MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN I - Continuity of Treatment Office- CMHHIP
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MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN I - Continuity of Treatment Office- CMHHIP
Salary
$23.48 - $30.97 Hourly
Location
Pueblo, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IIB 05209 03/13/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OBH - CMHIP
Opening Date
03/13/2026
Closing Date
4/1/2026 3:00 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
Colorado Department of Human Services 1600 W. 24th Street Pueblo, CO 81003
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Annette Torrez, annette.torrez@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, including full- and part-time vacancies.
Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP)
As a cornerstone of the Pueblo community for over a century, Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP) is a leading employer, provider of quality mental health services, and a community partner. CMHHIP is a 24 hour behavioral health acute care facility that is intended to provide a safe, secure, and therapeutic setting for patients with both psychiatric and medical issues. The services provided include evaluation and treatment for patients who are severely mentally ill, and the goal of this facility is to return patients to their optimal level of functioning and assist them in returning to the community as appropriate.
The purpose of the Continuity of Treatment Department is to enhance, increase and support treatment programming in all CMHHP patient units by managing clinical staff call-offs and deployment in order to minimize clinical treatment and activities cancellations. The goal of the department is to maintain clinical staffing levels which will assist with patient stabilization, treatment and discharge preparedness. The department provides clinical training and education on specific treatment approaches, therapeutic and group facilitating skills to mental health clinicians and other clinical staff within the hospital to enhance patient treatment outcomes.. The work unit develops and implements staffing systems to assure treatment and activities are ongoing and not canceled. The department tracks group/activities compliance, clinical staff call-off and backfill data as well as data on treatment/activities groups cancellations. The department maintains all clinical programming schedules, staff schedules, protocols and group tracking systems. Staff have an understanding of and experience working with patients with mental health issues, substance abuse issues, developmental disabilities, physical handicaps, legal issues and multiple psychiatric diagnoses. The legal status of patients may include incompetent-to-proceed, competency exams, not guilty by reason of insanity, short-term or long-term admission or long-term extension. The unit goal is to assist in treating the severely mentally ill, return them to their optimal level of functioning and assist them in returning to the community as appropriate.
Description of Job
100% In-Person Working Arrangements
Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo is a 24-hour facility
Sunday (8 am-5 pm), Monday - Thursday (11 am - 8 pm)ORTuesday - Friday (11 am - 8 pm), Saturday (8 am - 5 pm)
This position will comply with the Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health/Division of Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo /Unit: Continuity of Treatment current working arrangements.
Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.
About the Position:
As a Mental Health Clinician I, the incumbent's primary goal is to help patients with mental illness build the skills they need to recover. In this role, the incumbent will work directly with adults and adolescents, leading educational groups and activities that support their treatment goals. The incumbent, isn't just a teacher; but the key part of the safety net, keeping the treatment environment calm, responding to emergencies, and acting as a vital link between the patients and the medical team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Working with Patients and Managing the Environment
Talk and connect with patients to help support their journey toward getting better.
Run educational classes and activities once trained and cleared to do so.
Help senior staff lead specialized therapy groups (like DBT) if you have the right training.
Start scheduled programs on time and lead patients through exercises.
Help patients with their concerns. If unable to fix it, point them to a patient rights advocate.
Walk patients safely to and from different treatment areas or "malls."
Use knowledge and training to calm down tense situations or disruptive behavior. If a patient has a mental health emergency, respond immediately.
Watch for changes in a patient's mood or physical health (like pain) and tell the Nurse (RN) right away.
Know which patients need extra 1-on-1 supervision or have special medical needs before you start your shift.
Respond quickly whenever a distress or "duress" alarm goes off.
Keep the treatment areas orderly and make sure all paperwork is finished.
Rules, Safety, and Accountability
Know and follow the hospital's safety, infection control, and emergency manuals.
Follow the staff Code of Conduct and ethics rules at all times.
Safely walk patients to the yard, gym, family visits, or court hearings.
Log patient attendance and progress in the digital tracking systems (BEHR).
Make sure all your mandatory training and certifications are up to date.
If harassment or violence is seen in the workplace, report it to a supervisor or security immediately.
Join morning team meetings and treatment planning sessions when schedule allows.
Communication
Listen well and keep teammates and supervisors in the loop to prevent problems before they happen.
Communicate verbally depending on who you are speaking to (patients vs. doctors) to keep the environment positive.
If there is an allegation of abuse, tell the Charge Nurse and supervisor immediately and contact public safety.
Tell the Nurse right away if a patient mentions hurting themselves or others.
If something is broken or dangerous in the building, report it to the person in charge.
Other Duties
Complete any other tasks assigned that fit within your general job level and skills.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience Only:
Three (3) 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 to this position (i.e., Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, Criminal justice, Sociology, or Education) equal to three (3) years
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience starting and leading behavioral health groups or activities.
Experience following, updating, and documenting progress on a patient's personalized treatment plan.
Experience working within a locked facility
Experience working with the State of Colorado
Conditions of Employment:
Full background and reference checks 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.
Must have a valid, unrestricted US Driver's License.
May be required to work evening or weekend shifts, holidays, voluntary or mandatory overtime, both in the clinic, or on patient units throughout CMHHIP
May be required to work overtime as needed on a shift or weekend, not part of scheduled hours
Shall not initiate or engage in sexual, social, personal, or financial relationships with patients either during or at 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 CMHHIP 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 complete CTI and CPR successfully;
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 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
Willing and able to travel;
2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening
Influenza vaccination
Other vaccinations as required by the State of Colorado
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
Disclose that information on the application.
Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination, and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS
CDHS Selection Process Explanation
Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.
Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
Relevant years of state service experience.
Minimum Qualification Screening Process
A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form . Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."
You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Comparative Analysis Process - Structured Application Review
After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.
Your Work Experience/Job Duties
Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.
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
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)
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
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
Describe your academic, internship, or job-related experience specifically related to providing services to individuals with chronic or acute mental illness. List the specific settings (e.g., inpatient hospital, community clinic, residential facility) and the primary tasks you performed.
06
Describe your experience facilitating or co-facilitating structured groups, activities, or educational sessions. Please specify the @types of curriculum or therapeutic models used (e.g., DBT, CBT, Life Skills, or Recreational Therapy
07
Detail your experience with clinical documentation or data entry. Specify the systems you have used (e.g., Electronic Health Records like BEHR/Avatar, or general software like Excel/Microsoft Office) and your experience writing objective progress notes or incident reports.
08
List any professional training or certifications you have received regarding crisis intervention, de-escalation, or safety management (e.g., CPR, CPI, VDI, QBS). If you have no formal certifications, please describe your academic understanding of maintaining safety in a psychiatric milieu.
09
Which Preferred Qualifications do you have, if any. These are verified in the job history questions of the application (select all that apply)
Experience working in a locked facility
Experience starting and leading behavioral health groups or activities
Experience following, updating, and documenting progress on a patient's personalized treatment plan
Experience working with the State of Colorado
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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