Director of Care Navigation

Located within the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), Civil and Forensic Mental Health Services (CFMH) operates Colorado’s two mental health hospitals, the Forensic Services Division, the Division of Mental Health Transitional Living (MHTL), Adolescent Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility, the Outpatient Services Division, and Enhanced Placement, Incompetency, and Civil Committment (EPICC) services.  CFMH provides a continuum of mental healthcare services for civilly- as well as justice -involved individuals.  Civilly certified patients are individuals who have been committed by a civil (probate) court into the care and custody of CDHS because they have serious and persistent mental health conditions.  Justice-involved individuals are those who are charged with a crime and have been determined to have a mental or developmental disability that prevents them from assisting in their own defense or rationally understanding the criminal court proceedings, a mental condition that significantly impairs their ability to form a specific intent or understand the full impact of their choices, or have been found not guilty by reason of insanity.  CFMH works across the legal system to provide evaluations, treatment, placement, and case management for these individuals.  

EPICC is the newest part of this continuum and presently encompasses two subdivisions which include the Bed Utilization Management section and Care Navigation Services.  Bed Utilization Management is responsible for the oversight, coordination, metrics, and communications related to the overall inpatient bed capacity managed by CFMH (i.e., MHPs, Jail-Based programs, and private hospital contractors).  That section also provides project coordination and necessary admissions-related information in fulfillment of Federal Consent Decree requirements, as well as consultation with the Office of the Attorney General to represent CFMH within Show Cause hearings.  Care Navigation Services (CNS) has been created to address recent changes to Colorado’s statutory framework governing competency to proceed in criminal cases, which established new processes to transition certain defendants from the criminal justice system to the civil judicial system when criminal prosecution is no longer the most appropriate disposition.  These new processes include transitioning from restoration commitments to civil commitments for individuals with mental health disorders, and enhanced protective placements (EPP) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities [IDD] or neurocognitive disorders.  The mission of the Care Navigation team is to provide supervision and care coordination for individuals who have been formally charged with a felonious crime of violence or unlawful sexual behavior and who have been found by a presiding court to be both Incompetent to Proceed to adjudication (ITP) and Not Restorable to competency within the foreseeable future (ITP-NR) – at which time the courts are required to release such defendants from their restoration commitments.  

The CNS team works within a variety of community, criminal justice, and secure settings (e.g., mental healthcare agencies, jails, courts, hospitals, etc.).  The team is responsible for coordinating placement, ensuring a high level of accountability for patient care, providing clear and relevant communications with judicial stakeholders on issues related to progress as well as risk, and (when appropriate) advocating for changes to court-ordered conditions with respect to least-restrictive settings for the provision of services.  Furthermore, team members are required to ensure that the skills, knowledge, abilities, and competencies necessary to fulfill their position duties remain current through continuing education, clinical supervision, literature review, and employee development.

This position is hybrid; 2 days on-site and 3 days remote

Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change.

What You'll Be Doing:

Team Management and Personnel
This position provides leadership and direction of the daily operations of the work unit and is the direct supervisor for four (4) full-time employees including a Program Assistant (PAII), the Court Information Administrator (Administrator III), the Benefits Coordinator (Health Professional IV), and the Care Navigation Supervisor (Health Professional V).  This position also provides second-level supervision for the six (6) other positions within the work unit and holds regular team meetings. 

In order to provide relevant supervision, this position maintains familiarity with the current status and progress of all clients being served by CNS, relevant statutes, and community resources to assist in problem solving and to ensure all clients are receiving an appropriate level of care and/or appropriate intervention.  The Director is required to respond to emergency situations directly and also accompanies team members to staffings or treatment-related meetings when support is requested and/or required.  Via supervision, the Director provides final approval for all court communication and documentation submissions to include, but not limited to, quarterly reports, annual reports, regressions / progressions, and proposed conditions.  

In collaboration with Division leadership, this position assesses the needs for the work unit based on program evaluation, client needs, the division’s mission, and resource allocation.  The Director supports consistent implementation and compliance with related treatment standards and agency rules / regulations, reports any deficits to leadership, and collaborates in developing operational procedures.  The Director serves as an advocate for the work unit and its clients, communicates needs and plans to leadership – which includes analyzing issues related to the services offered by this work unit.  This position must develop a good working knowledge of Colorado regulations and statutes, as well as internal policies and procedures.  

The Director ensures that effective services are being provided by developing, implementing, and monitoring staff and client engagement and quality of services and work products.  Should there be the need for quality improvement, the Director is responsible for identifying such needs and developing a corrective plan of action to present to leadership.  To support efficacy, this position creates work unit protocols and audit tools.  This position performs functions and responsibilities related to personnel including assignment of work schedules, approval of leave, counseling and mentoring, performance planning, and assessment and administration of corrective and disciplinary action pursuant to State Personnel Rules.  This position monitors staff productivity and efficiency and oversees their compliance with specific competency requirements.  The Director provides strategic planning and staff projections for review by leadership.  The Director possesses specialized knowledge within the population served by CNS and regularly participates in committees and work groups.  As the Director of this work unit, this position is responsible for all work unit related needs during business hours and after hours as needed.  Lastly, the director is responsible for responding timely to all Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) requests and, in the event of a negative outcome, may be required to participate in communication with CFMH and CDHS leadership and media.

Policy and Procedure:
This position utilizes best practices to develop and implement operating policies and practice standards for the work unit. This includes standards for treatment planning, and reporting to the court and various agencies. At the direction of CDHS and CFMH, analyzes current statutes and makes recommendations for changes. This position stays informed of relevant statutes and applies the requirements of the Colorado Revised Statutes to the work unit. The position also works in collaboration with the Colorado Mental Health Hospitals in Pueblo as well as Fort Logan, the Mental Health Transitional Living program (MHTL), the Division of Regional Centers (DRC), and the Forensic Services Division to develop, draft, and implement policies and strategies for the admission of patients and the management of clients in community placements. This position assists with the development of policies and procedures for EPICC and ensures all CNS staff receive training and apply such policies and procedures appropriately.

Stakeholder Engagement:
At a policy level, the Director collaborates with agencies and programs that interface or interact with the CNS program and/or services.  This may include proactive outreach to establish shared communications and processes as well as supportive problem-solving and conflict resolution on behalf of (and in partnership with) the team’s supervisors.  The Director may create and facilitate stakeholder training specific to CNS, may participate in legislative workgroups upon request, and may be asked to represent the department during court hearings either via subpoena or leadership. The Director is expected to serve as a subject matter expert on behalf of CNS when required. 

Data Analysis and Reporting:
The Director develops and maintains processes for the statistical tracking, monitoring, and analysis of a variety of client- and outcome- specific measures associated with CNS.  The Director prepares and presents current data on a regular basis, serves as the subject matter expert on that data, and may be asked to collect and present additional data as needed.  The Director continuously analyzes the data gathered in order to identify trends, anticipate needs, and propose solutions.

Experience Only:

Nine (9) years of relevant experience in development, implementation, and administrative oversight of behavioral healthcare programs in a management role which includes areas of competency as identified below:

• Strategic planning

• Policy creation and implementation

• Program development and implementation

• Program monitoring, oversight, and auditing

• Work unit leadership and management

• Knowledge of Social Services systems

• Knowledge of inpatient mental healthcare systems

• Ensuring service quality and meeting the needs of the clients/patients, community, and referral sources

• Providing outreach, training, and representation to stakeholders within a variety of contexts including forensic as well as judicial.

Or

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education in psychology, social work, counseling, healthcare administration, healthcare management, public / government / healthcare policy, or other mental health / healthcare related field and/or relevant experience in development, implementation, and administrative oversight of behavioral healthcare programs in a management role which includes areas of competency as identified below equal to nine (9) years:

• Strategic planning

• Policy creation and implementation

• Program development and implementation

• Program monitoring, oversight, and auditing

• Work unit leadership and management

• Knowledge of Social Services systems

• Knowledge of inpatient mental healthcare systems

• Ensuring service quality and meeting the needs of the clients/patients, community, and referral sources

• Providing outreach, training, and representation to stakeholders within a variety of contexts including forensic as well as judicial.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3 years of experience in program development and implementation

• 3 years of experience in program oversight and administration

• Program evaluation and auditing experience

• Program policy creation and development experience

• Behavioral health systems knowledge

• Behavioral health risk management and mitigation experience

• Public, Non-profit, and/or Government program administration

• Experience working in inpatient, locked, detention, and/or forensic clinical settings

• Knowledge of Medicaid/Medicare benefits systems

• Knowledge of State benefits systems, especially related to individuals with ID/IDD, neurological, and neurocognitive diagnoses

• Management of multiple work units or initiatives

• Demonstrated skill and experience in leading and supporting collaborative teams and teamwork

• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills

• Self-directed

• Resourceful

• Superior critical and analytical thinking skills

• Ability to shift focus and juggle multiple priorities

• Ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships to ensure the satisfaction of contractual agreements and the achievement of program requirements

• Experience representing an employing agency in high stakes, high profile situations like legislative initiatives, task forces, courtroom appearances, and media.

• Ability to align teams across systems

• Performance management and experience with identifying and working to attain key performance indicators / metrics

• Experience analyzing and operationalizing legislative as well as statutory rules and guidelines

• Demonstrated skill and experience managing multiple projects

Conditions of Employment:

• Full background check and reference check required

• 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.

• TB testing and flu vaccinations are required.  Any other vaccinations or testing that is required by CDHS.

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

1. Disclose that information on the application.

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

3. 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.

Supplemental Information

• How to apply to the State of Colorado(Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

• The Assessment Process

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.

ADA 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].

EEO Statement

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.

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.