SOCIAL WORK/COUNSELOR I - CMHHIP
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/newprint/5219736)
Apply
?
SOCIAL WORK/COUNSELOR I - CMHHIP
Salary
$32.68 - $45.75 Hourly
Location
Pueblo, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IIB 03220 02/02/26
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OBH - CMHIP
Opening Date
02/02/2026
Closing Date
2/22/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Ellie Cassio, ellie.cassio@state.co.us
Primary Physical Work Address
In person position not eligible for remote work reporting to: Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo, 1600 W. 24th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003
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 only open to current Colorado Residents Only
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies
Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP)
Social Work/ Counselor I
Full Time
CMHHIP units provide comprehensive psychiatric and psycho-social evaluation and treatment by a multidisciplinary treatment team. This includes: 24 hour nursing care and assessment; psychiatric intervention and evaluation; psychological services; psycho-social services; occupational therapy, educational and vocational rehabilitation services and recreational therapy. Patients are admitted from throughout the state from correctional, court, mental health, and other community facilities for long and short term treatment under court authority, as well as transfers from within CMHHIP and other units. Legal statuses of patients include 27-65 civil commitments (M-1, M-3, Short and Long Term certifications); Incompetent to Proceed (ITP); Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity or Impaired Mental Condition (NGRI or NGR-IMC); court ordered evaluations for Sanity, Sex Offender issues, Competency.
Description of Job
You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.
This position is full time, scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on-site at CMHHIP.
Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change.
About the Position:
This position exists to provide, under an LCSW, therapeutic interventions including psychosocial therapies, individual, family and group treatment to severely emotionally disturbed/cognitively impaired patients and their families. This position completes assessments and disposition planning, interagency communication with residential care facilities, social services, community mental centers, etc., to ensure continued appropriate level services following discharge. Individualizes psychosocial therapy approaches to meet the specific needs of the patient population and provides training and consultation to other professional staff. Duties in this position include:
Assessments:
Under the supervision of a LCSW the Social Worker:
Completes psychosocial assessments by interviewing, collaborating, analyzing, and assimilating social histories that demonstrate the relationship among current behavior problems, environmental resources, and support systems. This assessment generates a clinical summary and treatment recommendations that predictably affects treatment and continuity of care in the community.
Provide documentation as required
If the patient has been in the hospital for over 1 year the social worker completes an annual psychosocial assessment
Community Reintegration:
Under the supervision of an LCSW, the social worker:
Coordinates discharge planning, through evaluation and assessment of the patient's needs as they relate to available community resources, and exploring and mobilizing those resources
Is the liaison between the hospital and the community agencies. Identifies and chooses appropriate community placements and treatment programs
Provides case management by making appropriate referrals to community agencies, networking and directing reciprocal relationships with community agencies, Social Security, Social Services, Court system, jails, DOC, probation, parole, DYC, attorneys, CMHC, CCB, nursing, boarding, and group homes, individuals and families
Attend meetings with the agencies mentioned above
Treatment Planning:
Under the Supervision of an LCSW, the Social Worker:
Participates in the direction and formulation of treatment plans and reviews.
Collaborates with multidisciplinary treatment team by recommending and designing treatment interventions, which meet patient and family education and therapeutic needs
Provide required documentation
Treatment:
Under the supervision of an LCSW, the Social Worker:
Provides individual, family, group therapy and system interventions utilizing social work theoretical framework and methods with consideration of ethnic, cultural, religious and sexual diversity
Provide necessary documentation regarding treatment
Professional Development:
Keeps updated to the state of the art theories for assessment and treatment of the psychiatrically impaired patient, and as
appropriate, for the patient dually diagnosed with dementia, developmental disability or substance-related disorder.
Works with other team members to gather appropriate outcome data to assess the effectiveness of treatment.
Provide necessary documentation
Other Duties as Assigned:
Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience Only:
Four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal tofour (4) years
Preferred Qualifications:
Masters in Social Work (MSW) (https://n-fmjoxxv63c6wp5nni2la7h5i3lzclxm5gcpehri-0lu-script.googleusercontent.com/userCodeAppPanel#columnPickerDrawer)
Knowledge of casework methods, techniques, and their applications to work problems
Knowledge of the principles of human growth and behavior, basic sociological and psychological treatment and therapy practices
Knowledge of interviewing skills and techniques
Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing
Ability to use interviewing skills and techniques effectively
Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions
Conditions of Employment:
Standard 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 , 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 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.
Other Conditions of Employment specific to Program
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.
Shall not initiate or engage in sexual, social, personal or financial relationships with patients either during or any time after hospitalization, even if the patient requests or initiates such a relationship All relationships with current or former patients must be disclosed on your application
Successfully pass all modules of the CMHIP New Employee Orientation core curriculum to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics
Possess the physical ability to successfully complete CTI and CPR
Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist
Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled containment to the floor
Withstand impact on own body using an ASP shield
Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for using a defensive tactic
Kneel on one or both knees and stand up again with multiple repetitions
Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety
Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations
Ability to read and comprehend the English language; effectively and fluently communicates in English, both verbally and in writing
Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings
Travel -Willing and able to travel
2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
Annual influenza vaccination
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 theState 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 formhere (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 theRules (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 contact ellie.cassio@state.co.us (jazzma.gamboa@state.co.us)
About Us & Benefits:
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of theColorado 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 aPERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Planplus 401(k) and 457 plans
Medical (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/medical-benefits) anddental (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/dental-insurance) health plans
Employer supplementedHealth 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 ColoradoEmployee 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 thePublic 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 tocdhs_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
The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.
This information is available to me and I have read this information
I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)
02
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
03
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).
04
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.
05
Please describe your experience as a Social Worker conducting Biopsychosocial assessments, to include formulation and treatment recommendations.
No relevant experience
Limited experience: Performs assessments with consultation, limited integration
Competent: Independently conducts assessments
Advanced Clinical: Integrates complex clinical data to guide treatment
Expert Level: Advanced Reasoning
06
Explain how your documentation meets regulatory, legal and accreditation requirements (e.g., Joint Commission. CMS).
No relevant experience/struggles with compliance or to complete documentation in a timely manner
Limited experience: Documents with supervisory approval
Competent: Consistently compliant
Advanced Clinical: High quality, audit ready
Expert Level: Sets documentation standards, audits or trains others
07
Explain how you oversee discharge planning operations to support patient discharge, reduce length of stay and remove barriers to discharge.
No relevant discharge experience
Limited experience: Limited involvement
Competent: Integrates resources to remove barriers
Advanced Clinical: Utilizes clinical skills and resources for a successful discharge
Expert Level: Has an extensive knowledge base regarding SSI/SSDI benefits and resources
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
Please verify your email addressVerify Email
