natural disasters within 24-48 hours of impact to represent the organization and implement disaster response plans.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in a health or human services-related field.
• Three years of experience treating substance use disorders.
• A valid Class E Driver License.
• Preference given to applicants with:
• A Florida license in psychology, social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or a registered intern.
• Experience in the child welfare and behavioral health systems.
• Knowledge of 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.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the methods of data collection and analysis.
• Knowledge of basic management principles and practices.
• Ability to collect, evaluate, and analyze data to develop alternative recommendations, solve problems, and document workflow.
• Ability to organize data into logical formats for presentations.
• Ability to conduct fact-finding research.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• 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 expertise in motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care approaches.
• Knowledge and experience in the identification and care of substance-exposed newborns.
• Ability to respond effectively to emergency events, demonstrating sound clinical judgment under pressure.
• Ability to evaluate and identify barriers to treatment access and navigate complex behavioral health systems.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally, demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, and establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal and external partners.