Lead Nurse, Registered Nurse III, RN III - Gilliam Youth Services Center
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Lead Nurse, Registered Nurse III, RN III - Gilliam Youth Services Center
Salary
$100,428.00 Annually
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IKA 00286 05/20/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OCYF - Gilliam Youth Services Center
Opening Date
05/20/2026
Closing Date
6/3/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
2844 N Downing St, Denver CO 80905
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.
This position will receive a short-staffing temporary pay differential of 4% from July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies (Including both part and full time positions).
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 Position:
Provide leadership in clinical oversight, staff consultation, and training to ensure consistent and compliant healthcare delivery across facilities. The role contributes to quality assurance, policy implementation, and program development efforts, ensuring medical services are delivered effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with statewide standards and the DYS treatment model.
Specific Job Duties:
Management/Clinical Direction/Clinical Supervision :
Provide clinical and administrative leadership for nursing staff, health care technicians, students, and orientees through effective delegation, oversight of assignments, and guidance on clinical interventions. Coordinate daily operations by assigning duties, ensuring timely task completion, and maintaining continuity of care across shifts through consistent communication. Serve as a liaison between nursing staff, providers, and administration, ensuring alignment of care delivery with professional standards and organizational expectations.
Orients new employees and serves as a preceptor for students. Acts as the primary point of contact for academic institutions supporting RN, NP, and PA student placements. Leads regular staff meetings and completes peer reviews to promote clinical performance improvement and adherence to treatment protocols. Collaborate with the Medical Operations Coordinator and Medical Authority to evaluate clinic processes, recommend improvements, and implement strategic changes. Ensure all supervised staff maintain current licensure, certifications, and required annual training in accordance with DYS policy and Colorado state regulations.
Manage personnel functions including hiring, scheduling, timekeeping oversight, performance evaluations (PMAPs) including co-supervision for mid-level providers, and corrective actions as needed. Address interpersonal conflicts and investigate complaints or grievances from staff, youth, families, and other stakeholders, facilitating timely resolution.
Medical quality assurance, compliance and data reporting:
Direct and monitor quality assurance projects by reviewing medical documents that may include but not be limited to medication administration records, medication packages, incident reports, pharmacy invoices, and electronic health record documentation. Ensure that NCCHC and DYS medical audit standards are met in the medical clinic and respond to yearly audits by formulating and implementing corrective action plans as needed. Ensure monthly monitoring of the compliance review standards and the maintenance of the NCCHC folders to ensure a continual state of readiness and compliance. Review patient occurrences and responds to performance issues of assigned staff/shift. Collect and report monthly statistical data required for Behavioral Health and Medical Services, and the KPI's for the facility. Review policies and procedures on a regular basis and collaborates with facility administrators and supervisors in the writing and/or revising facility medical implementing procedures. Completes the medical logs pertinent to the medical department.
Clinical Duties, medication and treatment:
Administer nursing care and provide youth education for routine, urgent, and emergent medical situations within the scope of practice. Obtain laboratory and other diagnostic procedures ordered by medical providers, reviews results, and notifies the provider of results when indicated. Initiate nursing/medical treatment plans for youth with special health care needs. Review and revise treatment plans as needed. Complete health appraisals, physical exams, vision/hearing screenings, in-house laboratory diagnostic testing (e.g. urine dipsticks, pregnancy tests, STI urine testing, PPD tests etc.), and immunizations per Division of Youth Services (DYS) policy. Document all encounters with youth in the electronic medical records system and/or appropriate medical logs in an accurate and timely manner. Maintain confidentiality of all patient information (oral and written) according to federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. Initiate consultations/referrals to mid-level providers and/or appropriate physician when indicated. Respond to requests for emergent situations (Code Blue, Code Red) occurring on campus, administers CPR/First Aid, and initiates a 911 call if indicated. Transcribe and processe provider medication orders, including preparation and administration of medications, such as intramuscular injections, in accordance with prescribed directives. Maintain and update Medication Administration Records (MAR), conduct routine audits for accuracy, and reports discrepancies to the medical operations coordinator and facility administration. Deliver medications, and medical supplies and evaluates youth who may be confined to specific buildings or rooms throughout the campus setting. Review immunization status and administers vaccines per provider recommendations and CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines, ensuring compliance with Vaccines for Children (VFC) program requirements for storage, handling, and administration.
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.
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)
AND three (3) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position
Substitutions
Appropriate education will substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with adolescent health care.
Experience with mental health nursing
Experience with correctional nursing
Relatable experience as a current or previous State of Colorado employee.
Highly Desirable Competencies:
Knowledge of current medications, administration, their actions and use.
Ability to work in collaborative relationships with other professionals to achieve interdisciplinary goals set for the client.
Ability to assess and coordinate community health care services to meet the needs of clients and their families.
Ability to collect, record, and interpret data concisely and accurately.
Ability to self-regulate emotions when provoked or when working under conditions of stress
Conditions of Employment:
Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence
Full Background. 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 Record (MVR) Check
Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License
Ability to work shift work as required.
Essential Services Designation - Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare.
Travel. May require floating to other DYS Youth Centers to help with coverage, travel to meetings and training.
Use, Handling, or Exposure to hazardous materials - Explain: Medical Waste
Must maintain a current CPR Card and perform CPR adequate compressions and ventilations per CPR guidelines.
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.
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 website.
You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.
You can find the official appeal form here.
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 webpage.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#how-to-apply)
Need help with your application? Click here.
The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#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.
NA
01
A condition of employment requires applicants to be 21 years of age or older. Do you meet this condition?
Yes
No
02
A requirement of this position is to possess and maintain a valid Registered Nurse License issued by the State of Colorado, or any other state participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Please provide your license number.
03
Do you have any State Board actions on your nursing license? If yes, please explain.
04
How many years of experience with adolescent health care do you have?
2 or more years
1 -2 years
Less than a year
05
How many years of experience do you have in mental health nursing?
2 or more years
1-2 years
Less than a year
06
How many years of experience do you have in a correctional institution?
2 or more years
1-2 years
Less than a year
07
Direct-care staff is considered essential and are required to report to work without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services. Are you willing and able to meet this standard as a condition of employment?
Yes
No
08
Are you willing to work holidays, weekends and any shift required?
Yes
No
09
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
10
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.)
11
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).
12
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
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