Adult Protective Services Program Specialist (Social Services Specialist III)
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Adult Protective Services Program Specialist (Social Services Specialist III)
Salary
$58,872.00 - $94,188.00 Annually
Location
Denver Metro, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IHA 06363 05/14/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OAADS - Aging and Adult Services
Opening Date
05/14/2026
Closing Date
6/4/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
Denver, CO
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
brennon.watts@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
Please note that this recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
The Division of Aging and Adult Protective Services (AAPS) is one of three Divisions within the Office of Children, Aging, and Community Services. The Division exists to provide state leadership and supervision for all services (state, county, local, non- profit, etc.) in the administration and coordination of services to older adults and at-risk adults, to include oversight of all 64 county departments of social/human services in the administration of Adult Protective Services (APS) programs as well as the 16 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in the administration of programs and services funded by the Older Americans Act (OAA)
?and State Funding for Senior Services (SFSS).
The Division consists of the following management units that report to the Division Director:
State Unit on Aging (SUA);
Adult Protective Services, and within, the CAPS Check Unit (CCU), and APS Policy Unit
Data, Fiscal and Program Accountability functions are included in both units.
APS administers both the statewide APS program and the CAPS Check Unit (CCU). The APS program provides supervisory oversight of 64 County Departments in the administration of APS. This includes providing training and technical assistance, conducting monitoring and other quality assurance activities, and establishing regulatory policy and program requirements. The CCU provides pre-employment background screening of the Colorado APS Data System (CAPS), supporting employers who hire individuals in positions providing direct care to at-risk adults.
Description of Job
This is a hybrid position; the selected candidate will be required to work in the office two days a week
This Social Services Specialist position is a program specialist for the APS program. As a program specialist, this position: 1) participates in coordination, development, and provision of training and written instructions materials to county APS staff, other professional agencies, and community groups; 2) provides technical assistance and consultation to county staff; 3) monitors program requirement compliance; 4) recommends and writes, legislative, rule, policy, and other @types of changes and provides analysis of same; and 5) participates on external task forces, committees, or workgroups.
Additionally, as a Social Services Specialist III, you can expect to:
Respond to questions and requests from county staff and community professionals related to program processes and implementation; provides technical assistance and consultation on complex issues related to adult protection. Position establishes standards for prompt reply to county personnel and develops tools to measure effectiveness. Position analyzes nature of questions and requests from county staff and others to assist with development of communications, development of training curricula, and identification of issues to refer to management, and documentation of trends and patterns. The position is assigned to counties and develops specific technical assistance and consultation strategies for each assigned county
Monitor county program compliance with APS statutory and regulatory requirements as it relates to quality casework; provides assistance to county APS staff to ensure improved casework; conducts on-site or off-site program assessments and evaluations and recommends actions to address issues, up to and including corrective action
Determines statewide needs for APS caseworker training, develops and delivers curriculum, including training for county APS staff and other professional groups and community stakeholders working with at-risk adults. Training is developed in various mediums, including but not limited to: classroom, meetings, webinar, computer-based, manual, self-directed, fact sheets, brochures, and position papers. The position participates in the evaluation of training through evaluation tools or surveys and revises curriculum as needed. The position may assist with coordination of contracts with training sites to which the Department will be fiscally and legally responsible; assists in selection of training speakers by researching experts' credentials to ensure they are aligned with training needs; implements processes related to holding training events; and provides input in training design and delivery. This position creates and updates training curriculum at the direction of the manager or designee and provides input into curriculum developed by others to assist with continuous quality improvement of training offerrings.Training may require intra-state travel
Participate on external task forces, committees or work groups to exchange information about program directives, develop inter-program protocols, obtain input on policy and legislative issues, and promote public awareness and outreach to address concerns facing at-risk adults and vulnerable seniors. The position prepares written reports and does verbal presentations; works with professional groups that also work with at-risk adults to develop collaborative relationships to ensure the best protections for vulnerable adults; and provides training and technical assistance in development and maintenance of statutorily required APS multidisciplinary teams
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Special Qualifications:
Requires at least two years' experience working with at-risk adults as a case manager, APS caseworker, or other closely related position. Also requires at least two years' experience working with a complex data system
Experience Only:
Six (6) 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 equal to six (6) years.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in the Colorado APS program, other Adult Protective Services Programs, and/or other similar government-regulated work.
Experience in curriculum development and delivery utilizing multiple training modalities.
Experience and proficiency with technology such as Google Workspace (including Google Forms, Sheets, and Docs), Microsoft Office Tools, Zoom, and Salesforce or other electronic case management systems.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent time management skills and attention to detail.
Experience interpreting regulations, statute, and policies.
Excellent customer service and stakeholder engagement skills.
Conditions of Employment:
ALL CDHS employees (non-direct contact):
CBI name check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), and drug screen (commercial Driver's license)
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
Position must be able to travel in and out of state
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.
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 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 brennon.watts@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 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 explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify your application from the current position.
05
Please review the "Preferred Qualifications" section of this job posting. Describe the experiences and skills that have equipped you to meet each of the listed Preferred Qualifications, if applicable. Responses should contain enough information and specific examples to demonstrate that you meet the preferred qualifications you have described. *Note: Applicants are not required to possess the preferred qualifications; but preference will be given to candidates based on how many of the preferred qualifications are demonstrated via this application.
06
Please describe your experience providing technical assistance, consultation, or interpretation of policies and/or program regulations.
07
Please provide an example of a collaborative professional partnership you have developed or have been involved in. What did you do to contribute to the success of the relationship?
08
I acknowledge that this position is a hybrid work position that requires two assigned, in-office days per week. The office location for this position is 1575 Sherman Street, Denver, CO.
Yes
No
09
In an effort to support your needs for compensation, please list your starting salary expectations. PLEASE NOTE: Answers stating "Negotiable" or responses with no range given may affect your status in the selection process.
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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