Police Officer I - Public Safety

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To provide a safe, secure environment for all persons on the grounds of the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo and within the surrounding community, by enforcing State Statutes, traffic laws and regulations within jurisdiction involving the custody of criminally insane patients of the institute.  To be aware of and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, DPS Policy and CMHIP specific procedure.  Specific duties and expectations of the job are detailed in the sections below:  Law Enforcement Duties; Patient Crisis Intervention; Secure Transport; Training; Other duties as assigned

• Provide immediate intervention in crisis situations.  
• Employ sound judgment and emotional control when evaluating possible crisis in a timely manner, taking into consideration the physical and mental well-being of all patients and staff.  
• Actively use effective communication skills, verbal de-escalation skills when interacting with patients and staff in a positive and respectful manner.  
• Provide interior security within the facility by patrolling the patient unit areas on irregular patrols establishing preventative enforcement through officer presence.  
• Enforce the law and regulations; exercise powers of custody and arrest; restrain and take persons into custody suspected of unlawful behavior; detect criminal activity and take appropriate enforcement action; respond to communication orders (dispatch); investigate and gather evidence on complaints and incidents; interview witnesses; prepare evidence and reports; respond to emergencies and requests for assistance; provide traffic and crowd control; write appropriate, detailed, accurate and truthful reports and citations; prepare cases for prosecution by the District Attorney; execute warrants of the court, and testifying in court proceedings as a witness.
• Coach, teach and mentor other employees, role model adherence to DPS and CMHIP policies implementing procedure at all times;
• Provide shift briefing and communication of pertinent information as it relates to patient, incident and building needs.
• Identify concerns and provide solutions to minimize, reduce and eliminate potential threats;
• Ensure adherence to all safety standards throughout the facility.  
• Respond to and provide solutions and coaching as needed to rectify emergency concerns;
• Respond to all alarms and assess/evaluate situation and provide direction as needed.   
• Ensure provision of least restrictive alternatives and lowest level interventions.

• Responds to and handles patient crisis incidents that are beyond the capabilities and control of hospital staff.

• Transport criminally and civil committed patients and/or convicted felons to and from courts, hospitals, RISE program, clinics and jails, via state vehicles.  
• This could include multiple patients, counties and facilities in one transport.  
• Responsible for patient property, equipment, records, medications and any other transportation-related items.  Ensures that the integrity of the vehicle has not been compromised.  
• Ensures that the transportation route is a safe route and determine an alternate route, which is planned, in the event of an emergency safety situation.

• Attend and actively participate in all assigned training and successfully complete and/all testing or other requirements for such training.  
• Maintain required POST certification and Police One assignments.  
• Successful completion may be known or recorded by score or demonstration of skill.  
• Meet and keep current all mandatory traini9ng pursuant to prevailing CMHIP/DPS Policy.

• This position will be required to assist per recommendations from the Appointing Authority and/or Supervisor, should other duties within reason arise in accordance to Colorado Revised Statutes, CDHS, CMHIP and DPS Policies and Procedures

Current, valid Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certification.  One (1) year of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position

• College education (preferably 2 years or more) in behavioral health and/or juvenile justice related field
• Experience working with patients in positive leadership roles, such as mentoring and coaching
• Experience working in a high security locked environment
• Experience working with patients who suffer from mental illness

• 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.
• May not be on a "Brady List" with any District Attorney
• Possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver's license
• Shift work – may get pulled to other shifts to cover minimum Officer management
• Travel – transportation of patients in State vehicles; Travel to assigned training and/or alternate work sites
• 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 and be compliant with the Universal Safe Driving standard.
• Use of Firearms or Other Weapons - Must be able to lawfully carry firearms.  Must be able to maintain proficiency and pass standard qualification courses.
• Must successfully complete and pass a Pre=Employment Psychological Exam and a Polygraph Test.
• Pre-employment Physical/Tests – Describe any special physical or test requirements: Must successfully complete and pass a post-offer Medical Fitness for Duty examination.
• Must possess and maintain valid Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certification and provide a copy.

• 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. 

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).

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).

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

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~ 

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

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.