Behavioral Health Specialist, Social Work/Counselor III - Zebulon Pike
State of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Division and Role
The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides residential and non‑residential services for youth within Colorado, including juvenile detention, commitment, and parole. This position is a mental health counselor at a DYS facility; responsibilities include assessment, therapeutic services, case management, and coordination with a multidisciplinary team.
Responsibilities
Maintain a caseload and conduct individual, group, and family therapy using evidence‑based treatment theories for adolescents.
Develop a clear understanding of adolescent development and appropriate interventions, considering cultural, religious, and sexual issues.
Use theoretical approaches tailored to the youth’s history to effect behavior change and reduce substance abuse.
Document and assess the effectiveness of interventions for program progression and youth stabilization.
Provide therapeutic services for substance abuse, mental health issues, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, and sexual or violent behaviors.
Employ a strength‑based and holistic approach to therapy.
Collaborate with the medical team and psychiatrist regarding psychotropic medication assessment and continuation.
Partner with educational and vocational systems to ensure appropriate academic services.
Seek additional resources to tailor treatment based on developmental and neurocognitive needs.
Adapt therapy to the youth’s abilities and any necessary modifications due to trauma, substance abuse, brain injury, or mental health disorders.
Support agency services using cognitive‑behavioral interventions, social‑learning theory, and motivational interviewing.
Engage family or caregivers in stabilizing and transitioning youth to placement.
Assess progress and barriers, documenting all case‑management and therapeutic services in the Fusion EHR system.
Follow Sanctuary/ROCK Program procedures.
Facilitate Community Review Teams as needed for Individual Growth and Change Plans.
Assessment and Treatment Planning
Address mental health and other identified needs while considering length of stay.
Review assessment data, conduct brief mental‑health status exams, and engage youth in a supportive, educative manner.
Engage parents/family members and other stakeholders to obtain collateral information.
Monitor signs of serious mental illness, symptom exacerbation, decompensation, and improvement.
Make recommendations and develop alternate interventions for youth not responding positively.
Provide input for transition planning and successful community reintegration, coordinating with YSSIII and MDT.
Determine strengths‑based treatment goals and objectives.
Identify appropriate personnel to provide services per the treatment plan.
Training and Consultation
Maintain knowledge of federal confidentiality regulations, HIPAA, and Colorado Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division rules.
Stay current with literature and emerging research on juvenile mental health, substance abuse, and co‑occurring disorders.
Train facility staff in evidence‑based treatment delivery.
Participate in orientation and educational workshops to maintain competency.
Guide staff by modeling interventions and recommending assignments.
Assist in initial case reviews, group placement, and case consultation.
Maintain professional certifications and licensure.
Engage in professional growth, continuing education, and research.
Provide input on milieu programming and treatment goal implementation.
Documentation and Communication
Document session notes in the approved EHR following DAP format.
Ensure group documentation reflects each youth’s participation.
Select appropriate information to record and the correct location.
Determine suitable recipients for information sharing and communication method.
Qualifications
Current, valid Colorado or State participation in the Social Work Licensure Compact as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC).
One (1) year of experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact, based on the work assigned to the position.
Preferred Qualifications
Relatable experience as a current or former State of Colorado employee.
Conditions of Employment
Minimum age of 21 years with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
Full background and reference check required.
State of Colorado residency required at the time of application and throughout employment.
Motor vehicle check and a valid, non‑restricted Colorado driver’s license.
Successful completion of DYS Pre‑service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO), and mandatory annual training.
Participation in the Diana Screen, a sexual risk screening tool administered to all applicants for positions of trust with children and teens.
EEO Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL” workforce and provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants 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 any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides residential and non‑residential services for youth within Colorado, including juvenile detention, commitment, and parole. This position is a mental health counselor at a DYS facility; responsibilities include assessment, therapeutic services, case management, and coordination with a multidisciplinary team.
Responsibilities
Maintain a caseload and conduct individual, group, and family therapy using evidence‑based treatment theories for adolescents.
Develop a clear understanding of adolescent development and appropriate interventions, considering cultural, religious, and sexual issues.
Use theoretical approaches tailored to the youth’s history to effect behavior change and reduce substance abuse.
Document and assess the effectiveness of interventions for program progression and youth stabilization.
Provide therapeutic services for substance abuse, mental health issues, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, and sexual or violent behaviors.
Employ a strength‑based and holistic approach to therapy.
Collaborate with the medical team and psychiatrist regarding psychotropic medication assessment and continuation.
Partner with educational and vocational systems to ensure appropriate academic services.
Seek additional resources to tailor treatment based on developmental and neurocognitive needs.
Adapt therapy to the youth’s abilities and any necessary modifications due to trauma, substance abuse, brain injury, or mental health disorders.
Support agency services using cognitive‑behavioral interventions, social‑learning theory, and motivational interviewing.
Engage family or caregivers in stabilizing and transitioning youth to placement.
Assess progress and barriers, documenting all case‑management and therapeutic services in the Fusion EHR system.
Follow Sanctuary/ROCK Program procedures.
Facilitate Community Review Teams as needed for Individual Growth and Change Plans.
Assessment and Treatment Planning
Address mental health and other identified needs while considering length of stay.
Review assessment data, conduct brief mental‑health status exams, and engage youth in a supportive, educative manner.
Engage parents/family members and other stakeholders to obtain collateral information.
Monitor signs of serious mental illness, symptom exacerbation, decompensation, and improvement.
Make recommendations and develop alternate interventions for youth not responding positively.
Provide input for transition planning and successful community reintegration, coordinating with YSSIII and MDT.
Determine strengths‑based treatment goals and objectives.
Identify appropriate personnel to provide services per the treatment plan.
Training and Consultation
Maintain knowledge of federal confidentiality regulations, HIPAA, and Colorado Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division rules.
Stay current with literature and emerging research on juvenile mental health, substance abuse, and co‑occurring disorders.
Train facility staff in evidence‑based treatment delivery.
Participate in orientation and educational workshops to maintain competency.
Guide staff by modeling interventions and recommending assignments.
Assist in initial case reviews, group placement, and case consultation.
Maintain professional certifications and licensure.
Engage in professional growth, continuing education, and research.
Provide input on milieu programming and treatment goal implementation.
Documentation and Communication
Document session notes in the approved EHR following DAP format.
Ensure group documentation reflects each youth’s participation.
Select appropriate information to record and the correct location.
Determine suitable recipients for information sharing and communication method.
Qualifications
Current, valid Colorado or State participation in the Social Work Licensure Compact as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC).
One (1) year of experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact, based on the work assigned to the position.
Preferred Qualifications
Relatable experience as a current or former State of Colorado employee.
Conditions of Employment
Minimum age of 21 years with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
Full background and reference check required.
State of Colorado residency required at the time of application and throughout employment.
Motor vehicle check and a valid, non‑restricted Colorado driver’s license.
Successful completion of DYS Pre‑service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO), and mandatory annual training.
Participation in the Diana Screen, a sexual risk screening tool administered to all applicants for positions of trust with children and teens.
EEO Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL” workforce and provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants 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 any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr