Assessment Specialist, Social Work / Counselor III - Platte Valley Youth Services Center
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Assessment Specialist, Social Work / Counselor III - Platte Valley Youth Services Center
Salary
$82,620.00 Annually
Location
Greeley, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IKA 05441 12/3/2025
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OCYF - Platte Valley Youth Services Center
Opening Date
12/09/2025
Closing Date
12/23/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
2200 O street, Greeley, CO 80651
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
isaac.phelps@state.co.us
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies at the locations below.
Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details! (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits)
Division of Youth Services - Platte Valley Youth Services Center
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
Description of Job
Summary of Work Unit:
The purpose of Assessment is to provide a safe, secure, and healthy environment for all juveniles who have been committed to the Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services (DYS) while undergoing a comprehensive assessment. Services include, but are not limited to, the administration and interpretation of Criminogenic, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse screening and assessment instruments to arrive at recommendations for treatment and efficient, effective service delivery. Principle functions involve identification of criminal risk areas, ascertainment of mental health functioning, determination of substance use treatment needs, assessing for needs and strengths, and submission of recommendations for placement @type and service plan goals. Evaluation services are provided through a multidisciplinary team decision-making process, which incorporates family input and community support. All assessment services are empirically supported and designed to uphold standards of best practice set forth by the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute for Correctional Mental Health Care, and the CDHS Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division.
Summary of the position:
The purpose of this position is to administer and interpret criminogenic, mental health, trauma, and substance abuse screening and assessment tools, in order to arrive at accurate and effective recommendations for placement and treatment goals for juveniles who have been committed to the Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services. A primary aim of this position is to work within a multidisciplinary team to offer empirically supported criminogenic, mental health, trauma, and substance abuse evaluation services to the youth and families that DYS serves. This job class requires advanced educational degree, training, and experience in the discipline areas of criminal risk, mental health, trauma, and substance abuse screening and evaluation. This position conducts individual and family structured clinical interviews, administers and interprets behavioral health assessment information, acts as a liaison with psychiatric professionals, completes substance abuse screening and assessments, and participates as a team member and clinical consultant with other assessment and regional personnel. Information gained through the assessment process is synthesized into a comprehensive and professional report and is completed within the timelines specified in Colorado Revised Statues and internal implementing procedures.
Conduct clinical interviews, criminogenic risk assessments, drug and alcohol screening and assessments, mental health evaluations, trauma assessment, and neuropsychological screenings on juvenile offenders who are committed to the Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services. Administration and interpretation of the Colorado Youth Assessment Screening Instrument, Juvenile Automated Substance Abuse Evaluation (JASAE), and University of California Los Angeles Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Reaction Index (UCLA PTSD-RI) to assess specified areas of functioning including, but not limited to: current and past delinquent behaviors, mental health presentation, criminogenic need areas, family issues, peer relationships, self perceptions, use of free time, level of maturity, problem solving skills, breadth of decision-making, drug and alcohol involvement, personal goals, risk factors associated with neuropsychological deficits, and identified skills/competencies. Conduct family interview to ascertain individualized family strengths, needs, perspective, and expressed goals for treatment and DYS stay. Outline the assessment process to youth and families, including expectations, responding to questions, and requesting signed authorization for release of information and disclosure statements.
Review relevant collateral data, previous evaluation findings, legal documents, and any other information received at time of commitment, and incorporate the information into the finalized assessment report. Review Court Orders to ensure legality per Colorado Children's Code. Contact DYS Quality Assurance designee and/or courts to obtain any necessary legal interpretation or clarification and request amendment to mittimi when warranted. Complete all commitment classification paperwork, calculate security level designation and sentencing parameters, and enter results into the Trails database system.
Job Duties:
Formalized Assessment Practice:
Conduct clinical interviews, criminogenic risk assessments, drug and alcohol screening and assessments, mental health evaluations, trauma assessment, and neuropsychological screenings on juvenile offenders who are committed to the Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services. Administration and interpretation of the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument (YASI), the Juvenile Automated Substance Abuse Evaluation (JASAE), and University of California Los Angeles Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Reaction Index (UCLA PTSD-RI) to assess specified areas of functioning including, but not limited to: current and past delinquent behaviors, mental health presentation, criminogenic need areas, family issues, peer relationships, self-perceptions, use of free time, level of maturity, problem solving skills, breadth of decision-making, drug and alcohol involvement, personal goals, risk factors associated with neuropsychological deficits, and identified skills/competencies.
Conduct family interview to ascertain individualized family strengths, needs, perspective, and expressed goals for treatment and DYS stay.
Outline the assessment process to youth and families, including expectations, responding to questions, and requesting signed authorization for release of information and disclosure statements.
Communicate individualized assessment findings and treatment recommendations with interdisciplinary team members to arrive at collaborative decisions regarding Service Plan goals, optional placement @types, and recommended treatment.
Participate in the initial DYS Multidisciplinary team meeting to discuss all relevant assessment findings in order to arrive at consensus related to prescribed placement @type, service plan recommendations, and transition goals based upon individualized youth and family needs.
Incorporate all assessment findings into a comprehensive, individualized, and strengths-based written Assessment Report. Enter all pertinent information into the Colorado Trails database.
Perform a quality review all Assessment Reports prior to dissemination to ensure information contained in the report is accurate, conveys data necessary for DCP/Treatment Plan development, and represents correct grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.
Legal Interpretation:
Review relevant collateral data, previous evaluation findings, legal documents, and any other information received at time of commitment, and incorporate the information into the finalized assessment report. Review Court Orders to ensure legality per Colorado Children's Code. Contact DYS Quality Assurance designee and/or courts to obtain any necessary legal interpretation or clarification and request amendment to mittimi when warranted.
Complete all commitment classification paperwork, calculate security level designation and sentencing parameters, and enter results into the Trails database system.
Contact collateral agencies to verify or request additional information on newly committed juveniles. Review all information available in the judicial data base to ensure accuracy of mittimi, additional/pending charges, sentencing requirements, court orders and/or restitution ordered, and note any discovered discrepancies in the Assessment Report.
Forward legal documents to DYS Quality Assurance designee for review and respond to requests for corrections in accordance with Assessment Services Quality Assurance protocol.
Communication/Training:
Provide clinical oversight, expertise, quality assurance, and direction regarding evaluation findings of juveniles committed to the Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services.
Uphold effectiveness, fit, and functionality of currently utilized evaluation instruments, including the Juvenile Automated Substance Abuse Evaluation (JASAE), and provide recommendations for improving statewide Assessment Services practices and policies. Participate in training topics related to assessment, including but not limited to, strengths-based evaluation and goal setting, effective report writing, identification of mental health and criminogenic need factors, psychological theories that apply to assessment, and motivational interviewing skills. Participate as a representative for DYS Assessment Services at various mental health and juvenile justice conferences.
Maintain ongoing statewide correspondence with Assessment Specialist colleagues, service providers, and client managers to ensure reliable communication and continuity of services provided across the DYS continuum of care.
Maintain direct and ongoing communication with the Assessment Leadership and Psychologists to review, uphold, and improve ongoing criminogenic, drug and alcohol, neuropsychological, and psychological assessment practices.
Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement practices, as outlined by DYS Assessment Services protocol. Communicate assessment program/system strengths and limitations to the Program Manager. Participate in program development activities and assigned committees designed to ensure continuous quality improvement and reinforcement of DYS Assessment Services initiatives.
Continued Professional Development:
Keep current on all legal, qualitative, and professional requirements related to the position.
Maintain all licensure and certifications required by the position. Participate in formal and informal opportunities to improve job performance.
Participate in agency team meetings, assessment unit meetings, group consultation, and regional meetings as required.
Serve as assessment representative to various DYS and/or community agency/stakeholder task force committees.
Participate in the exchange of information, collaborative program advancement and recommendations aimed at improving Assessment Services.
Act as a liaison between Assessment Services and Regional personnel. Upon request, provide information to various groups regarding the operations and function of Assessment Services.
Facility Requirements/Safety:
Assist with coordinating the referral process for juvenile offenders who have completed their initial assessment process and are moving into placement.
Maintain awareness and observance of all DYS policies and procedures.
Ensure adherence to facility safety/security policies and procedures when interviewing, and supervising juveniles.
Maintain communication with assessment unit program assistant to ensure initial staffing schedule is completed in compliance with the timeframes mandated by CRS statutes and DYS policy.
Comply with all DYS data requests. Must remain certified in CPR, First Aid, and Verbal De-escalation at all times. Fulfill all other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
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.
Mininum Qualifications:
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
One (1) year of experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact based on the work assigned to the position.
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 Check: (MVR) check
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
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.
The Diana Screen®, a sexual risk screening tool, is administered to all applicants to the Division of Youth Services (DYS) seeking positions of trust with children and teens to help ensure that ethical boundaries between children and adults are maintained. At the DYS, the safety and protection of the youth who have been entrusted to us is our #1 priority. The results of the Diana Screen will be provided to the Division of Youth Services and may be used as part of the Division's decision on whether a candidate is selected.
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. 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 a review and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from a Skills Test.
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 (https://spb.colorado.gov/) website.
You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.
You can find the official appeal form here (https://spb.colorado.gov/sites/spb/files/documents/Consolidated%20Appeal%20-%20Form%20-%202025.pdf) .
You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:
By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), 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 (https://spb.colorado.gov/board-rules) webpage.
Supplemental Information
How to apply to the State of Colorado (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuwGdPpOW0)
The Assessment Process
For additional recruiting questions, please contact Isaac.Phelps@state.co.us
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 (https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs) (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 (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/medical-benefits) and dental (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/dental-insurance) health plans
Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/disability-insurance)
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/app/home)
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 (https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs) .
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 cdhs_ada@state.co.us .
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.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
Are you at least 21 years of age?
Yes
No
02
How many years of experience do you have working with youth who have complex mental health needs, severe behavioral challenges, learning disabilities, co-occurring disorders, limited skills?
0-3 years
3-5 years
5+ years
03
How many years of experience do you have facilitating psychotherapy/psychoeducation groups?
0-3 years
3-5 years
5+ years
04
Please indicate which licensure or certifications you currently hold (select all that apply):
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC)
Other, Not listed or No current license at this time
05
How many years of experience do you have working with youth in the juvenile justice field?
06
How many years of experience do you have writing individual treatment plans?
07
How many years of experience do you have working on teams?
08
Have you ever been reported to a licensing board? If so, what were the circumstances and what was the outcome?
09
Describe your ability to work on a team with various work backgrounds as well as a time when a conflict arose on that team and how you addressed the conflict
10
Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application
Yes
No
11
If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not provide this information. An incomplete application may not move forward in the Selection process. If you are a former or current state employee, please identify what state agency you work(ed) with and how many years of relevant state service you have related to the position you are applying for. (Ensure this is listed on your application under work experience).
12
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify your application from the current position.
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
Apply
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