Intervention Specialist

Location: Bartow, FL

For over 40 years, ACTS has been a recognized leader in Florida's behavioral healthcare system by inspiring hope to those struggling with issues of substance abuse, mental health, chronic homelessness and/or criminal justice systems. Come join our professional team as we take great pride in the direct services we provide to our community!

BENEFITS: Medical/Dental/Vision (Low Cost), Term Life & Disability Insurance (free), Retirement Fund with 100% Employer Match, Telehealth (Free), Employee Assistance Program (free), Holiday Pay & PTO and more. 

Characteristics of Position:

The Intervention Specialist is a professional case management position in a human services agency providing prevention, alcohol, drug use, mental health or juvenile justice services. Intervention Specialists provide appropriate assessment, intervention, prevention and documentation. Services may be provided in a secure Juvenile Assessment Center setting, ACTS offices, Department of Juvenile Justice offices, Juvenile Detention Center or other community settings.

Pre-requisite Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Valid FL Driver License
  • Ability to fully participate in verbal/physical crisis intervention and CPR/FA/AED training and able to apply same to work setting.


Preferred Attributes:

  • Bachelor's degree in a behavioral health-related field.
  • Experience working with at risk youth
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish)


Core Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

  • Receive referrals from Detention Screener or Juvenile Probation Officers and assess or schedule appointments with youths.
  • Provide assessment and prevention services for referred youths and complete a written interpretive summary within ten days of referral.
  • Enter required documentation and data into ACTS and DJJ systems within mandatory time frames
  • Develop recommendations taking into consideration such characteristics as age, gender, primary language, disability, developmental level, sexual orientation or identity, ethnicity, and health status
  • Communicate recommendations for ongoing services to youths and families, and involved DJJ personnel
  • Provide assistance to link youths and families with recommended services
  • Refer youths to psychological evaluation as needed and assist families to schedule appointment
  • Provide substance use prevention education to youths
  • Maintain documentation for assigned clients and manage records in compliance with requirements of contract, licensure, and accreditation
  • Participate in peer review and provide direction and professional development as appropriate.

Required Skills/Abilities

  • Ability to make critical decisions in high stress situations
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.


Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Physically able to participate in DJJ-approved crisis intervention curriculum and CPR/First Aid training and able to apply same to work setting.

Travel: Minimal travel required between ACTS locations, courts and/or DJJ service locations. This position does not require overnight travel.

The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to position.

ACTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. ACTS is an EEO/AA DFWP Employer.