Job Description

Requisition No: 844186 

Agency: Children and Families

Working Title: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OPS - 60933472

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 60933472 

Salary: Based upon certifications and experience 

Posting Closing Date: 03/03/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator 

This position will be co-located with Child Protective Investigations in the SunCoast Region which encompasses Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Collier Counties. 

Duties & Responsibilities: 

The Behavioral Health Consultants (BHCs) will provide clinical expertise, as subject matter experts, and assist with the identification of parents with behavioral health conditions in the child welfare system. The BHCs will provide joint responses and collaborate with Child Protective Investigators (CPIs) and dependency case managers to build expertise with front line staff in the identification of behavioral health conditions and/or substance use disorders, with specific focus on improving engagement with families, and improving access to treatment. 

Actively establish effective working relationships with CPIs (in co-located office space) to provide on-going technical assistance and consultation related to the identification of behavioral health conditions and best practices to engage and treat, to include the demonstration of engagement techniques with the family when in the field with investigative staff. 

Support the CPI staff and dependency case managers in understanding the effects of behavioral health issues on parent/caregiver behavior. Partner with the investigative staff to provide joint response, brief assessment, and consultations to assist in identifying danger threats, adult functioning, parental protective capacities (diminished or present), and safety management services. 

Assist investigative staff and dependency case managers in understanding the signs and symptoms of behavioral health disorders, substance use , or co-occurring disorders, as well as best practices to engage and treat individuals. Cross-train child welfare and sheriff staff on topics that will strengthen collaborative efforts for the benefit of the individuals served. 

Assist in the field and provide office consultation during pre- or post-commencement when there is an open investigation with a suspected or identified behavioral health need, to include supporting investigators in mitigating behavioral issues and crises. 

Work collaboratively with community service providers and the ME to develop contacts, facilitate referrals, and assist investigative staff with engaging clients in recommended services and improving timely access to treatment. Work collaboratively with the ME and service providers to establish processes to track the referrals and entry into treatment for parents with behavioral health conditions, substance use, or co-occurring disorders. 

Participate in legal, multi-disciplinary, and any other meetings that will assist the investigative staff and families. 

Must maintain a working knowledge of community mental health and substance use providers and best practices for engagement and treatment. 

A master's degree in the field of psychology, social work, mental health counseling, family and marriage therapy, or a related field is required.

A minimum of three years of post-graduate experience working/treating individuals affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders. Knowledge of the child welfare and behavioral health systems. Knowledge and understanding of the impact of mental health conditions and substance use disorders on parenting ability and child safety. Training in motivational interviewing is preferred. Strong writing skills, demonstrated through the ability to prepare reports or presentations. Ability to identifying issues related to access to treatment services. Effective communication skills with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate work assignments. 

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

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