People First Service Center
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OPS - 60932063
People First Service Center, Sarasota, Florida, United States, 34243
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OPS - 60932063
Date: Sep 18, 2025
The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website.
Requisition No: 861338
Agency: Children and Families
Working Title: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OPS - 60932063
Job Title: Behavioral Health Consultant – OPS– 60932063
This position is a regional position and can be housed in Sarasota, Florida.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF or Department) is the state of Florida’s social services agency. The agency oversees services for child safety, fostering, adoption, domestic violence, adult protective services, refugees, homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, childcare providers, human trafficking, and public assistance. The agency’s mission is to work in partnership with local communities to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency.
Within DCF, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) Program office is recognized as the single state authority for substance abuse and mental health services. The Office of SAMH is statutorily responsible for the planning, evaluation, and implementation of a comprehensive statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults with serious mental illnesses or substance use disorders.
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION RESPONSES TO THE QUALIFYING QUESTIONS ARE REQUIRED AND MUST BE VERIFIABLE BASED ON YOUR SUBMITTED APPLICATION.
THIS IS NOT A TELEWORK POSITION. CANDIDATE WILL BE REQUIRED TO WORK IN THE OFFICE.
The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) provides clinical expertise within the child welfare system, supporting the identification, engagement, and service resources of parents/caregivers with behavioral health needs—particularly those involving substance use disorders, with a concentrated focus on opioid misuse. The BHC works directly with Child Protective Investigators (CPIs) and dependency case managers to enhance recognition of behavioral health concerns, improve family engagement, and ensure timely access to appropriate treatment and support services.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Consult and collaborate with CPI and dependency case managers to help frontline staff identify behavioral health disorders, particularly substance use disorders, enhance family engagement, and improve access to appropriate treatment, recovery support, and community resources. BHC actively builds relationships with investigative staff within co-located offices, providing regular education on behavioral health indicators, the effects of behavioral health conditions on parenting behavior, and engagement strategies. BHCs educate and train investigative staff and case managers on the use and benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
Provide both in-field and office-based consultation during the pre- and post-commencement phases of child protection investigations. This includes participating in 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. BHCs help CPIs understand how a parent’s behavioral health condition may impact their ability to safely and effectively care for their child, and identify and recommend appropriate treatment and referral resources within the community.
Collaborate with behavioral health providers and the Managing Entity (ME) to maintain current knowledge of referral processes and treatment options, helping CPIs connect families to appropriate levels of care.
Track and document all cases where the BHC provides support to child welfare staff, including staffings, joint visits, consultations, brief assessments, and other tracking as directed by the department, especially those impacted by substance use disorders.
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 providing consultation on treatment options, supporting care coordination for mothers and infants, and ensuring access to early intervention and family stabilization services.
May be called upon to perform duties beyond those outlined to meet emergent organizational or regional needs.
Work extended or irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and potentially operate from outside assigned duty location.
Travel is required throughout the state and may include overnight stays. May assist with disaster recovery efforts and participate in Critical Incident Rapid Response Team (CIRRT) case investigations as needed throughout the state, with emphasis on addressing opioid use disorders.
Emergency Response
In response to emergency events, the incumbent may be required to work irregular hours, work more than 8 hours per day, work extended periods (including weekends and holidays), work at locations other than their official headquarters, and perform duties in addition to those outlined in the position description. Deploy to communities affected by natural disasters within 24-48 hours of impact to represent the organization to promote and implement post-disaster services.
Assess the impact, needs and assist with the development of a response strategy and goals for the impacted community 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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for the position:
Strong working knowledge of the child welfare system, with demonstrated expertise in motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care approaches preferred.
A minimum of three years of experience in the treatment of substance use disorders.
Understanding of how substance use and mental health conditions affect parenting capacity and can compromise child safety.
Proficiency in the identification and care of substance-exposed newborns is essential.
Respond effectively to emergency events, demonstrating sound clinical judgment under pressure.
Strong written communication skills to produce clear, thorough, and professional reports and presentations.
Ability to evaluate and identify barriers to treatment access and navigate complex behavioral health systems to support families.
Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with internal and external partners.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments in a dynamic environment.
Minimum Qualifications
Florida license in 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 and 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.
Preference will be given to applicants who have:
Knowledge of the child welfare system and motivational interviewing is preferred.
Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for OPS employees includes a competitive set of benefits such as:
State Group Insurance options (health, life, dental, vision, and other options) for OPS employees who are reasonably expected to work 30 hours or more per week.
Savings & Spending Accounts;
401 (a) FICA Alternative Plan through VALIC.
US CITIZEN REQUIREMENT
Only US citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers will be hired.
SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM REGISTRATION
All selected male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962 must be registered with the Selective Service System. Verification will be conducted prior to hire. More information at the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov
RETIREE NOTICE
If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System, check with FRS on benefits if re-employed with the State of Florida. Your retirement benefits may be suspended or require repayment depending on date of retirement.
BACKGROUND SCREENING
All applicants must complete a State and National criminal history check before beginning employment, and may be screened under Chapter 435, F.S., and Chapter 408, F.S. Fingerprinting for FDLE and FBI checks will be conducted.
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).
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.
Veterans’ Preference is provided as required by law. Documentation requirements apply and are available with the vacancy notice.
If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287.
Location: SARASOTA, FL, US, 34234
Nearest Major Market:
Sarasota
Nearest Secondary Market:
Tampa
For assistance, call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287 Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The State Personnel System is an E-Verify employer. For more information click on our E-Verify Website.
Requisition No: 861338
Agency: Children and Families
Working Title: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OPS - 60932063
Job Title: Behavioral Health Consultant – OPS– 60932063
This position is a regional position and can be housed in Sarasota, Florida.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF or Department) is the state of Florida’s social services agency. The agency oversees services for child safety, fostering, adoption, domestic violence, adult protective services, refugees, homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, childcare providers, human trafficking, and public assistance. The agency’s mission is to work in partnership with local communities to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency.
Within DCF, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) Program office is recognized as the single state authority for substance abuse and mental health services. The Office of SAMH is statutorily responsible for the planning, evaluation, and implementation of a comprehensive statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults with serious mental illnesses or substance use disorders.
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION RESPONSES TO THE QUALIFYING QUESTIONS ARE REQUIRED AND MUST BE VERIFIABLE BASED ON YOUR SUBMITTED APPLICATION.
THIS IS NOT A TELEWORK POSITION. CANDIDATE WILL BE REQUIRED TO WORK IN THE OFFICE.
The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) provides clinical expertise within the child welfare system, supporting the identification, engagement, and service resources of parents/caregivers with behavioral health needs—particularly those involving substance use disorders, with a concentrated focus on opioid misuse. The BHC works directly with Child Protective Investigators (CPIs) and dependency case managers to enhance recognition of behavioral health concerns, improve family engagement, and ensure timely access to appropriate treatment and support services.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Consult and collaborate with CPI and dependency case managers to help frontline staff identify behavioral health disorders, particularly substance use disorders, enhance family engagement, and improve access to appropriate treatment, recovery support, and community resources. BHC actively builds relationships with investigative staff within co-located offices, providing regular education on behavioral health indicators, the effects of behavioral health conditions on parenting behavior, and engagement strategies. BHCs educate and train investigative staff and case managers on the use and benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).
Provide both in-field and office-based consultation during the pre- and post-commencement phases of child protection investigations. This includes participating in 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. BHCs help CPIs understand how a parent’s behavioral health condition may impact their ability to safely and effectively care for their child, and identify and recommend appropriate treatment and referral resources within the community.
Collaborate with behavioral health providers and the Managing Entity (ME) to maintain current knowledge of referral processes and treatment options, helping CPIs connect families to appropriate levels of care.
Track and document all cases where the BHC provides support to child welfare staff, including staffings, joint visits, consultations, brief assessments, and other tracking as directed by the department, especially those impacted by substance use disorders.
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 providing consultation on treatment options, supporting care coordination for mothers and infants, and ensuring access to early intervention and family stabilization services.
May be called upon to perform duties beyond those outlined to meet emergent organizational or regional needs.
Work extended or irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and potentially operate from outside assigned duty location.
Travel is required throughout the state and may include overnight stays. May assist with disaster recovery efforts and participate in Critical Incident Rapid Response Team (CIRRT) case investigations as needed throughout the state, with emphasis on addressing opioid use disorders.
Emergency Response
In response to emergency events, the incumbent may be required to work irregular hours, work more than 8 hours per day, work extended periods (including weekends and holidays), work at locations other than their official headquarters, and perform duties in addition to those outlined in the position description. Deploy to communities affected by natural disasters within 24-48 hours of impact to represent the organization to promote and implement post-disaster services.
Assess the impact, needs and assist with the development of a response strategy and goals for the impacted community 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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for the position:
Strong working knowledge of the child welfare system, with demonstrated expertise in motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care approaches preferred.
A minimum of three years of experience in the treatment of substance use disorders.
Understanding of how substance use and mental health conditions affect parenting capacity and can compromise child safety.
Proficiency in the identification and care of substance-exposed newborns is essential.
Respond effectively to emergency events, demonstrating sound clinical judgment under pressure.
Strong written communication skills to produce clear, thorough, and professional reports and presentations.
Ability to evaluate and identify barriers to treatment access and navigate complex behavioral health systems to support families.
Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with internal and external partners.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments in a dynamic environment.
Minimum Qualifications
Florida license in 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 and 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.
Preference will be given to applicants who have:
Knowledge of the child welfare system and motivational interviewing is preferred.
Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:
Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for OPS employees includes a competitive set of benefits such as:
State Group Insurance options (health, life, dental, vision, and other options) for OPS employees who are reasonably expected to work 30 hours or more per week.
Savings & Spending Accounts;
401 (a) FICA Alternative Plan through VALIC.
US CITIZEN REQUIREMENT
Only US citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers will be hired.
SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM REGISTRATION
All selected male candidates born on or after October 1, 1962 must be registered with the Selective Service System. Verification will be conducted prior to hire. More information at the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov
RETIREE NOTICE
If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System, check with FRS on benefits if re-employed with the State of Florida. Your retirement benefits may be suspended or require repayment depending on date of retirement.
BACKGROUND SCREENING
All applicants must complete a State and National criminal history check before beginning employment, and may be screened under Chapter 435, F.S., and Chapter 408, F.S. Fingerprinting for FDLE and FBI checks will be conducted.
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).
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.
Veterans’ Preference is provided as required by law. Documentation requirements apply and are available with the vacancy notice.
If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287.
Location: SARASOTA, FL, US, 34234
Nearest Major Market:
Sarasota
Nearest Secondary Market:
Tampa
For assistance, call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287 Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time
#J-18808-Ljbffr