State of Florida
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OPS - 60932420
State of Florida, Pensacola, Florida, United States, 32573
Requisition No: 863103
Agency: Children and Families
Working Title: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OPS - 60932420
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 60932420
Salary: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 Annually
Posting Closing Date: 11/04/2025
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
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.
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. The 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. The BHC plays a key role in educating and training 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. The BHC assists 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 to support the family’s specific needs.
Community collaboration and care coordination. 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, brief assessments, and any additional 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 in this description to meet emergent organizational or regional needs.
Work extended or irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and potentially operating from outside assigned duty location.
Travel is required throughout the state and may include overnight stays. May also be called upon to assist with disaster recovery efforts and participate in Critical Incident Rapid Response Team (CIRRT) case investigations as needed throughout the state. Emphasis is placed on expertise in addressing opioid use disorders.
Emergency Response
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
Strong working knowledge of the child welfare system, with demonstrated expertise in motivational interviewing and trauma‑informed care approaches preferred.
Minimum of three years of experience in the treatment of substance use disorders.
Comprehensive 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, including the ability 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 effectively.
Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal and external partners.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
Minimum Qualifications
Florida license in the areas of psychology, social work, mental health counseling, family and marriage therapy, or registered internship, or master’s level Certified Addiction Professional. Acceptable: LMHC, LCSW, LMFT, MCAP, Licensed Psychologist.
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
Health insurance
Life insurance: $25,000 policy is free plus option to purchase additional life insurance.
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.
And more!
Background Screening It is the policy of the Florida Department of Children and Families that any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and, if applicable, also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S., and Chapter 408, F.S. No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency. Background screening shall include, but not be limited to, fingerprinting for State and Federal criminal records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and may include local criminal history checks through local law enforcement agencies.
Veterans' Preference Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (e.g., DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A‑7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available for citation.
US Citizen Requirement Only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers will be hired. Selective Service System registration required for eligible male candidates. Verification of Selective Service registration will be conducted prior to hire. For more information, see the SSS website.
Equal Employment Opportunity The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and affirmative action employer and does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or violence in the workplace.
Drug‑Free Workplace All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with the Florida Drug‑Free Workplace Act.
Contact Information If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562‑7287.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Agency: Children and Families
Working Title: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OPS - 60932420
Pay Plan: Temp
Position Number: 60932420
Salary: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 Annually
Posting Closing Date: 11/04/2025
Total Compensation Estimator Tool
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.
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. The 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. The BHC plays a key role in educating and training 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. The BHC assists 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 to support the family’s specific needs.
Community collaboration and care coordination. 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, brief assessments, and any additional 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 in this description to meet emergent organizational or regional needs.
Work extended or irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and potentially operating from outside assigned duty location.
Travel is required throughout the state and may include overnight stays. May also be called upon to assist with disaster recovery efforts and participate in Critical Incident Rapid Response Team (CIRRT) case investigations as needed throughout the state. Emphasis is placed on expertise in addressing opioid use disorders.
Emergency Response
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
Strong working knowledge of the child welfare system, with demonstrated expertise in motivational interviewing and trauma‑informed care approaches preferred.
Minimum of three years of experience in the treatment of substance use disorders.
Comprehensive 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, including the ability 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 effectively.
Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal and external partners.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
Minimum Qualifications
Florida license in the areas of psychology, social work, mental health counseling, family and marriage therapy, or registered internship, or master’s level Certified Addiction Professional. Acceptable: LMHC, LCSW, LMFT, MCAP, Licensed Psychologist.
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
Health insurance
Life insurance: $25,000 policy is free plus option to purchase additional life insurance.
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.
And more!
Background Screening It is the policy of the Florida Department of Children and Families that any applicant being considered for employment must successfully complete a State and National criminal history check as a condition of employment before beginning employment, and, if applicable, also be screened in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, F.S., and Chapter 408, F.S. No applicant may begin employment until the background screening results are received, reviewed for any disqualifying offenses, and approved by the Agency. Background screening shall include, but not be limited to, fingerprinting for State and Federal criminal records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and may include local criminal history checks through local law enforcement agencies.
Veterans' Preference Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (e.g., DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A‑7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available for citation.
US Citizen Requirement Only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers will be hired. Selective Service System registration required for eligible male candidates. Verification of Selective Service registration will be conducted prior to hire. For more information, see the SSS website.
Equal Employment Opportunity The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer and affirmative action employer and does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or violence in the workplace.
Drug‑Free Workplace All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with the Florida Drug‑Free Workplace Act.
Contact Information If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562‑7287.
#J-18808-Ljbffr