A Mental or Behavioral Health Counselor works with patients to treat mental health problems. Assesses patients and assists with diagnosis, counseling and crisis intervention. Consults with nurses, doctors and psychiatrists. May work with specific populations, such as youth, senior citizens or substance abusers, in group settings, facilities or hospitals.
Join our team, The Florida Center is honored to be recognized as a 2026 Top Workplace in Sarasota-Manatee, earning #3 in the mid-size category.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
High school diploma/GED required. Requires minimum of one year of experience working with children and families, and knowledge of infant and child development. Infant mental health endorsement preferred
PRINCIPAL DUTIES
Establish a trusting relationship with at-risk families by initiating and maintaining regular contact Establish a Family Goal with families within 90 days of participant enrollment and update goals as needed Maintain home visitation schedule with families according to level status Complete required assessments (ASQs, Home Safety, Edinburgh, HFPI, CCI) timely Ensure that family is linked to a medical provider; provide information on the importance of timely immunization and well-child care; and document dates of immunizations and well-child check-ups Assist in strengthening parent-child interaction through improving parenting skills and by modeling appropriate activities during home visits Provide parenting and child health and development information to families using available library of educational materials Identify and refer families to community resources and provide follow-up with families to ensure that needs are met Document services provided, family assessment and participant responses clearly, accurately, and timely (within 2 working days) in participant record Maintain confidentiality of participant information and respect diverse cultural differences of families within communities Meet with Supervisor on weekly basis for case management and review of all families on caseload. Complete initial training required by The Florida Center and HFF; complete a minimum of 20 hours per year of training thereafter Represent HF/The Florida Center in community events/activities
Willingness to carry out the mission of The Florida Center Willingness to carry out the mission of Healthy Families Sarasota/DeSoto/Hardee/Charlotte Ability to work with culturally diverse populations in a courteous and professional manner Demonstrate problem solving skills and sound judgment Positive and professional attitude, behavior and appearance Adhere to agency policies and procedures Maintain confidentiality according to established policies and procedures Ability to work independently and utilize initiative Ability to complete assignments in compliance with quality standards Adhere to Child Abuse & Neglect reporting requirements Computer knowledge (Excel, Word, Outlook) ability to learn and utilize new programs Possess excellent oral and written communication skills Ability to work independently and in partnership with team members and community Adhere to drug free workplace policy Must have and maintain valid driver's license, satisfactory driving record, insurance and reliable vehicle Ability to set appropriate limits and boundaries with clients, coworkers, and agency partners Ability to work a flexible schedule including varied hours, evenings and weekends Experience in successfully working with children (0-5 years of age) and their families Knowledge of infant and child development Ability to forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families in which they are helped to gain the skills and confidence to address any issues and problems they face Maintain the helping role and intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served and/or other family members Open to reflective practice (i.e. has the capacity for introspection, communicates awareness of self in relation to others, recognizes value of supervision, etc.)
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Office environment, client homes and other community settings
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The overall nature of the position is physically active requiring long periods of standing, walking, kneeling, sitting on the floor and the ability to lift 30 pounds. The position also requires long periods of time driving and spent in the car. Requires full range of motion, including manual and finger dexterity and hand and eye coordination. Requires corrected vision, speech, and hearing to normal range, or special accommodations made of sufficient nature for completion of assigned tasks.
Pay:
$16.11 - $16.83 per hour
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance
