Program Support Specialist (Health Professional II) - CMHHIP

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

Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP) is an acute care psychiatric hospital that provides comprehensive psychiatric treatment and medical services by multidisciplinary treatment teams. This includes: 24-hour nursing care and assessment; psychiatric intervention and evaluation; psychological services; psychosocial services; Occupational Therapy; Educational and Vocational Rehabilitation services; Recreational Therapy; and other services required of an acute care psychiatric hospital licensed in the state of Colorado. CMHHIP provides psychiatric services for adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.

This position exists to assist the Program Support Professionals (HP V’s and HP IV’s) with operational oversight, program coordination, provision of fiscal resources, safety and security, and regulatory compliance for assigned treatment and management teams. The Health Professional II collaborates with treatment teams, management teams, Continuity of Treatment Office, Department of Facilities Management, and Admissions department to support in the delivery of patient care. This position provides assistance through coordination with assigned treatment and management teams to facilitate compliance with regulatory agencies, standards of care,  hospital policy and procedures regarding delivery of patient care. Additionally, this position coordinates daily operational services with Program Support Professionals in order to support and oversee daily safety and security functions, acquisition and delivery of goods and property, and delivery and monitoring of active treatment.

• Monitors the unit property storage room (i.e., cleanliness, organization, building code expectations). Monitors unit cleaning logs, RIPP checklists, and property inventories. Assists Hospital Operations with any unit moves. Inventories and checks daily personal duress alarms (PDA) of units assigned in the Hawkins building to ensure all are accounted for and are in working order. If PDAs are found to not be working properly, PDA will be given to the Building Manager for maintenance or replacement. If PDA is missing, a search will be conducted of the unit, and if not located, PDA will be reported missing to the Building Manager.

  Attends patient multi-disciplinary team meetings, supports HP IV & HP V’s with operational oversight, program coordination, monitoring and implementation of active treatment, provision of fiscal resources, safety and security, and regulatory compliance for assigned treatment and management teams.

• Works collaboratively with the unit treatment and management teams regarding mail services to include:  distribution, verification, and documentation of unit mail and packages.  Ensures patients’ rights are adhered to as they relate to privacy and must meet HIPAA compliance regulations.  Ensures legal documents are delivered on time. 

  Assist in monitoring and collecting outgoing mail. 

• Analyzes complex emergency response data and statistical metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for structural improvement.
• Produces formal Apparent Cause Analysis/Root Cause Analysis Reports (ACA/RCAs) and Improvement Plans following all exercises and major real-world incidents.
• Drives Quality Assurance and Process Improvement (QAPI) initiatives for the emergency program, utilizing evidence-based data to update and revise emergency policies, procedures, and training objectives in collaboration with the Director of Quality Management.
• Provides real-time operational analysis during active incident command responses to prioritize needs and guide recovery efforts.

• Assists the Program Support Professionals in completing Environment of Care (EOC) rounds on assigned units. Monitors follow-up by departments and divisions to problems identified during EOC rounds and the Safety and Risk Manager, reports issues to the Program Support Professional.

• Assists the Safety and Risk Manager during regulatory audits, surveys, and during critical incident inquiries, such as The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS), as well as in response to complaints and citations by external organizations, such as state and county Health Departments.

• Assists in monitoring regulatory compliance, therapeutic services, and safety and security of patients and staff, including unit contraband searches and checks.. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of CMHHIP policies and procedures.

• Monitors completion of cleaning logs on all refrigerators each month. Monitors completion of daily temperature checks on all refrigerators. Ensures clothes dryer lint traps are cleaned, inside of washer lids are cleaned, and laundry rooms are locked. Checks to ensure all emergency exit lighting on units is properly lit.  If not, coordinate work orders and repairs with the Program Support Professional.  Assists with updating Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Assesses and assists with the removal and replacement of broken furniture and/or other hospital property. Sends weekly team monitors to the Program Support Professional.Conducts unit cardboard checks weekly and ensures that all cardboard is discarded as soon as possible.

• This position collaborates with treatment teams, management teams, Continuity of Treatment Office, Department of Facilities Management, and Admissions department to support the delivery of patient care. Provides assistance through coordination with assigned treatment and management teams to facilitate compliance with regulatory agencies, standards of care, and hospital policy and procedures regarding delivery of patient care.

  • Complete schedule and program delivery evaluations

  • Follow strict policy, adhere to protection orders; assist in the provision of patient supervision during court hearings, visitation, and transportation

  • Position may coordinate and/or provide transportation for patients and assist patients with home visits

  • Coordinates with the team to order, deliver, and restock program point stores 

  • Maintains inventory and stock point store items as needed. Provides point store inventory to Program Support Professional monthly

Any other duties that may arise that may need to be completed that are not covered in the above duty statements

Five (5) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position, such as Healthcare or Hospital Operations, Program Coordination/Administrative Support, Human Services or Social Services Support, Safety, Compliance, or Facility Administration. 

OR

A combination of related education in 

• Healthcare Administration/Health Management, Public Administration or Business Administration, Psychology, Social Work, or Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice/Emergency Management and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to five (5) years.

• Experience: 1–3 years of administrative support, program coordination, or operational oversight in a healthcare or institutional setting.

• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with standards and surveys from The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

• Safety & Facility Operations: Experience conducting Environment of Care (EOC) rounds, performing unit searches, maintaining safety/cleaning logs, and tracking maintenance work orders.

• Administrative & Inventory Control: Proven ability to manage property audits, inventory, and confidential mail distribution in compliance with HIPAA.

• Interpersonal & Crisis Skills: Demonstrated capability in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and meeting physical/tactical safety requirements.

• Standard background check and reference check.

• Shall not initiate or engage in sexual, social, personal, or financial relationships with patients either during or anytime 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 CMHHIP 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 use current hospital-required verbal and physical intervention training

• Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist;

• Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled takedown;

• 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;

• 2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire;

• Annual influenza vaccination, other vaccinations as required by the State and facility.

• 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.

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(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.