MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN II - Continuity of Treatment - CMHHIP
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Salary
$23.45 - $32.84 Hourly
Location
Pueblo, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IIB 06105 07/06/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OBH - CMHIP
Opening Date
07/06/2026
Closing Date
7/27/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
Colorado Department of Human Services 1600 W. 24th Street Pueblo, CO 81003
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Ellie Cassio, ellie.cassio@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 to current Colorado residents only.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP)
As a cornerstone of the Pueblo community for over a century, Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP) is a leading employer, provider of quality mental health services, and a community partner. CMHHIP is a 24 hour behavioral health acute care facility that is intended to provide a safe, secure, and therapeutic setting for patients with both psychiatric and medical issues. The services provided include evaluation and treatment for patients who are severely mentally ill, and the goal of this facility is to return patients to their optimal level of functioning and assist them in returning to the community as appropriate. The purpose of the Continuity of Treatment Department is to enhance, increase and support treatment programming in all CMHHP patient units by managing clinical staff call-offs and deployment in order to minimize clinical treatment and activities cancellations. The goal of the department is to maintain clinical staffing levels which will assist with patient stabilization, treatment and discharge preparedness. The department provides clinical training and education on specific treatment approaches, therapeutic and group facilitating skills to mental health clinicians and other clinical staff within the hospital to enhance patient treatment outcomes.. The work unit develops and implements staffing systems to assure treatment and activities are ongoing and not canceled. The department tracks group/activities compliance, clinical staff call-off and backfill data as well as data on treatment/activities groups cancellations. The department maintains all clinical programming schedules, staff schedules, protocols and group tracking systems. Staff have an understanding of and experience working with patients with mental health issues, substance abuse issues, developmental disabilities, physical handicaps, legal issues and multiple psychiatric diagnoses. The legal status of patients may include incompetent-to-proceed, competency exams, not guilty by reason of insanity, short-term or long-term admission or long-term extension. The unit goal is to assist in treating the severely mentally ill, return them to their optimal level of functioning and assist them in returning to the community as appropriate.
Description of Job
100% In-Person Working Arrangements
Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo is a 24-hour facility
This position will comply with the Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health/Division of Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo /Unit: Continuity of Treatment current working arrangements.
Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change.
About the Position:
As a Mental Health Clinician II, this position exists to provide therapeutic work in the psychiatric care and treatment of adults and adolescents with acute and chronic 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 and treatment activities. The Mental Health Clinician II utilizes psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery principles and techniques in all aspects of their assigned responsibilities. The position facilitates treatment groups and may assist as a co-facilitator with MHC II, SW, Psychology, OT, RT when other options are unavailable. This position works under the supervision and direction of departments Clinical Manager (HP V) and is trained by the Clinical Educator (Psychologist II or LSW III) in group skills and treatment modalities as needed; develops protocols and curriculum for all MHC I and MHC II facilitated groups/activities with assistance form the HP II/HP II Clinical Trainers; monitors and intervenes to ensure a safe and therapeutic patient milieu and provides immediate crisis intervention when indicated. The position is part of the interdisciplinary team on any unit assigned to. Orients/supports new MHC I with facilitating educational groups and activities.
Group/Activity Coverage and Milieu Management
Engages with patients to establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship that supports the patient's psychiatric recovery and mental health
Facilitates certain groups such as educational treatment/activity groups as assigned and scheduled by the Clinical Manager
Co-facilitates other groups with appropriate training/education
Leads/initiates scheduled alternate programming exercises
Facilitates patient one to one sessions providing and documenting interventions which assist the patients toward meeting Plan of Care (POC) treatment goals
Addresses and resolves patient issues when possible and refer issues to the patient's rights advocate
Escorts patients to activities within treatment areas (Treatment Malls)
Utilizes therapeutic interventions to manage crisis situations and management of assaultive and disruptive behaviors
Responds to a patient's psychiatric crisis
Understands and practices knowledge of when to report changes in patient condition or complaints such as pain or other medical needs to the RN
Maintains awareness of all 1:1, special precautions, and medical and psych issues for each patient
Responds to duress alarm
Assures all assigned duties are complete and documented
Demonstrates knowledge of own scope of practice
Reports all incidents involving the MHC I to the immediate supervisor in the Continuity of Treatment Department
Adheres to providing coverage in all units/groups/activities as assigned
Provides milieu management in all treatment areas assigned to
Develops protocols and curriculum for assigned groups and activities
Facilities/co-facilitates groups and activities on units as assigned and in the treatment malls as assigned
Assists in the development of treatment malls
Recognizes signs and symptoms of patients and reports those that may need additional intervention with the treatment team
Provides coaching and mentoring to MHC I in co-facilitating activities/groups, on how to develop protocols and curriculum, on clinical tasks such as observing signs and symptoms of patients who may require additional interventions from unit medical staff
Accountability
Knows, utilizes and follows CMHIP standards and guidelines: Treatment Plans, Infection Control Manual, and Rainbow book and Emergency Guides
Follows and maintains infection control standards and regulations
Adheres to CMHIP Employee Code of Conduct and CMHHP's Organizational Ethics policies
Follows and complies with all competencies related to the MHC II
Is aware and utilizes the chain of command
Provide safe/secure transport of patients to programming/treatment locations such as yard, gym, visits, administrative conference room, staffing/dispo reviews, court/community reintegration sites
Documents in BEHR and Group Tracker for groups/activities MHC II facilitates
Knows how to access the department's drive on the computer and is expected to utilize it for protocols and curriculum, department policies and processes
Responsible for ensuring all required training is current and up to date per CMHHP policies and procedures
Reports any claims of any @type of harassment/workplace violence, alerts public safety/charge RN/Lead Nurse/and nursing appointing authority
Participates in the Continuity of Treatment Department meetings and assigned unit morning meetings as work schedule allows
Arrives to work on time; prepared and arrives on time to begin assigned groups/activities
Clocks in and out for scheduled work hours to prevent any unnecessary unauthorized overtime
Follows policies related to use of leave.
Communication/Interpersonal Skills/Customer Service
Effectively communicates by actively listening and sharing relevant information with co-workers, supervisor(s) and customers so as to anticipate problems and ensure the effectiveness of the department
Adapts communication methods to respond to different audiences to promote a positive environment
Is appropriate in all communications with co-workers and patients
Receives/seeks out reports regarding awareness of all 1:1, SP II, medical and psychiatric issues for each patient assigned to scheduled groups
Assists in addressing patient complaints at the unit level
Reports abuse allegations immediately to the charge nurse, immediate supervisor and refer to public safety
Alerts the unit RN on assigned work unit, to all exceptions, anges in patient status to include suicidal/homicidal ideation, need for team intervention
Completes and routes paperwork to appropriate area/person (to include incident reports and injury on the job)
Corrects and reports any hazardous environmental findings to the Continuity of Treatment Clinical Manager/Director, Charge RN and PSP
Other Duties as Assigned
Responsible to perform assigned tasks and duties within the scope of practice for this position that do not fall within the realm of duty statements A-C
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications:Experience Only:Four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this positionOREducation 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) yearsPreferred Qualifications:
Experience working within a locked facility
Experience providing psychoeducational groups
Previous State of Colorado employment
Preferred degrees or education areas include: psychology, social work, human services, counseling, criminal justice, sociology and education
Conditions of Employment:
Full background and reference checks 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.
Shall not initiate or engage in sexual, social, personal, or financial relationships with patients either during or at any time after hospitalization, even if the patient requests or initiates such a relationship. All relationships with current or former patients must be disclosed on your application
Successfully pass all modules of the CMHHIP New Employee Orientation core curriculum, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments, and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics
Possess the physical ability to complete hospital required physical intervention training and CPR
Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist
Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled containment to the floor
Withstand impact on own body using an ASP shield
Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for using a defensive tactic
Kneel on one or both knees and stand up again with multiple repetitions
Must be able to see and hear to observe, address, and respond to potential breaches in safety
Seize, hold, control, or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs, and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person, and/or restraint situations
Ability to read and comprehend the English language; effectively and fluently communicates in English, both verbally and in writing
Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold), which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings
Willing and able to travel;
2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
Annual Influenza vaccination
Other vaccinations as required by the State of Colorado
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) (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
Supplemental Information
How to apply to the State of Colorado (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuwGdPpOW0) (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)
The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#assessment-process)
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/
