Entry Level Health Care Services Trainee I - Wheat Ridge Regional Center
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Entry Level Health Care Services Trainee I - Wheat Ridge Regional Center
Salary
$1,456.00 Biweekly
Location
Jefferson County, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IJC 00229 04/06/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OAADS - Wheat Ridge Regional Center
Opening Date
04/06/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
10285 Ridge Road Wheat Ridge, Co 80003
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Joel Drahos - joel.drahos@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 to current Colorado residents only.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Office of Adult, Aging and Disability Services - Wheat Ridge Regional Center
This work unit provides comprehensive services and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This work unit's focus is on providing services and supporting an active learning approach. The work unit is also focused on creating and promoting a safe and healthy environment for individuals supported. This work unit provides 24-hour treatment services that are in compliance with State and Federal regulations.
The Wheat Ridge Regional Center is looking to hire motivated, hard-working individuals to provide direct support services to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Some of the individuals we serve have high medical needs, while others need significant support around behavioral and mental health needs. Once hired on, there are many opportunities for promotion and career growth.
Mission
Our mission is to offer people with disabilities the necessary supports in order to promote the personal values of individual growth, participation, contribution, and capability
Description of Job
TheHealth Care Service Trainee (HCST I) gives hands-on direct support to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. These positions provide people we serve with opportunities to achieve the highest level of independence in the areas of health, safety, and activities of daily living (eating, bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene). These positions sustain a therapeutic milieu for people served while utilizing sound practices to ensure safety and security of the environment. The HCST I provides psychiatric and behavior-based treatment, while assisting those served to reach their maximum level of independence.
Some precautions we are taking include:
We provide personal protective equipment - i.e. gloves, gowns, surgical masks, N 95 masks and protective eyewear
Emphasis on Infection control - i.e. robust training and cleaning schedule
Management support
What you will be doing:
Coaching and mentoring individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities
Assisting individuals with learning personal care and domestic care skills
Implementing behavior programs to decrease the performance of problem behaviors, to develop replacement behaviors and to teach coping and safety skills
Responding to crises by following approved verbal and physical interventions to ensure safety
Assisting individuals with various therapy/treatment
Ensuring appropriate documentation
Provide supervision and support to individuals while at home
Provide transportation, supervision and support individuals when in the community
Attend and participate training as required
Working with an interdisciplinary team
Shift work, days, nights and weekends required.
Additional info for this position:
This position is a unique opportunity toreceive fully paid training that requires no prior healthcare experience!
We will equip you with the skills and knowledge to quickly advance. Here's a snapshot of what career pathing opportunities we offer:
After the employee starts and completes orientation, the employee will begin training in order to be able to administer medication to the individual we serve.
After the employee completes this coursework and passes a competency check with a nurse, the employee will be promoted to a Health Care Service Trainee II and paid anadditional $1 per hour.
After 6 successful months working as a Qualified Medication Administration Personnel (QMAP), the employee will be promoted to a Health Care Technician I and paid anadditional $1 more per hour.
Additionally, once the employee becomes a QMAP, there are many other positions at WRRC open to them including Mentor/Health Care Technician II, Line Charge/Health Care Technician III and Residential Coordinator/Health Care Technician IV. These promotional opportunities all come with increased salaries.
It doesn't end there! After one year of working with CDHS, you will be eligible for partial tuition reimbursement. Begin or continue your education while you work and we'll lend you a hand. Your success is our success and ensures better outcomes for the patients we serve!
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Special Qualifications: Must have a High School diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
Experience: None
Education: None
Supplemental Information: You will be required to provide at least two supervisor/mentor references after a successful interview and before we can extend an official hiring offer. This can include a teacher, mentor, former boss, or even someone you may have babysat for. (Please provide both a current phone number and email address for each reference.)
Preferred Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED
Experience working with people who have developmental/intellectual disabilities
Experience working with people who have mental health diagnoses
Skills and Abilities:
Ability to communicate effectively orally with information and ideas so others will understand.
Ability to communicate effectively in written format so others will understand.
Ability to instruct individuals for guidance with personal care needs
Listening Skills
Teaching Skills
Willingness to Learn
Conditions of Employment:
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 ongoing 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
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 be at least 18 years of age
Pre-employment Physical/Test: Must demonstrate the ability to lift 50 lbs, bend, squat, etc., and perform physical interventions proficiently (pre-employment and continuously throughout employment).
Influenza and other vaccines as required by the State of CO
A Tuberculosis Test (TB) will be required upon hire
WRRC is a 24/7 facility; therefore person in this position must be available to work any shift, any day, and/or any area, to meet agency needs.
Must travel to remote work sites and must utilize a state vehicle, if available. If not, must utilize personal vehicle and submit for mileage reimbursement. Position requires to use a state vehicle to transport residents.
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. 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 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 contact joel.drahos@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
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 reach out to the recruiter listed on this job posting so this information can be sent 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?
Yes
No
03
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.
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
Are you currently 18 years of age or older?
Yes
No
06
Do you possess a valid, unrestricted driver's license? Please list the number in the application or enter your driver's license number here.
07
Please check next to the following conditions that you are willing and able to comply with:
Travel when necessary and submit for mileage reimbursement
Work any shift or day of the week that you may be assigned.
Work nights, weekends, holidays and 12-hour shifts
Report to work during inclement weather
Work with people who may display confrontational, manipulative, violent, and/or assaultive behavior
physically intervene with people when necessary
Assist persons with developmental disabilities with their self-care activities including bathing, changing adult undergarments, meal preparation, shaving, etc.
Drive clients to and from their appointments, court, day program, community activities, etc
08
Please indicate which of the following areas that you have experience working in:
Experience working with individuals with intellectual/ developmental disabilities
Experience working in health care
Experience training others in ADL/life skills
Experience implementing and documentation individual care plans
Experience providing customer service
09
Please check all that you are familiar with.
Accessing and signing in to a computer on a regular basis
Checking and responding to email
Gmail email and/or Google Docs
Microsoft word and/or excel
PHL
10
Why do you want to work with the Regional Center?
I have a deep desire to help vulnerable populations
I have an interest in the Healthcare Industry
I'm looking for an entry level position I can grow from
I want a job
I am interested in working for the State and this is a good start point
11
What is the main idea of this passage? "During the summer months, do not leave the hose running all day in your yards. Flush your toilet only when necessary. Please try to take a shallow bath instead of a shower in the morning."
Hygiene
Toilet Training
Water Conservation
Time Management
Obedience to Authority
12
Based on this passage, "a nodus" is what? "The scientist did not know how to get himself out of this nodus. He knew if he revealed the discovery to his bosses, they would use it to unleash destruction on mankind. And yet, in the right hands, it could do much good as well."
A cramp in the neck
A vegetable shaped like a turnip
A pair of hair combs made of tortoise shell
A difficult situation
An elevator that goes sideways
13
How would you teach someone the ADL (Activities of Daily Living ) skill of tooth brushing?
Rinse brush, place toothpaste on toothbrush, scrub teeth and tongue, spit and repeat
Put toothpaste on the toothbrush, spit and repeat
Scrub, rinse toothbrush, scrub teeth and tongue, place toothpaste on toothbrush, rinse
Spit, scrub teeth and tongue, place toothpaste on toothbrush, rinse repeat
14
Describe a time you were under a lot of pressure or faced with a difficult situation at work. What was going on, and how did you get through it?
15
Please explain any gaps in your work history from your application.
16
Did you hear about this position through either a County Department Human Services or through a community organization? If so, please indicate which one by name.
17
You overhear a colleague discussing a patient's private health information in the hallway where others can hear. What is your most accountable response?
Ignore it, because it's not your place to intervene.
Join in the conversation to hear the details.
Immediately and discreetly remind your colleague about patient confidentiality.
Report the colleague to your supervisor right away, even if it's the first time it has happened.
18
The nurse asks you to perform a task that is outside of your scope of practice. What should you do?
Do it anyway, because it's a direct order from the nurse.
Politely decline and explain that the task is outside your scope of practice.
Attempt the task, but ask for help if you have trouble.
Look up the procedure online to figure out how to do it.
19
During a busy and stressful shift, a colleague becomes visibly frustrated and speaks to you in a harsh tone. What is the best way to handle this?
Respond in a harsh tone to show that you won't be pushed around.
Immediately report the colleague to your supervisor.
Pull them aside later in private to calmly discuss the situation.
Ignore the behavior and avoid speaking to that colleague for the rest of the shift.
20
For a patient who is deaf, what is the best strategy for effective communication?
Speak loudly and slowly so they can hear you.
Write down information or use a language interpretation service with American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters.
Use exaggerated hand gestures to get your point across.
Assume a family member can translate for the patient.
21
Why is effective two-way communication important for a healthcare team?
It makes shift handoffs go faster.
It prevents team members from having to work together.
It ensures patient safety, reduces errors, and improves patient satisfaction.
It increases competition among team members.
22
When receiving feedback on your performance, what is the most accountable approach?
Become defensive and argue with the person giving feedback.
Dismiss the feedback if you disagree with it.
Listen attentively, ask clarifying questions, and consider how to improve.
Only accept feedback from your direct supervisor.
23
What does it mean to have empathy for a patient?
Feeling sorry for the patient.
Only focusing on the patient's medical condition.
Understanding and relating to the patient's feelings and perspectives.
Always agree with the patient.
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/
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