Clinical Safety Specialist I - CMHHIP

Please note:  Candidate, please keep in mind that even though you may have applied for a position on a specific unit as indicated in this announcement and if the hiring manager chooses to extend a job offer to you, the hiring manager may make you a job offer within the same classification for a different unit within the hospital.  These opportunities will be based on vacancies at the time of offer and business needs.  All work locations evaluated will remain within CMHHIP.

As a cornerstone of the Pueblo community for over a century, Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP) is a leading employer, provider of quality mental health services, and a community partner.  CMHHIP is a 24 hour behavioral health acute care facility that is intended to provide a safe, secure, and therapeutic setting for patients with both psychiatric and medical issues. The services provided include evaluation and treatment for patients who are severely mentally ill, and the goal of this facility is to return patients to their optimal level of functioning and assist them in returning to the community as appropriate.

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About the Position:

This position exists to ensure a safe work environment through application of and adherence to CMHHIP/CDHS policies, Joint Commission Standards, Life Safety Codes and Colorado Revised Statutes. The position responds to crisis situations (i.e physical or verbal assaults against persons or property, suicidal behavior) following hospital policies and procedures, assists with documenting incidents related to safety violations in patient-care areas, works with the treatment teams, and assists nursing and clinical staff to ensure a safe and therapeutic environment.   This position assists with environmental safety checks and on unit/on campus transports to treatment programming and meals. 

Safety:

• Work involves providing safety and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated patients in a locked/unlocked setting.  
• Supervises for safety of appropriate staff, location, mobility and continual observation of patients.  
• Provide immediate intervention in crisis situations, to include responding to and assisting in verbally threatening or physically violent patients, providing approved verbal de-escalation, and physical interventions, monitoring for escape of and maintaining contact with unit staff.  
• Exercise sound judgment and emotional control when evaluating possible risk taking into consideration the physical and mental well-being of all patients and staff.  
• Participate in defusing and debriefing all incidents. 
• Actively use effective communication skills, non-escalation skills as taught in the hospital approved external control therapeutic techniques  when interacting with patients and staff in a positive and respectful manner. 
• Monitor movement of patients in the unit or throughout the building. Maintains hypervigilance and alertness throughout the shift.
• Escort and transport to internal activities or appointments (e.g., Admissions, medical appointments, court hearing, visits,, etc.) 
• Assist with external appointments/hospital visits if needed for special circumstances when DPS is unavailable which will be approved by the Chief Nursing Officer or designee.
• Conduct unit and room searches to include property and areas according to the search schedule or as needed.  
• Check windows, doors, all aspects of locking mechanisms on unit and treatment areas to minimize escape risk. 
• Performs monthly safety inspections of clinical units as assigned. Identify safety violations and safety hazards and work with the treatment team to take necessary actions to correct the problem. 
• Monitor patients and visitors during visitation times. 
• Search visitors and property entering the facility prior to contact with the patient.

Programming:

• To provide for and promote a safer, more therapeutic environment by meeting expectations to provide both a deterrent to assaults as well as an additional resource to manage actual assaults and crisis situations.  
• Actively and with positive engagement, follow policies and program procedures.   
• Use prevailing techniques to establish rapport with patients, overcome resistance to change, communicate more effectively in stable circumstances as well as unsettled circumstances.  
• Support CMHHIP initiatives and strategies as it relates to patient programming and crisis intervention.  
• Objectively and fairly monitor, record patient behaviors, and intervene according to program standards related to privileges and consequences.  
• Monitor visitation by ensuring visitors and patients adhere to hospital policies and procedures.  
• Follow daily program schedules based on standards.    
• Recommend any modifications or program to supervisory and/or clinical staff.  
• Facilitate, monitor cleanup of pod/rooms and inspect, according to daily schedule. 
• Escort patients to recreation, treatment groups, canteen, library and meals  according to standards, patient’s condition and daily program schedule. 
• Meet with the treatment team to discuss programming issues.  
• Provide safety presence in common areas providing a safer and more therapeutic environment.  
• Respond to crisis situations and assist staff in gaining control of hostile situations. 
• Assist with daily unit functions such as wellness checks and complete one full wellness check per shift, accompany staff assigned to wellness checks twice per hour, escorting patients, attend cross-shift reports and implement behavior plans as directed by the clinical team. 
• Respond to duresses or incidents when called upon on other units as needed. 
• Maintain milieu and provide safety of the unit using clinical interventions before hands on response communicating with the Charge Nurse to establish behavior interventions. 
• Provide and assist with behavioral 1:1 coverage as needed.

Documentation:

• Report and complete an incident report of all known or suspected incidents of abuse as mandatory reporters pursuant to prevailing statute.

Organizational Accountability:

• Demonstrate, support and contribute to a healthy, positive and respectful cultural climate throughout the facility.  Communicates with internal/external customers, residents, subordinate staff and co-workers in a professional manner; ensuring to communicate with respect and dignity.  
• Adhere to the CDHS Code of Conduct and all CMHHIP and nursing policies and procedures. 
• Be aware of and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy and implementing procedures.  
• Adhere to CDHS, CMHHIP Procedures regarding work schedule, timekeeping and leave practices.   

Training:

• Attend and actively participate in all CMHHIP/CDHS approved training and external control techniques. 
• This position must successfully complete any/all testing or other requirements for such training. 
• Successful completion may be known or recorded by score or demonstration of skill.  
• Meet and keep current all mandatory training pursuant to prevailing CDHS/CMHHIP Policy.  
• Participate and conduct monthly drills.

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Any other duties that may arise while completing the tasks of this position to meet the needs of the unit and Department.
• Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for quality patient care and safety.  
• Provides coverage for meeting staffing needs of the unit.

Minimum Qualifications:   
High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).

Substitution:  
NonePreferred Qualifications:

• college education (preferably 2 years or more) in behavioral health and/or juvenile justice related field
• experience facilitating psychoeducational groups; education/experience working with patients who have trauma
• experience working with patients in positive leadership roles, such as mentoring and coaching
• experience utilizing verbal de-escalation and motivational techniques.
• experience working in a high security locked environment
• experience working with patients who suffer from mental illness

Conditions of Employment:

• FULL BACKGROUND CHECK:  This position will have direct contact with vulnerable persons (as defined by C.R.S.27-90-111: "Direct contact" means providing face-to-face care, training, supervision, counseling, consultation, or medication assistance to vulnerable persons, regardless of the level of supervision of the department employee. "Direct contact" may include positions in which persons have access to or unsupervised time with clients or patients, including but not limited to maintenance personnel, housekeeping staff, kitchen staff, and security personnel.
• CBI & FBI fingerprint check, Colorado Court Database check, Medicare Fraud Database, TRAILS Database check.
• This position will also provide direct care to vulnerable adults requiring a CAPS check (as defined by C.R.S. 26-3.1-101, position provides services & support care to at-risk/vulnerable adults including case management, clergy, physical or mental health services, safety or welfare services).
• Possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver's license
• May work various shifts
• Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare
• 2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
• This position will be paid biweekly
• A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process as this position is deemed to have direct contact with vulnerable persons. Felony convictions, conviction of crimes of moral turpitude, or convictions of misdemeanors related to job duties may disqualify you from being considered for this position. Should your background check reveal any charges or convictions, it is your responsibility to provide the CDHS Background Unit with an official disposition of any charges
• Shall not initiate or engage in sexual, social, personal or financial relationships with patients either during or any time after hospitalization, even if the patient requests or initiates such a relationship All relationships with current or former patients must be disclosed on your application
• Successfully pass all modules of the CMHIP New Employee Orientation core curriculum to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete CTI & CPR
• Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist
• Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled containment to the floor
• Withstand impact on own body using an ASP shield
• Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for using a defensive tactic
• Kneel on one or both knees and stand up again with multiple repetitions
• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety
• Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language; effectively and fluently communicates in English, both verbally and in writing
• Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings
• Willing and able to travel. 
• Annual influenza vaccination
• Motor Vehicle Check , if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an on-going capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.
• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or an non-restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border
• Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

  • Disclose that information on the application.

  • Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.

  • Provide your employee number from your prior State employment.  Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation
Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
  Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process 
A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.  You must complete the official State of Colorado online application.  Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process.  Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review 
After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing. 

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. 

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.  

Supplemental Questions 
Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers  based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated.  You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.  

• You can find the official appeal form here. 

• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

  • By email ([email protected]), or

  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or 

  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

  • Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

•  Refer to the  Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

How to apply to the State of Colorado

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact: [email protected] 

About Us & Benefits: 

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet 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 supplemented Health Savings Account

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values:

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADAA Accommodations:

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment. 

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~ 

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.  The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we 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, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

Additional Support For Your Application

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.