Mental Health Clinician II - Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan (Denver)
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Mental Health Clinician II - Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan (Denver)
Salary
$25.23 - $31.88 Hourly
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IIC 00063 04/21/26
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OBH - CMHIFL
Opening Date
04/21/2026
Closing Date
5/1/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
3520 West Oxford Street, Denver , CO 80236
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
curtis.padilla@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 within the Ft. Logan (Denver) Mental Health Hospital (morning, afternoon, and evening shifts)
This is an On-site position only
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 Us:
The Colorado Mental Health Hospital at Fort Logan (CMHHIFL) is expanding our hospital by adding 16 forensic beds to our current 138 patient beds. This expansion will assist in our mission of providing Colorado with the best behavioral health care available. CMHHIFL is dedicated to meeting the needs of the community by providing mental health treatment to the adult population in the metro area. The mission of CMHHIFL is to provide the highest quality mental health services to adults with complex, serious and persistent mental illness within the resources available. CMHHIFL is dedicated to promoting Trauma Informed Care and promoting the implementation of Trauma Informed Practices within the organization
*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs
Our Culture & Environment
We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.
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.
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CDHSCareers
Description of Job
About this Work Unit:
Each treatment unit provides psychiatric treatment services to adult clients through the use of a Milieu Treatment Program based on models of milieu therapy and group therapy. The focus of treatment is ongoing assessment and interventions designed to assist individual clients to resolve the specific problems that brought them to the hospital and to return them to the least restrictive environment in the community. Approaches are strength-based, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented enabling patients to learn more effective coping and living skills in order to function more effectively in the community upon discharge from the hospital. The psychiatric care and treatment modalities include milieu management, group therapy, activity therapy, health education and medication management with the goal of providing a consistent and safe environment for clients and to assist them with the amelioration of presenting problems and symptoms and improve problem solving and coping skills.
This position exists to provide therapeutic work in the psychiatric care and treatment of adults with acute and chronic exacerbation of a mental illness. Primary responsibilities are the application of knowledge, expertise and experience to establish a therapeutic relationship with the patient and provide safe and effective patient care. Mental Health Clinicians utilize psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery principles and techniques in all aspects of their job duties. This position works under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse and assists with psychiatric nursing care of mentally ill patients; observes, reports, and documents patient's behavior, physical condition, and reactions to medications and treatment; participates in designing and implementing patient treatment plans; monitors and intervenes to ensure a safe and therapeutic patient milieu; and provides immediate crisis intervention when indicated.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications
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 to this position equal to four (4) years
.This experience must be clearly documented on your application.
Part-time experience will be pro-rated.
Substitutions:
Professional work experience that focuses on the specific experience described above, demonstrating the competencies equivalent to the competencies learned through completion of the required education may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.
A Bachelor's Degree will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications:
1+ years Knowledge and Experience as Mental Health Care Clinician I at a State of Colorado Mental Health Institute.
1+ years professional inpatient mental health-care experience in a psychiatric locked/secure setting,
Experience developing and running treatment groups
Knowledge and experience with Trauma Informed Care and Recovery Principles and practices
Outpatient mental health experience running groups, case management etc., and
College or university education in nursing, psychology, sociology, human services, or education.
Highly Desirable Competencies:
Knowledge of oral and written communication skills,
Knowledge and professional inpatient mental health-care experience
Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting departmental and institutional policies and procedures,
Ability to work with and communicate with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner and committed to quality service,
Ability to perform with a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently,
Ability to encourage and facilitate cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity,
Ability to foster commitment and team spirit.
Ability to express information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information,
Ability to listen to others and respond appropriately,
Ability to problem solve,
Ability to execute decisions, Integrity, and Accountability
Conditions of Employment:
[Standard/full] (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r9e1rcK00ik1bmKhdBGDTqBBRp7psI16TLvvaKyCdwg/edit?usp=sharing) 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.
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
How to Apply
How to apply to the State of Colorado
The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#assessment-process)
For additional recruiting questions, please contact curtis.padilla@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.
cant Technical Support
Toll-Free Applicant Technical Sup
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
While we do incorporate practices to prioritize the safety of our employees, this position will require working with patients who may be verbally or physically abusive at times. Please indicate your experience and comfort level with this population.
I have experience working with patients that have expressed verbal and physical abuse and I am comfortable with this aspect of the role
I do not have experience working with this population, but I am comfortable with this aspect of the role.
I do not have experience with this population and/or I do NOT feel comfortable in this environment.
02
This position has a requirement to be over the age of 21. Can you verify that you meet this requirement?
Yes, I am 21 years of age
No, I am under the age
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 willing and able to report to work during inclement weather?
06
Are you willing and able to frequently move up to 50 lbs, by lifting, positioning, and pivoting disabled adults?
Yes
No
07
Are you willing and able to follow prescribed procedures and policies even if they conflict with your personal preference?
08
Are you willing and able to stay for your entire shift?
Yes
No
09
Are you willing and able to work with staff and clients of all social, economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds?
Yes
No
10
Are you willing and able to work with potential dangerous clients in a locked setting?
Yes
No
11
How do you deal with change?
12
What do you consider to be the role of the Mental Health Clinician to be in milieu therapy/management?
13
How do you develop a relationship with a person with a serious mental illness?
14
Describe why you have a desire to work with this population.
15
In the space provided please indicate if you are applying for a full-time position or a part-time position.
16
SELECT ONLY the work hours/days that you are willing to accept.
I am willing and able to work day shifts.
I am willing and able to work weekend shifts.
I am willing and able to work holidays
I am willing and able to work evening shifts.
I am willing and able to work overnight shifts.
17
While this will initially be an evening position, we require staff to be flexible with respect to shift and location changes as dictated by business needs. Are you willing to agree to this shift and possible shift changes in the future
Yes
No
18
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.)
19
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
20
How many years experience do you have working in a Mental Health Hospital setting?
0
1-2
2-3
3-4
More than 5 years
21
You are completing a wellness check and while doing your rounds, you find an egress door that is supposed to be locked, unlocked. How do you address it?
Nothing/ tell the charge nurse or someone else.
Immediately lock the egress door.
Immediately lock the egress door, notify the charge RN.
Immediately lock the egress door, notify the charge RN, account for all patients.
Immediately lock the egress door, notify the charge RN, account for all patients and complete an incident report.
Immediately lock the egress door, notify the charge RN, account for all patients and complete an incident report, send it to incident report group on the scanner (Quality team).
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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