Behavioral Health Specialist (Social Work/Counselor IV) - Division of Youth Services, Denver

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

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

Division of Youth Services - Youth Services Central Administration Office

 

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, the Division 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.
 
We invite you to explore the DYS website and learn about the services provided to youth, families, and local communities in the State of Colorado at: https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/dys

You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times. 

Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time

Summary of Work Unit:

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides care and supervision of youth committed and detained by the courts, with a mission to build skills and competencies that support healthy development, accountability, and successful reintegration into the community. The Behavioral Health and Medical Services (BHMS) Unit provides statewide leadership, guidance, and oversight for behavioral health, medical, dental, psychological, neuropsychological, substance use, and sex-offense-specific services. The unit ensures that all services align with DYS policy, Colorado law, NCCHC standards, and evidence-based practice expectations.

About the Position:

The Behavioral Health Specialist (Social Worker/Counselor IV) ensures consistent delivery of high-quality, evidence-based behavioral health services and strengthens overall client care. This role directly supports client care by ensuring staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide effective, trauma-informed, and individualized services.

In addition to training and oversight responsibilities, this position will provide direct youth/client care for critical cases needed to support service continuity, model best practices, and respond to emerging or high-acuity situations. Through ongoing coaching, monitoring, and quality improvement efforts, this position promotes positive client outcomes, reduces risk, and ensures services are delivered safely, consistently, and in alignment with best practices.

Summary of Duties:

Clinical Assessment, Treatment, and Documentation

• Provide advanced, licensed clinical services to youth with complex mental health, substance use, trauma-related, and criminogenic needs within the Division of Youth Services.

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments; synthesizes collateral information from medical, educational, legal, and family systems; and formulates clinical impressions that inform individualized treatment planning.

• Deliver individual, group, and family therapy using evidence-based modalities (e.g., CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing) and apply trauma-informed and Sanctuary-aligned practices.

• Develop, implement, and continuously update treatment plans aligned with risk, needs, and protective factors, and coordinate care with multidisciplinary partners.

• Evaluates treatment effectiveness, modifies interventions, and ensures continuity of care through transition and discharge planning.

• Provide precise, timely, and compliant documentation of all services, assessments, and clinical decisions in accordance with DORA, HIPAA, OCFMH, and DYS standards.

Clinical and Programmatic Consultation, and Leadership

• Provide advanced clinical consultation, leadership, and oversight to Behavioral Health Specialists, and interdisciplinary staff. 

• Review complex cases, provide guidance on treatment approaches, and support staff in implementing effective behavioral interventions and crisis response strategies. 

• Mentor and coach staff to improve clinical competency, reinforce fidelity to the DYS Treatment Model, and promote consistent application of trauma-informed and evidence-based practices. 

• Provide indirect supervision, participate in hiring processes, and contribute to performance feedback and staff development.

Training and Workforce Development

• Develop, coordinate, and deliver behavioral health training and workforce development initiatives. 

• Design curricula, facilitate training, and providing ongoing coaching and supervision to Behavioral Health Specialists, interns, and other staff. 

• Ensures staff competency in clinical practices, documentation standards, and program expectations. 

• Support internship and practicum programs, including recruitment, training, and supervision, and promote professional growth through structured development opportunities. 

• Communicate policy updates, procedural changes, and clinical expectations to ensure consistent understanding and application across the workforce.
  
  

Program Development and Oversight

• Monitor program fidelity, conduct quality assurance activities, and analyze data trends to identify areas for improvement. 

• Ensure compliance with DYS policies, NCCHC standards, and other regulatory requirements, and support accreditation and credentialing processes.

• Other duties as assigned

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed below to continue in the selection process for this position.  Work experience must be specifically documented on your application.  Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application.

License and Experience:*

Current, valid Colorado or State participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact licensure as a:

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) OR
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) OR 
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)

                                     `AND`

• Two (2) years of experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact based on the work assigned to the position.

*Applicants for supervisory positions must have licensure that meets the legal requirements to perform supervisory responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relatable experience as a current or previous State of Colorado employee.

Conditions of Employment:

• Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence
• 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.
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check 
• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License 
• Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the DYS Pre-service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO) and mandatory annual training in all subject areas.
• Applicants for supervisory positions must have licensure that meets the legal requirements to perform supervisory responsibilities.
• Travel to Travel to assigned trainings and meetings, will travel to different facilities depending on critical case load.
• 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. 

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.

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.

• 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.