NURSE III - Clinical Specialist - Pueblo Regional Center
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NURSE III - Clinical Specialist - Pueblo Regional Center
Salary
$3,863.20 - $4,635.20 Biweekly
Location
Pueblo, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IJD 01010 1/8/26
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OAADS - Pueblo Regional Center
Opening Date
01/08/2026
Closing Date
1/21/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
Pueblo Regional Center 270 W. John Powell Blvd. Pueblo West, CO 81007
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
araceli.diaz@state.co.us
Salary Note
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
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 to current Colorado residents only.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Working Hours: Thursday - Monday from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am.
About the work unit
The work unit exists to provide skilled nursing support and services on a 24hr/7 days per week basis to developmentally and/or intellectually disabled individuals with complex medical and/or behavioral needs. This Includes acute and chronic care to individuals that reside in Waiver licensed homes throughout the Pueblo area. The purpose of the Regional Centers is to serve the hardest-to-serve Developmentally/Intellectually Disabled individuals in the state and these individuals have profound and severe disabilities with multiple handicaps associated with their disability that result in a high level of medical needs due to their complex medical and/or mental health needs. Many individuals have psychiatric illnesses and behavioral challenges coupled with their cognitive and physical disabilities
Description of Job
About the Position:
This position is responsible for oversee all medications for individuals residing under the HCBS Waiver license at the Pueblo Regional Center (PRC). This position provides oversight for all ordering and inventory of over the counter medications.
Advises and acts as a resource person after hours to nurses on duty by troubleshooting and providing support.
Ensures all necessary people are notified of acute medical occurrences that occur, including but not limited to family members, guardians, quality assurance, medical providers and other interdisciplinary team members.
Monitors and directs compliance of health services and agency policies and procedures.
This position provides oversight on the medication administration and health services provided by the Licensed Psychiatric Technicians and Health Care Technician/QMAP (qualified medication administration personnel). This includes follow-up of medication errors and medical services provided by the Licensed Psychiatric Technicians and Health Care Technician/QMAP.
This position is responsible for providing direct client care and is available to support nurses as they orient or proceed in their care of the persons they serve. This position is available to help cover in situations that would otherwise leave the agency unable to meet minimum staffing standards. This includes covering as a team nurse as needed.
This position exists as a unit supervisor who is responsible for supervising and coordinating shift responsibilities for the nurses on the assigned shift. This includes direct supervision of Nurse I's and controlling the work responsibilities and work procedures for the unit. This supervision includes signature authority that impacts pay as well as doing the PMP's (performance planning and reviews), Correction Actions and assists with the hiring process.
Primary Job Duties:
Supervision of Nurses and Coordination of Shift Responsibilities.
Works in collaboration with Nursing Leadership in planning, directing, coordinating, and supervising the activities of the nursing night/weekend shifts. Ensures assignments are completed and assessments are done in a timely manner and documentation is completed according to agency procedures.
This position works to develop efficiencies in the night/weekend shift nursing staff and makes recommendations to the Nursing Leadership for quality improvement. Determines if Nursing services are in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Directly supervises assigned unit nurses that includes signature authority that impact pay as well as doing the Performance Management plans and appraisals. This position has corrective action authority for performance problems. Ensures biweekly 1:1 meetings are planned and completed with all weekend and night nurses.
On occasion this position will vary their work schedule to ensure all direct reports have supervision and oversight. Will be asked to occasionally work shift hours to cover for vacant shifts, and to communicate with the night shift personnel.
Assists Nursing Leadership with the operation of nursing services such as ensuring regulatory compliance with nursing services on all shifts, as well as nursing skills and health services provided by the residential staff, including all agency Licensed Psychiatric Technicians and Health Care Technicians/QMAP.
Through direct observations and review of documentation determines if nurses are practicing critical thinking skills and following the nursing process in accordance with nurse standards of practice when conducting assessments, providing direct care and in the documentation of medical events.
Advises and acts as resource person after-hours to nurses on duty by troubleshooting, looking up chart information and clarifying orders.
Act as a resource person for residential and interdisciplinary staff regarding client medical care, treatment protocols and related policies and procedures.
Recommends facility policies and procedures to meet the unique patient care needs.
Ensures all necessary people are notified of acute medical occurrences as applicable that occur on the unit, including but not limited to family members, guardians, legal Representatives, Quality Assurance,Medical Providers and other Interdisciplinary Team members..
QAPI & Nursing Trackers.
Implements actions to maximize the quality of patient care at the unit level by directing and coordinating the timely reporting of statistical and quality assurance data.
Reviews patient occurrences, developing performance measurement tools at the home level and taking responsibility for performance improvement initiatives.
Responds to requests from Nursing Leadership related to performance issues.
Assures nursing participation in interdisciplinary QAPI activities at the highest level.
Ensures monitoring, evaluation and follow up on QAPI activities.
Maintains charts by auditing nursing documentation forms and monitoring staff deficiencies.
Completes quality control checks and audits of records, forms and documents within the nursing and residential departments related to health services
Medication Administration Record (MAR) Management.
This position is responsible for the accuracy and ensures quality control of the individual MARs located in the electronic medical records program. Ensures that MARs are updated accurately for all orders that are entered into the MAR and communicates with team nurses if changes are needed to the MAR.
Utilizing the electronic records management program; tracks, manages, completes follow up, documents in electronic health record and reports on medication errors; verifies that nurses notified parent/guardian and providers.. Ensures protocols for medication errors are followed. Assists nursing team with medication administration competencies quarterly and annual checks.
This position assists with medication administration error follow-up, including training, competency evaluations and issues for errors related to the provision of health services including medication errors and other health services procedural errors.
This position provides oversight to ensure paper back-up MAR's for individuals are printed and distributed by the team nurses monthly.
This position is responsible for auditing and ensuring written orders have been transcribed to MAR accurately monthly, and to ensure that each living site is audited annually. This position will ensure that physicians orders are up to date within the current year.
Prescription and Medication Distribution Management.
This position is responsible for oversight of the over-the-counter medications distributed to individuals residing in the HCBS Waiver licenses at PRC and oversees management of all prescription medications for individuals residing in the licensed homes.
This position has oversight and supports night nurses to ensure par levels of pharmacy provided medications, over the counter medications and scheduled medications are up to date and maintained.
This position provides oversight of ordering medications utilizing the most current ordering process as established by the approved vendor, including inventory management, and develops and maintains reordering/refilling processes. Ensures inventory in Central Supply is not expired and removes/replaces outdated medications.
This position oversees distribution practices to ensure medications are delivered to the appropriate individual in a timely manner. This position checks the accuracy of shipments and reconciles manifests from the approved vendor.
This position receives and documents physician orders and maintains and communicates drug interactions.
This position replies to PRC staff regarding medications administration and management on the night shift.
This position maintains the Medication Distribution area by keeping the area clean, organized and well stocked. This position will track the temperature of the medication refrigerator.
This position provides DEA medication oversight, by managing prescription drug ordering and inventory management. This position is responsible for the disposal of prescription drugs and ensures PRC is following Federal, State and Agency policies. This position will follow Federal State and Agency policies regarding loss and theft prevention of diverted medications.
Other Duties as Assigned.
Reviews individual staff member's (Residential/Nursing) abilities and maintains competencies necessary to the position.
This position will maintain regulatory compliance alteration in work assignment to ensure all nurse management duties are completed.
Must prioritize communication with the Director of Nursing and Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), including mandatory attendance of scheduled 1:1 meetings with ADON.
This position facilitates working relationships with other team members, assisting within the realm of the nurse practice act and duties that may be assigned.
Serves as a resource and back up to nursing staff.
Will be required to drive to appointments as needed and to living areas and other off site areas.
Must provide services to persons and multiple living and program sites and may need to transport residents in State vehicles. If a State vehicle is not available, must have their own vehicle for purposes other than transporting residents. May be compensated for use of their personal vehicle through a mileage reimbursement.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) Three (3) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position
Substitutions
Appropriate education will substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis
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:
Registered Nurse with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nursing.
Experience as a supervisor over healthcare staff.
Experience working with individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.
Experience working with community IDD systems (i.e., CMAs, PASAs, etc).
Experience in program management and providing a strategic vision for your program.
Experience in supporting clients transitioning to a new setting.
Experience in a long term care or assisted living facility.
Experience working with individuals with a mental health diagnosis.
Experience multi-tasking and prioritizing assignments.
Serving as a caring, supportive, and accountable leader.
Willingness to work on an interdisciplinary team and problem solve solutions to improve services.
Good work history,
Relevant years of State service experience.
Conditions of Employment:
Full Background CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons): CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services),Trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults - Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers).
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, if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an on-going capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.
Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License or a non-restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border.
Other Conditions of Employment specific to Program
Travel - Position must travel between work sites and transport individuals as needed. Position is required to utilize a State vehicle to transport residents. When not transporting individuals, this person may drive a State Vehicle or choose to drive their own. May submit for mileage reimbursement.
Shift Work: 24/7 nursing coverage, duties may require work on multiple shifts including day, nights,
Weekends, holidays.
Travel - Explain: Must provide services to persons and multiple living and program sites and may need to transport residents in State vehicles. If a State vehicle is not available, must have their own vehicle for purposes other than transporting residents. May be compensated for use of their personal vehicle through a mileage reimbursement.
Special Qualifications - Explain: Registered Colorado Nurse license required for this position; current, valid, and unrestricted.
Maintains current AHA BLS CPR certification. Must be able to participate and successfully pass behavioral intervention trainings.
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. 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.
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) (Download PDF reader) .
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) (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)
The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#assessment-process)
For additional recruiting questions, please contactaraceli.diaz@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.
Benefits
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.
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If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Failure to provide this requested information may render your application incomplete, and you may no longer be considered for the position.
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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 provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.
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Do you possess, and are you willing to maintain a valid CO encumbered Driver's License, as required by this position?
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Do you possess a Bachelor's and/or Master's degree? Identify which degree you hold and what the field of study is for your degree (s)?
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Describe your experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
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Describe your experience working with community IDD systems (i.e., CMAs, PASAs, etc).
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Describe your experience supporting individuals with IDD when transitioning from one setting to another.
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Describe your experience providing program management. Include experience specific to providing Nursing program management.
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Describe your experience supervising staff. Include department @type, number of staff you supervised and responsibilities.
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Give an example of your experience providing strategic vision for your program.
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Describe your experience working with Medicaid waiver regulations.
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Describe your experience working with individuals with a mental health diagnosis.
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Describe your experience working on an interdisciplinary team. Give an example of the @type of issues you were part of resolving.
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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