Independent Contractor – Maternal Mental Health Counselor

Position Title: Independent Contractor – Maternal Mental Health Counselor

Location: Must be physically located in the service area (Lee, Collier, Hendry or Glades County), and attend in-person and online trainings/meetings as required. Community-based, clinical settings, and/or telehealth.
Reports to: Program Manager
Schedule: Flexible; based on client referrals and availability

This is a grant-funded 1099 independent contractor position, and is contingent upon funding award and continued grant availability. It is not an employee role. Contractors are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and business expenses. No benefits (health insurance, PTO, retirement, etc.) are provided. Work is project-based or hourly as agreed upon in the contract.

Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to maternal and child health, reducing infant deaths and premature births, and promoting healthy outcomes for babies and young children. We have served families in Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties since 1992. The Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida system of care includes Connect, Healthy Start, CAPTA, Nurse Family Partnership, Help Me Grow, FIMR, TEAM Dad, and the Southwest Florida Regional Diaper Bank programs. Join a dynamic team where every day you can make a positive impact on the health of new mothers, babies, and their families. Our team provides support and services to help give every baby a healthy start in life.

Position Summary

The Maternal Mental Health Counselor (Independent Contractor) delivers high-quality, evidence-based mental health services to pregnant and postpartum individuals (up to 12 months after delivery), with a focus on serving racial, ethnic minority, and medically underserved populations. Through secure telehealth platforms and community-based engagement, the contractor provides screening, assessment, and short-term therapeutic interventions for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, while supporting early identification of conditions that may contribute to maternal health risks. This role works collaboratively with healthcare providers, perinatal navigators, and community partners to ensure integrated, culturally responsive care and appropriate referrals. Aligned with Florida’s Telehealth Minority Maternity Care Program, the position plays a critical role in expanding access, improving maternal health outcomes, and reducing disparities by increasing the availability of specialized perinatal mental health services in underserved communities.

Service Description (Scope of Work)

A. Telehealth Clinical Services

The Contractor will provide:

• Comprehensive mental health screenings, assessments, and diagnosis
• Individual psychotherapy delivered via HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms
• Evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care
• Treatment of:
• Perinatal depression and anxiety
• Birth-related trauma and PTSD
• Stress, grief, and adjustment disorders
• Co-occurring behavioral health concerns (within scope)

B. Risk Screening & Early Intervention

• Identify and monitor mental health conditions associated with severe maternal morbidity, including depression, anxiety, and substance use
• Conduct ongoing risk assessments and safety planning
• Escalate high-risk cases to appropriate clinical or emergency services

C. Care Coordination & Referral Services

• Collaborate with:
• Healthcare practitioners
• Care coordinators and perinatal navigators
• Community health workers and perinatal professionals
• Provide referrals to:
• Psychiatric providers
• Substance use treatment programs
• Domestic violence and crisis services
• Social support resources (housing, transportation, nutrition)

D. Telehealth Access & Patient Engagement

• Deliver services to individuals with limited access to in-person care
• Support patient use of telehealth technologies and virtual care platforms
• Provide education on symptom recognition, self-management, and health literacy

E. Documentation & Data Reporting

• Maintain complete and compliant clinical documentation
• Report service data, including:
• Number of clients served
• Number of telehealth encounters
• Referral outcomes
• Clinical progress indicators
• Participate in required reporting systems to support state and grant evaluation

F. Consultation & Capacity Building

• Provide subject matter expertise in perinatal mental health to program staff
• Participate in case reviews and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Support training and education efforts for care teams

Minimum Qualifications

• Active, unrestricted Florida license (LMHC, LCSW, LMFT, or Psychologist)
• Authorized for independent clinical practice under Florida law
• Experience in adult mental health services
• Demonstrated competency in:
• Perinatal mental health
• Trauma-informed care
• Culturally responsive practice

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced training or certification in perinatal mental health
• Experience with pregnant/postpartum populations
• Experience serving high-risk or underserved populations
• Bilingual (Spanish, Haitian Creole, or other relevant languages)
• Experience providing telehealth services

Compliance & Regulatory Requirements

The Contractor will:

• Comply with HIPAA and all confidentiality standards
• Adhere to Florida telehealth and licensure regulations
• Maintain professional liability insurance
• Complete required background screening
• Ensure use of secure, compliant telehealth technologies

Independent Contractor Disclaimer

This position is classified as an independent contractor. Counselors are not employees of the organization and are not eligible for employee benefits. Contractors are responsible for maintaining their own licensure/certification, insurance, taxes, and compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, as outlined in the contract agreement.

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Fort Myers, FL 33901