PROGRAM ASSISTANT I - Grand Junction Regional Center (Western Slope)

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

About the Facility:

Grand Junction Regional Center (GJRC) is one of three Regional Centers in Colorado that serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have intensive needs. 

GJRC, which dates back to 1919, has both Intermediate Care Facilities/Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (ICF/IDD) homes and Home and Community Based Services Waiver (HCBS Waiver) homes throughout the community. The center serves a diverse population, from people who have high abilities but are a high risk to themselves or others to people who have significant medical challenges. GJRC has a total of 10 homes nestled throughout established neighborhoods of Grand Valley. These homes feature warm, comfortable living spaces and private, fenced backyards with recreation equipment.

Programs are individualized to meet varying needs. Services provided range from residential services and health services to mental health intervention. GJRC provides day program, vocational and specialized habilitation, speech, occupational therapy, therapeutic recreation and nutritional services.

 About the Position

The Program Assistant I provides administrative, technical, and operational support to the Residential Services Department at the Grand Junction Regional Center (GJRC). This position supports departmental leadership, coordinates administrative processes, maintains regulatory compliance, and assists with the protection of individual rights to ensure efficient, high-quality services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Data Management and Technical Support

Manage departmental data, records, reports, and electronic health record systems while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance. Monitor operating budgets, track expenditures, prepare financial reports, and maintain systems supporting departmental accountability and quality assurance initiatives.

Rights Modifications and Human Rights Committee

Coordinate the Human Rights Committee (HRC) process, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, maintaining records, and documenting committee activities. Manage and track informed consents and rights modifications, coordinate with guardians and external agencies, and ensure timely reviews and compliance with applicable regulations.

Office Management

Oversee daily administrative operations for Residential Services, including correspondence, document preparation, records management, scheduling, and workflow coordination. Develop and maintain office procedures, tracking systems, and administrative processes to improve efficiency, ensure timely completion of assignments, and support departmental operations.

Residential Department Assistance

Provide confidential administrative and technical support to Residential Services leadership, including coordinating communications, managing sensitive information, and responding to departmental requests. Assist with special projects, develop tracking and reporting systems, and support the implementation of departmental procedures and operational priorities.

Other Duties as Assigned

Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

• Professional administrative experience in an office environment, including coordinating daily operations, maintaining records, and supporting management.

• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.

• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to collect, research, interpret, and synthesize complex or technical information, evaluate data, and prepare accurate reports.

• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, make sound decisions within established guidelines, and collaborate effectively with management and team members.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and professionally to individuals and groups at various organizational levels.

• Experience with administrative and healthcare-related systems and procedures, including electronic health records, data management, document preparation, records management, meeting coordination, and timekeeping.

• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, including proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and professional correspondence.

• Proficiency with office technology and software, including Microsoft Office applications, electronic databases, email, and digital recordkeeping systems.

• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate alternative solutions, identify potential issues, and recommend effective courses of action.

• Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize competing assignments, manage deadlines, maintain tracking systems, and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.

• Full background check - CDHS employees (required for all employees with possible direct contact with vulnerable persons): CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services), Trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults – Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers)
• 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 a 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 the employment start date.  
• TB test required; requires influenza and COVID vaccine; GJRC is a 24/7 facility, may need to adjust the schedule for training, etc to meet the agency's needs. Must be 18 years or older. Must have a high school diploma or GED. 
• Pre-employment physical – Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds  to lift, carry, push, and pull
• Must be able to travel and drive a state car to various group homes, programs, administration offices, and in the community as needed. 
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must (1) disclose that information on the application (2) provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position, (3) provide the employee number from the applicant’s 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.

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.

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."

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. 

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.     

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).

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 (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

• The Assessment Process

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.

• 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.

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.

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.