Behavioral Health Specialist Assessment (Social Work/Counselor IV), Central Administration Office
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Salary
$86,748.00 Annually
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IKA 05075 06/16/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OCYF (Office of Children, Youth & Families)
Opening Date
06/18/2026
Closing Date
7/2/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
4131 S Julian Way, Denver, CO 80236, USA
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.
Division of Youth Services - Central Administration Offices
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 purpose of Assessment is to provide a safe, secure, and healthy environment for all juveniles who have been committed to Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services (DYS) while undergoing a comprehensive assessment. Services include, but are not limited to, the administration and interpretation of Criminogenic, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse screening and assessment instruments to arrive at recommendations for treatment and efficient, effective service delivery. Principle functions involve identification of criminal risk areas, ascertainment of mental health functioning, determination of substance use treatment needs, assessing for needs and strengths, and submission of recommendations for placement @type and service plan goals. Evaluation services are provided through a multidisciplinary team decision-making process, which incorporates family input and community support. All assessment services are empirically supported and designed to uphold standards of best practice set forth by the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute for Correctional Mental Health Care, and the CDHS Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division.
Summary of the position:
The purpose of this position is to serve as an on-site assessment supervisor within the regional Assessment team. Duties include supervision of SWIII/Assessment Specialist, coordination with the Coordinator of Assessment, and administer and interpret criminogenic, mental health, trauma, and substance abuse screening and assessment tools, in order to arrive at accurate and effective recommendations for placement and treatment goals for juveniles who have been committed to the Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services. The primary aim of this position is to provide supervision to assure quality of work product, consistency across regions, and effective communication/delivery of new practices. This position regularly completes assessments and works within a multidisciplinary team to offer empirically supported criminogenic, mental health, trauma, and substance abuse evaluation services to the youth and families that DYS serves. Information gained through the assessment process is synthesized into a comprehensive and professional report and is completed within the timelines specified in Colorado Revised Statues and internal implementing procedures.
Job Duties include but are not limited to :
Supervision:
Provide supervision and oversee the technical and qualitative aspects of Assessment Services for the Western Region at Grand Mesa Youth Services Center (GMYSC) Division of Youth Services and support other areas across the state; which provides assessment and clinical evaluation reports and service plan recommendations for youth committed to DYS. Supervision of three Assessment Specialists (SWIII). Duties include: train to relevant standards of policy and procedure, resolves informal staff grievances, may create and monitor staff work schedules, may participate in the progressive disciplinary process, provide training as needed, investigates and evaluates all other personnel issues, and coordinates with the Coordinator of Assessment. Reviews and tracks all assessment reports for accuracy and completion within established deadlines.
Program Development/Operational Oversight:
Ensures the oversight and application of appropriate, reliable and accurate assessment practices to ensure consistency across regions. Reviews staffing rosters to ensure that staff is scheduled in a timely manner and that all paperwork is completed within the required 30 day time period. Works collaboratively with the Coordinator of Assessment to assure participation and completion of required training. Responsible for researching and coordinating training sessions designed to promote Assessment Specialist job development. This position works closely with the Clinical Directors and the DYS Assessment Services Coordinator to review and update assessment practices as needed.
Formalized Assessment Practice:
Conduct clinical interviews, criminogenic risk assessments, drug and alcohol screening and assessments, mental health evaluations, trauma assessment, and neuropsychological screenings on juvenile offenders who are committed to the Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services. Administration and interpretation of the Youth Assessment and Screening Inventory (YASI), Juvenile Automated Substance Abuse Evaluation (JASAE), and University of California Los Angeles Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Reaction Index (UCLA PTSD-RI) to assess specified areas of functioning including, but not limited to: current and past delinquent behaviors, mental health presentation, criminogenic need areas, family issues, peer relationships, self-perceptions, use of free time, level of maturity, problem solving skills, breadth of decision-making, drug and alcohol involvement, personal goals, risk factors associated with neuropsychological deficits, and identified skills/competencies. Conduct family interviews to ascertain individualized family strengths, needs, perspective, and expressed goals for treatment and DYS stay. Review relevant collateral data, previous evaluation findings, legal documents, and any other information received at time of commitment, and incorporate the information into the finalized assessment report.
Communication/Training:
Provide clinical oversight, expertise, quality assurance, and direction regarding evaluation findings of juvenile's committed to the Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services. Uphold effectiveness, fit, and functionality of currently utilized evaluation instruments, including the Youth Assessment and Screening Inventory (YASI), Juvenile Automated Substance Abuse Evaluation (JASAE), and provide recommendations for improving statewide Assessment Services practices and policies. Participate in training topics related to assessment.
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.
Mininum 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) year 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.
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 , 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.
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) (Download PDF reader) .
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.
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clickingthe "Printer" icon located above the job titleLocation varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
