Behavioral Health Specialist, Social Work/Counselor III - Prairie Vista.
State of Colorado, Brighton, CO, United States
Department Information
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Division of Youth Services
The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non‑residential services for youth between the ages of 10 and 21, including juvenile detention, commitment, parole, and community‑based programs. The Division operates fifteen secure facilities and contracts with private service providers throughout the state.
Summary of the Position
The Behavioral Health Specialist in this facility serves as a mental health counselor, delivering mental health and case management services to committed and detained youth. Duties include clinical assessment, medication monitoring, individual, group, family, and milieu therapy, suicide risk assessment, report writing, and coordination with a multidisciplinary team.
Responsibilities
Maintain a caseload and conduct individual, group, and family therapy sessions using evidence‑based treatment theories.
Apply knowledge of adolescent development, cultural issues, and trauma to inform interventions.
Document and assess the effectiveness of interventions to support program progression and stabilization.
Provide therapeutic services that address substance abuse, mental health issues, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, and violent or sexually abusive behaviors.
Collaborate with medical teams on psychotropic medication assessment and continuation.
Partner with educational and vocational systems to ensure appropriate academic services.
Seek additional resources to address developmental and neurocognitive needs.
Adapt therapy to accommodate trauma, substance abuse, brain injury, and other mental health disorders.
Support agency services such as cognitive behavioral interventions, social learning theory, and motivational interviewing.
Engage family and caregivers in the transition and placement process.
Assess progress, document all case‑management and therapeutic services in the Fusion Electronic Health Record.
Follow the Sanctuary/ROCK program and facilitate Community Review Teams for growth and change plans.
Address mental health needs based on estimated length of stay and DSM‑5 criteria.
Conduct health status exams and monitor suicide risk indicators.
Provide input for transition planning and community reintegration.
Recommend alternate interventions for youth not responding positively to program.
Maintain knowledge of federal confidentiality regulations (42 C.F.R. Part 2, HIPAA) and Colorado rules.
Train colleagues in evidence‑based treatment practices and provide supervisory support.
Document treatment notes in DAP format and manage communications with stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
Current, valid Colorado or state‑participating social work licensure as a Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Addiction Counselor.
One year of experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact.
Preferred Qualifications
Relatable experience as a current or former State of Colorado employee.
Conditions of Employment
Minimum age 21 years and no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
Full background and reference check required.
Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application and throughout employment.
Valid, non‑restricted Colorado driver’s license and completion of pre‑service and field training programs.
Must complete the Diana Screen® (sexual risk screening).
Benefits
Retirement benefits: PERA Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans.
Health and dental coverage.
Employer‑supplemented Health Savings Account.
Paid life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
11 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.
Access to the State of Colorado Employee Benefit Hub and wellness programs.
Flexible work schedules, training, and remote work arrangements for eligible positions.
ADA Accommodations
CDHS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the employment process. For assistance, contact cdhs_ada@state.co.us.
EEO Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, military status, or other protected status.
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This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Division of Youth Services
The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non‑residential services for youth between the ages of 10 and 21, including juvenile detention, commitment, parole, and community‑based programs. The Division operates fifteen secure facilities and contracts with private service providers throughout the state.
Summary of the Position
The Behavioral Health Specialist in this facility serves as a mental health counselor, delivering mental health and case management services to committed and detained youth. Duties include clinical assessment, medication monitoring, individual, group, family, and milieu therapy, suicide risk assessment, report writing, and coordination with a multidisciplinary team.
Responsibilities
Maintain a caseload and conduct individual, group, and family therapy sessions using evidence‑based treatment theories.
Apply knowledge of adolescent development, cultural issues, and trauma to inform interventions.
Document and assess the effectiveness of interventions to support program progression and stabilization.
Provide therapeutic services that address substance abuse, mental health issues, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, and violent or sexually abusive behaviors.
Collaborate with medical teams on psychotropic medication assessment and continuation.
Partner with educational and vocational systems to ensure appropriate academic services.
Seek additional resources to address developmental and neurocognitive needs.
Adapt therapy to accommodate trauma, substance abuse, brain injury, and other mental health disorders.
Support agency services such as cognitive behavioral interventions, social learning theory, and motivational interviewing.
Engage family and caregivers in the transition and placement process.
Assess progress, document all case‑management and therapeutic services in the Fusion Electronic Health Record.
Follow the Sanctuary/ROCK program and facilitate Community Review Teams for growth and change plans.
Address mental health needs based on estimated length of stay and DSM‑5 criteria.
Conduct health status exams and monitor suicide risk indicators.
Provide input for transition planning and community reintegration.
Recommend alternate interventions for youth not responding positively to program.
Maintain knowledge of federal confidentiality regulations (42 C.F.R. Part 2, HIPAA) and Colorado rules.
Train colleagues in evidence‑based treatment practices and provide supervisory support.
Document treatment notes in DAP format and manage communications with stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
Current, valid Colorado or state‑participating social work licensure as a Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Addiction Counselor.
One year of experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact.
Preferred Qualifications
Relatable experience as a current or former State of Colorado employee.
Conditions of Employment
Minimum age 21 years and no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
Full background and reference check required.
Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application and throughout employment.
Valid, non‑restricted Colorado driver’s license and completion of pre‑service and field training programs.
Must complete the Diana Screen® (sexual risk screening).
Benefits
Retirement benefits: PERA Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans.
Health and dental coverage.
Employer‑supplemented Health Savings Account.
Paid life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
11 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.
Access to the State of Colorado Employee Benefit Hub and wellness programs.
Flexible work schedules, training, and remote work arrangements for eligible positions.
ADA Accommodations
CDHS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the employment process. For assistance, contact cdhs_ada@state.co.us.
EEO Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, military status, or other protected status.
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