Behavioral Health QA Specialist (Social Work/Counselor IV), Division of Youth Services, Denver
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Behavioral Health QA Specialist (Social Work/Counselor IV), Division of Youth Services, Denver
Salary
$86,748.00 Annually
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IKA 07091 04/20/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OCYF (Office of Children, Youth & Families)
Opening Date
04/24/2026
Closing Date
5/10/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
4134 S. Julian Way
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 at the locations below.
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.
Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.
Summary of Work Unit:
The work unit exists to ensure secure state-operated youth centers, private residential contract programs and regional offices serving juveniles in the custody of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) are in compliance with Colorado Revised Statute, Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) Policy, DYS policies, youth center procedures and operational standards. Contracts with private residential programs stipulate that the contract residential program must comply with appropriate DYS policies, standards, and procedures and this work unit ensures these programs are in compliance.
Summary of the position:
The Behavioral Health QA Specialist will serve as the individual contributor and technical subject matter expert in the DYS behavioral health program delivery service model that is critical for agency operation. This position supports behavioral health leadership through evaluation of compliance standards in the following areas: clinical oversight, quality assurance of services, onsite clinical support, and guidance for positions that provide behavioral health and clinical evaluations to both the detained and committed juvenile populations within the Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services.
Serving as the behavioral health compliance officer, the Behavioral Health QA Specialist will also provide oversight, monitoring, auditing and review for state-operated youth centers, private residential contract programs and regional offices to ensure compliance with policies, health and safety standards and contractual obligations. This includes, but is not limited to standards related to quality and rigor of services provided and client safety. This position assures the corrections of any deficiencies found, addresses training needs and offers technical support ensuring all employees, facilities and offices are in compliance with DYS policies and standard expectations. This position is also a participating team member related to the general program services committee.
Job Duties include but are not limited to :
Behavioral Health Compliance Review:
Serve as the main compliance officer to ensure accountability, quality standard review and monitoring to safeguard that DYS is adhering to all standards and policies and thus ensuring that DYS youth are receiving the best possible services, within the best environment. Deliver clinical expertise and feedback to behavioral health team members regarding the quality and merit of mental health evaluations, treatment plans, and SPM evaluations. Consult with DYS leadership in problem-solving areas affecting behavioral health treatment and evaluation services including strategizing, planning and implementing state-of-the-art, evidence-based behavioral health ongoing assessment and treatment practices. Provide oversight for compliance factors in conforming to programming services expectations in state-operated youth centers, private residential contract programs and regional offices
Technical Support and Training
Evaluate, monitor, and offer technical assistance for adherence to behavioral health compliance review standards. These areas include, but are not limited to, the following: assessment, behavioral health, and individualized interventions. Coordinate and implement training programs for designated staff to progress in adhering to standards. Provide reports to CDHS Leadership in response to requests for DYS adherence to compliance review standards.
Other Duties as Assigned:
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed below to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience must be specifically documented on your application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application.
Minimum Qualifications:
License and Experience:*
Current, valid Colorado or State participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact licensure as a:
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) OR
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) OR
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
AND
Two (2) years of experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact based on the work assigned to the position.
*Applicants for supervisory positions must have licensure that meets the legal requirements to perform supervisory responsibilities.
Preferred Qualifications:
Relatable experience as a current or previous State of Colorado employee.
Experience in the quality review and continuous quality management processes related to behavioral health care for youth in a residential or secure setting
Experience with compliance reviews and monitoring to standards, including accreditation standards in health care
Conditions of Employment:
Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence
Full 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 Record (MVR) Check.
Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License
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.
Applicants for supervisory positions must have licensure that meets the legal requirements to perform supervisory responsibilities.
Travel to assigned trainings and/or alternate work sites.
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 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 to the State of Colorado (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuwGdPpOW0)
The Assessment Process
For additional recruiting questions, please contact Isaac.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
Are you at least 21 years of age?
Yes
No
02
How many years of experience do you have working with youth who have complex mental health needs, severe behavioral challenges, learning disabilities, co-occurring disorders?
0-3 years
3-5 years
5+ years
03
How many years of experience do you have in the delivery of behavioral health services for youth and compliance monitoring?
0-3 years
3-5 years
5+ years
04
Please indicate which licensure or certifications you currently hold (select all that apply):
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC)
Other, Not listed or No current license at this time
05
How many years of experience do you have working with youth in the juvenile justice field?
06
How many years of experience do you have writing individual treatment plans?
07
Describe your ability to work on a team with various work backgrounds as well as a time when a conflict arose on that team and how you addressed the conflict
08
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
09
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).
10
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 explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify your application from the current position.
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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