School Social Worker (State Teacher II) - Spring Creek Youth Services Center in Colorado Springs
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School Social Worker (State Teacher II) - Spring Creek Youth Services Center in Colorado Springs
Salary
$75,132.00 Annually
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IKA 05418 03/05/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OCYF - Spring Creek Youth Services Center
Opening Date
03/05/2026
Closing Date
3/19/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
3190 E Las Vegas St, Colorado Springs, CO 80910, USA
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.
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)
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
You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.
Schedule: Normal working hours: 7am-4pm Monday - Thursday and 7am-11pm Fridays
Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.
Summary of this position:
This position supports all facets of the educational system to include students, school personnel, and the stakeholder community. This position exists to provide the broad knowledge of school systems, educational law, curriculum and instruction, classroom and behavior management, models for working with diverse populations including people with disabilities, and models for consultation and school-based intervention, behavior management, and transition practices. This position fosters a safe school environment and addresses mental health and social issues that interfere with students' ability to access education successfully.
The special education model at the Division of Youth Services is designed to ebb and flow with the fluctuating special education population, to include the unique needs of each student with an identified disability per IDEA, at each site. This position requires a highly flexible person with the understanding that each position within the special education model at DYS can be shared at times, again based on the business needs.
Specific duties include:
School-Based Multi-Tiered and Behavioral Systems Support
Social / Emotional Assessments
Planning and collaboration with teachers regarding services and interventions
Utilize the consultation model of services for teachers and administration
Develop of systems and data-tracking mechanisms for mental health progress monitoring and behavioral progress monitoring
Planning and implementing psycho-educational groups during the school day in both a preventative and remediation model to targeted students for whom behavior is impacting learning
Design and implement school-based programs to promote a positive school climate in conjunction with the school administration team.
Utilize social work training and skills to remedy barriers to learning by providing evidence based supports to school personnel
Develop behavioral intervention strategies either student specific or school-wide
Lead and train others to facilitate restorative justice circles within the school environment
Participate in conflict resolution and anger management as necessary in the school
Facilitate the functional behavioral analysis process and development of behavior intervention plans for students
Support internal and external Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) systems
Participation in appropriate MDTs
Culture and Collaboration
Collaborate and consult with the Facility-Based Education Staff, Behavioral Mental Health Partners, Assessment Specialists, Client Managers
Collaborate with education and Behavioral Health Staff (BHS) regarding the implementation of research-based interventions for students experiencing mental health and/or behavioral related concerns/issues as appropriate: which may involve modification recommendations of the classroom environment
Develop relationships with facility transition workers and assist with education transitions for youth
504 Site Coordinator & Special Education Assessment and Supports
Participating in and helping with the regularly scheduled team meetings.
Consults with other team members when determining necessary formal and informal behavioral and related service assessments.
Prepare social developmental histories for initial or re-evaluation meetings.
Participate in Manifestation Determination meetings, Crisis Response Team meetings, and Best Interest Determination (BID) meetings
Provide related services articulated on Individualized Education Programs and assist in co-teaching effective needs classes.
504 Site Coordinator
Training/Communication and Other Duties as Assigned
Maintain direct and ongoing communication with supervisor to bolster ongoing mental health support, services, and interventions within all DYS commitment facilities.
Identify and report special education program/systemic strengths and limitations to supervisor.
Participate in program development activities
Train stakeholders on topics related to school social work services as well as assigned committees designed to ensure continuous quality improvement.
Additional school based supports may include, but not limited to, interdisciplinary team problem solving, intervention plan development, school improvement planning, prevention services, teach or support affective education classes, school-related concerns such as academic achievement, bullying, harassment, misbehavior, or underachievement, and family issues
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Applicants must meet all of the requirements listed below AND provide all supporting documents to move forward in the selection process.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education, Experience and License:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to the work assignment.
Two (2) years of professional experience in the specialty area of the work assignment (i.e. working in a school with youth or content / industry related exp.)
And a current and Valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Special Service Provider License: School Social Worker OR School Psychologist OR School Counselor, or allowable substition.
Substitutions:
There are no substitutions for the required education or required experience.
Allowable substitutions for the CDE license:
Current and valid Colorado DORA license from the list below (see senate bill 23-004)
Psychologist license (LP)
Social Worker license (LSW or LCSW which is one step above a LSW)
Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Addiction Counselor (CADC)
Preferred Candidates will possess the following qualifications:
School social worker experience of 2 or more years
Experience working with at risk youth
Experience with 504s
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Experience collaborating across complex systems
Understanding of trauma-responsive/restorative environments.
Relevant years of State service experience
Masters Degree in related field
Related licensure
Highly Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Colorado Academic Standards for K-12 education.
Demonstrated knowledge in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Attention to detail.
Ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
Strong decision-making skills and follow through.
Ability to positively and professionally interact with administrators, staff, parents, clients, community members and the judicial system.
Excellent oral communication skills.
Ability to collaboratively problem solve, ask for and use feedback, and create positive culture and climate.
Willing to think outside the box
Flexible and creative problem solver
Conditions of Employment:
Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
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, (MVR check) required .
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.
Must travel to training events and shadowing events in Denver area and other state facilities
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.
Must be able to pass Escape and Evade
Current and Valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Special Service Provider License: School Social Worker OR School Psychologist OR School Counselor.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 an eSkills 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 (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#how-to-apply)
Need help with your application? Click here.
The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#assessment-process)
For additional recruiting questions, please contactisaac.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
Do you have a Colorado Initial or Professional Teacher Special Services Provider license with an endorsement in School Social Work?
Yes
No
02
Are you at least 21 years of age at the time of submitting this application?
Yes
No
03
What endorsements do you have on your license?
04
Describe your experience working with at-risk youth. Including the number of years of experience and what your roles were, and the educational setting/ settings. Lastly, what are key elements of an effective learning experience for these youth?
05
Describe your experience managing multiple projects at the same time and/or developing new programming or courses to implement. Please reference any courses or learning you want to design that are highly engaging and highly relevant and any professional development you have led.
06
Did you upload all your supporting documents, a copy of your CDE license as required transcripts, DD-214 if applicable?
Yes
No
07
Please indicate the number of years of professional teaching experience or the number of years of professional experience in your field related to this position.*
08
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. If not, please state "N/A".
09
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.
10
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).
11
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 forIf 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.
12
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.)
13
Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application?
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
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Website
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