Behavioral Health Specialist, Social Work/Counselor III - Prairie Vista
State of Colorado, Brighton, CO, United States
Division of Youth Services - Prairie Vista Youth Services Center
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
About the Division of Youth Services:
The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non-residential services that encompass juvenile detention, commitment, and parole. DYS is the agency statutorily mandated to provide for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates fifteen secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. The Division also contracts with numerous private residential and non-residential service providers throughout the State. For pre-adjudicated youth, DYS is also responsible for the management and oversight of Colorado Youth Detention Continuum, a State‑funded, locally administered program that provides services to youth at risk of further progressing into the juvenile justice system. In addition to residential programming, the Division administers juvenile parole services throughout the State.
You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times. Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.
Summary of the position
As a Behavioral Health Specialist, you will function as a mental health counselor, providing mental health and case management services to committed and detained youth in the Division of Youth Services. Services include clinical assessment, monitoring medication effectiveness, individual, group, family and milieu therapies, suicide risk assessment and monitoring, report writing, and mental health service coordination with a Multi‑Disciplinary Team (MDT).
Job Duties
Provide Treatment
Maintain a caseload and conduct individual, group, and family therapy sessions using evidence‑based treatment theories for adolescents.
Maintain a clear understanding of adolescent development, appropriate interventions, and developmental needs.
Use theories relevant to youth needs and their individual history, considering cultural and personal factors to effect behavior change.
Document and assess the effectiveness of interventions toward program progression and youth stabilization.
Address substance abuse, mental health issues, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, and specific services for sexually abusive or violent youth.
Provide therapeutic services using a strength‑based and holistic approach.
Collaborate with the medical team and psychiatrist regarding psychotropic medication assessment or continuation.
Collaborate with educational/vocational systems to ensure appropriate academic services.
Seek additional resources as necessary to ensure the best approach based on developmental and neurocognitive ability.
Provide therapy consistent with the youth’s ability, modifying as needed for trauma, substance abuse, brain injury, or mental health disorders.
Support agency services of cognitive behavioral, social learning, and motivational interviewing.
Engage family/caregivers in the process of stabilizing and transitioning youth to placement.
Assess progress and barriers, documenting all case management and therapeutic services in the Fusion Electronic Health Record system.
Follow Sanctuary/ROCK Program protocols.
Facilitate Community Review Teams as needed for Individual Growth and Change Plans.
Assessment and Treatment Planning
Address identified mental health and other needs, considering the estimated length of stay.
Review assessment data and collaborate with youth to develop therapeutic rapport and a supportive, educative environment.
Engage parents, family members, and relevant agents to obtain collateral data.
Monitor signs and symptoms of serious mental illness and adjust care as necessary.
Complete brief mental health status exams.
Make recommendations and develop alternate interventions for youth not responding positively.
Coordinate with transition specialists, YSSIII, client managers, and MDT to implement milieu interventions.
Set strengths‑based treatment goals and objectives for youth.
Identify appropriate individuals to provide treatment and other services per treatment plan.
Training and Consultation
Maintain knowledge of federal confidentiality regulations, HIPAA, and Colorado Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division Rules.
Stay current on literature and emerging research in juvenile mental health, substance abuse, and co‑occurring disorders.
Train facility staff in best‑practice treatment approaches.
Participate in orientation, workshops, and disciplinary meetings to maintain competency.
Model interventions and recommend practices for resident assignments.
Participate in initial case reviews and group placement assistance.
Provide local and agency‑level training and consultation, maintaining professional certifications and licensure.
Engage in professional growth through continued training, research, and CEU.
Participate in clinical supervision and treatment team meetings.
Advise on milieu programming and treatment goal implementation.
Contribute to the development of additional treatment program options.
Documentation and Communication
Document individual and group sessions in the approved EHR using DAP format.
Provide individualized group documentation reflecting youth participation.
Identify appropriate information to record and its location.
Determine appropriate parties and modes of communication for youth treatment information.
Minimum Qualifications
Current, valid Colorado or State participating licensure under 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 performing duties related to this position.
Preferred Qualifications
Relatable experience as a current or previous State of Colorado employee.
Conditions of Employment
Minimum 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
Full background check and reference check required.
State of Colorado residency required at application time and throughout employment.
Must possess a valid, non‑restricted Colorado Driver’s License.
Continued employment contingent upon successful completion of the DYS Pre‑service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO), and mandatory annual training.
Adherence to the Diana Screen®, a sexual risk screening tool administered to all applicants.
About Us & Benefits
Strong, secure, and flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans.
Medical and dental health plans.
Employer‑supplied Health Savings Account.
Paid life insurance.
Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
Eleven paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave.
Employee BenefitHub Resource Center.
Employee Wellness program.
Excellent work‑life programs, including flexible schedules and training.
Remote work arrangements for eligible positions.
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Our Values
People‑first approach: prioritize the needs, well‑being, and dignity of individuals, families, and communities.
Supportive workplace that values flexibility, health, wellness, and employee engagement.
Accountability for actions, programs, and results.
Transparency and openness in decision‑making.
Ethical conduct in all interactions.
Collaboration with partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes.
ADA Accommodations
CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. We will assist individuals with disabilities with reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application process and interview. Please direct inquiries to cdhs_ada@state.co.us.
EEO Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments. Employment opportunities are provided to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pension, age, disability, national origin, or any other protected status.
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This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
About the Division of Youth Services:
The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non-residential services that encompass juvenile detention, commitment, and parole. DYS is the agency statutorily mandated to provide for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates fifteen secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. The Division also contracts with numerous private residential and non-residential service providers throughout the State. For pre-adjudicated youth, DYS is also responsible for the management and oversight of Colorado Youth Detention Continuum, a State‑funded, locally administered program that provides services to youth at risk of further progressing into the juvenile justice system. In addition to residential programming, the Division administers juvenile parole services throughout the State.
You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times. Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.
Summary of the position
As a Behavioral Health Specialist, you will function as a mental health counselor, providing mental health and case management services to committed and detained youth in the Division of Youth Services. Services include clinical assessment, monitoring medication effectiveness, individual, group, family and milieu therapies, suicide risk assessment and monitoring, report writing, and mental health service coordination with a Multi‑Disciplinary Team (MDT).
Job Duties
Provide Treatment
Maintain a caseload and conduct individual, group, and family therapy sessions using evidence‑based treatment theories for adolescents.
Maintain a clear understanding of adolescent development, appropriate interventions, and developmental needs.
Use theories relevant to youth needs and their individual history, considering cultural and personal factors to effect behavior change.
Document and assess the effectiveness of interventions toward program progression and youth stabilization.
Address substance abuse, mental health issues, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, and specific services for sexually abusive or violent youth.
Provide therapeutic services using a strength‑based and holistic approach.
Collaborate with the medical team and psychiatrist regarding psychotropic medication assessment or continuation.
Collaborate with educational/vocational systems to ensure appropriate academic services.
Seek additional resources as necessary to ensure the best approach based on developmental and neurocognitive ability.
Provide therapy consistent with the youth’s ability, modifying as needed for trauma, substance abuse, brain injury, or mental health disorders.
Support agency services of cognitive behavioral, social learning, and motivational interviewing.
Engage family/caregivers in the process of stabilizing and transitioning youth to placement.
Assess progress and barriers, documenting all case management and therapeutic services in the Fusion Electronic Health Record system.
Follow Sanctuary/ROCK Program protocols.
Facilitate Community Review Teams as needed for Individual Growth and Change Plans.
Assessment and Treatment Planning
Address identified mental health and other needs, considering the estimated length of stay.
Review assessment data and collaborate with youth to develop therapeutic rapport and a supportive, educative environment.
Engage parents, family members, and relevant agents to obtain collateral data.
Monitor signs and symptoms of serious mental illness and adjust care as necessary.
Complete brief mental health status exams.
Make recommendations and develop alternate interventions for youth not responding positively.
Coordinate with transition specialists, YSSIII, client managers, and MDT to implement milieu interventions.
Set strengths‑based treatment goals and objectives for youth.
Identify appropriate individuals to provide treatment and other services per treatment plan.
Training and Consultation
Maintain knowledge of federal confidentiality regulations, HIPAA, and Colorado Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division Rules.
Stay current on literature and emerging research in juvenile mental health, substance abuse, and co‑occurring disorders.
Train facility staff in best‑practice treatment approaches.
Participate in orientation, workshops, and disciplinary meetings to maintain competency.
Model interventions and recommend practices for resident assignments.
Participate in initial case reviews and group placement assistance.
Provide local and agency‑level training and consultation, maintaining professional certifications and licensure.
Engage in professional growth through continued training, research, and CEU.
Participate in clinical supervision and treatment team meetings.
Advise on milieu programming and treatment goal implementation.
Contribute to the development of additional treatment program options.
Documentation and Communication
Document individual and group sessions in the approved EHR using DAP format.
Provide individualized group documentation reflecting youth participation.
Identify appropriate information to record and its location.
Determine appropriate parties and modes of communication for youth treatment information.
Minimum Qualifications
Current, valid Colorado or State participating licensure under 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 performing duties related to this position.
Preferred Qualifications
Relatable experience as a current or previous State of Colorado employee.
Conditions of Employment
Minimum 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
Full background check and reference check required.
State of Colorado residency required at application time and throughout employment.
Must possess a valid, non‑restricted Colorado Driver’s License.
Continued employment contingent upon successful completion of the DYS Pre‑service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO), and mandatory annual training.
Adherence to the Diana Screen®, a sexual risk screening tool administered to all applicants.
About Us & Benefits
Strong, secure, and flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans.
Medical and dental health plans.
Employer‑supplied Health Savings Account.
Paid life insurance.
Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
Eleven paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave.
Employee BenefitHub Resource Center.
Employee Wellness program.
Excellent work‑life programs, including flexible schedules and training.
Remote work arrangements for eligible positions.
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Our Values
People‑first approach: prioritize the needs, well‑being, and dignity of individuals, families, and communities.
Supportive workplace that values flexibility, health, wellness, and employee engagement.
Accountability for actions, programs, and results.
Transparency and openness in decision‑making.
Ethical conduct in all interactions.
Collaboration with partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes.
ADA Accommodations
CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. We will assist individuals with disabilities with reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application process and interview. Please direct inquiries to cdhs_ada@state.co.us.
EEO Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments. Employment opportunities are provided to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pension, age, disability, national origin, or any other protected status.
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