Behavioral Health Consultant

Position Overview

The BHC will consult and collaborate with the investigative staff to assist families that have been identified to possibly require safety management services. Employees in this position are aware of available community resources for the consulting families.

Position Expectation

In keeping with the mission and core values of Tri-County Human Services, all persons served, stakeholders, and fellow employees will be treated with dignity, respect, and shown sensitivity to their cultural diversity.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. All referrals will come directly from the Department's Investigative Staff and the BHC will not have contact with the family without first being referred through the investigative staff.
2. The BHC will support the investigative staff in understanding the effects of the mental health and/or substance abuse on the parent/caregiver behavior.
3. BHC is available to assist in the field or for an in-office consultation during pre or post commencement when there is an open investigation with an identified mental health or substance abuse need.
4. BHC collaborates with the investigative staff and other necessary members of the service center to assist in ensuring children and family safety and assist in identifying needs and services for at-risk families expeditiously and prescriptively.
5. BHC will be co-located with the investigative staff.
6. BHC will partner with the investigative staff to provide consultations to assist in identifying danger threats, adult functioning, parental protective capacities (diminished or present), and safety management services.
7. BHC will have a working knowledge of community mental health and substance abuse providers.
8. BHC will work collaboratively with community service providers and the Managing Entity to develop contacts, facilitate referrals, and assist investigative staff with engaging clients in recommended services.
9. BHC will support investigators in mitigating MH/SA issues/crisis prior to or in conjunction with the safety plan conference.
10. Prepare, complete, and distribute for month-end preparation of utilization management reports according to deadlines.
11. Participate in legal, multi-disciplinary, and any other staffing’s that will assist the investigative staff with the above mention tasks.
12. Individual must consult with their supervisor on all issues pertaining to the mental health status of any individual who may need a referral to a crisis stabilization unit through the Baker Act process.
13. Performs other reasonable and related duties as requested.

Minimum Training and Experience

This position requires a Master’s degree in the behavioral health sciences and a registered intern with the State of Florida’s Department of Health as an intern as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist or Licensed Mental Health Counselor is preferred. Requires at least three (3) to five (5) years clinical experience in substance use disorders or mental health treatment. Requires extensive knowledge of all aspects of addictions and /or mental health treatment and rehabilitation including familiarity with various models of treatment, understanding of various therapeutic techniques and approaches, and the ability to identify and utilize the most effective form of treatment with each person served. Requires a strong knowledge base regarding the causes, symptoms, and progression of substance abuse and/or mental health problems. Individual must be organized, a self-starter and must be able to work independently with competent decision making using established criteria and guidelines. Must be able to affirmatively convey their clinical impressions and recommendations to investigative team members who have limited knowledge of behavior health. All documentation must support the position taken by the BHC and be properly reflected in the record.

• All activities will be documented in Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN)
• Understanding of Florida’s Child Welfare Practice Model

Tri-County Human Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. M/F