Program Assistant II - Division of Youth Services (Education Services)
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Salary
$2,264.31 - $2,943.69 Biweekly
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IKA 01914 08/10/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OCYF (Office of Children, Youth & Families)
Opening Date
08/12/2026
Closing Date
8/26/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
4255 S Knox Ct, 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.
Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details! (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits)
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, assessment, 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 15 secure youth centers that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21 who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for managing and overseeing Colorado Youth Detention Continuum programs (SB 91-94), 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 DYS Education Office is responsible for delivering comprehensive educational services to adjudicated youth within a structured, supportive, and secure learning environment. The unit promotes high academic standards; the development of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and other 21st-century competencies; vocational and workforce readiness; and individual accountability for learning. Educational services include the provision and oversight of special education, general education, career and technical education, and post-secondary programming to ensure alignment with state standards and individualized student needs. The work unit is responsible for the budget and human resources processes for six sites and the oversight of contracts, educational products, all technology use and technology infrastructure for education.
The work unit provides professional consultation, guidance, and technical assistance to community-based programs and Division of Youth Services (DYS) facilities serving DYS youth. It establishes, coordinates, and sustains collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders responsible for delivering, supplementing, evaluating, or monitoring educational services to ensure quality, compliance, and continuous improvement to support youth academic growth.
About the Position:
This position serves as an individual contributor and the primary administrative and operational coordinator for the Division of Youth Services (DYS) Education Office. The position provides comprehensive program support in fiscal management, procurement, human resources, contract administration, technology, and office operations. Although the position does not supervise employees, it provides guidance to other education program assistants it independently coordinates statewide administrative processes, monitors work products and deadlines, interprets and applies State Fiscal Rules, State Personnel Rules, and departmental policies, and serves as a liaison between Education leadership and internal and external stakeholders.
The position supports the Education Director and Education Program Directors by coordinating business operations, monitoring fiscal and personnel activities, facilitating procurement and contract-administration processes, and maintaining systems that support statewide education programs. As an individual contributor, the position is accountable for the quality, accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of its assigned work and provides technical guidance and training to Education Office Coordinators and Program Assistants without exercising supervisory authority.
The position develops and implements standardized administrative procedures, tracking systems, templates, and training resources to improve consistency and accountability across the Education Office. It exercises independent judgment within established policies and delegated authority to coordinate competing priorities, research and resolve operational issues, and recommend process improvements. The position consults with the Education Director, assigned supervisor, or appropriate subject-matter expert when matters require program-level authority, formal policy interpretation, or decisions outside the position's delegated responsibility.
Summary of Duties:
Fiscal Management and Contract Monitoring
Serves as the primary administrative coordinator for budget monitoring, procurement, purchasing, contract documentation, and fiscal data tracking for the DYS Education Office and its five committed education programs. Maintains accurate fiscal records and works closely with the assigned budget analyst, Education Director, program leadership, accounting staff, procurement staff, vendors, and the CDHS Contract Office to monitor expenditures, spending plans, projects, purchasing activity, and available resources.
Develops and maintains budget projections using historical expenditures, current spending patterns, planned projects, known obligations, and anticipated program needs. Tracks federal and state budget lines, object codes, commodity codes, encumbrances, invoices, purchasing-card activity, project expenses, and spending deadlines. Reconciles fiscal records against CORE and other departmental records, researches discrepancies, and coordinates necessary corrections with the appropriate fiscal or accounting authority.
Coordinates procurement requests for the Education Office by reviewing documentation for completeness, confirming that funding has been identified, researching applicable purchasing requirements, and routing requests to the authorized approving authority. Provides technical assistance to staff regarding purchasing methods, required documentation, allowable expenses, vendor payments, travel reimbursement, and applicable deadlines.
Monitors contracts, purchase orders, invoices, vendor payments, and project deliverables to identify missing documentation, processing delays, incorrect charges, or other compliance concerns. Serves as the primary point of contact between the Education Office, vendors, contractors, accounting, procurement, and the Contract Office for routine fiscal and contract-administration matters. Complex issues, contract modifications, disputed terms, and matters requiring formal fiscal authority are presented to the Education Director, assigned budget analyst, procurement staff, Contract Office, or other authorized official.
Prepares monthly and ad hoc financial reports, projections, spending summaries, and project updates for Education Office leadership. Identifies emerging spending concerns, explains significant variances, and recommends administrative actions to support short- and long-range planning. Maintains procurement and fiscal records in accordance with State Fiscal Rules, State Procurement Code, CDHS and DYS procedures, contract requirements, grant or federal funding conditions, record-retention requirements, and guidance from authorized fiscal staff.
Office Operations and Program Coordination
Serves as the primary administrative and operational coordinator for the Division of Youth Services (DYS) Education Office, supporting the Education Director and Education Program Directors in the administration of statewide education programs. Coordinates daily business operations by managing executive calendars, scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and supporting materials, documenting meeting outcomes, monitoring action items, and ensuring timely completion of program initiatives and organizational priorities.
Coordinates administrative processes supporting general education, special education, career and technical education, postsecondary education, and other statewide initiatives. Researches administrative issues, interprets and applies State and departmental policies and procedures, develops standardized office processes, and recommends operational improvements that enhance efficiency, consistency, and compliance. Serves as the primary resource for Education Office administrative operations by coordinating technology resources, official functions, professional development activities, office communications, and administrative systems while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to support program objectives.
Human Resources and Program Data Tracking
Serves as the primary administrative coordinator for confidential human resources processes and workforce data tracking within the DYS Education Office. Coordinates and monitors personnel actions throughout the employment cycle, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, position changes, performance management, employee separation, and offboarding. Initiates and tracks Personnel Action Forms (PAFs) and eClearance actions, reviews documentation for completeness and accuracy, monitors approval timelines, and communicates with supervisors, appointing authorities, and Human Resources to address outstanding requirements or discrepancies.
Maintains centralized tracking systems for vacancies, recruitment activity, personnel actions, required licenses, performance management deadlines, position allocations, and other workforce information. Analyzes data to identify missing documentation, approaching deadlines, processing delays, and inconsistencies across Education Office, Human Resources, and eClearance records. Prepares status reports for Education Office leadership and recommends follow-up actions to keep personnel processes moving forward.
Coordinates administrative components of recruitment and selection processes by preparing vacancy documentation, tracking posting and referral timelines, coordinating subject-matter expert reviews and interview materials, and providing procedural guidance to hiring managers and panel members. Ensures recruitment records, scoring materials, and selection documentation are complete, consistent, confidential, and submitted according to applicable requirements.
Other Duties as Assigned
Any other duties as assigned as needed
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Important Note: Please review your application to ensure completion. *Please note: RESUMES will not be accepted in lieu of a complete application. Applications with no work history will be failed for being incomplete.
Minimum Qualifications
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Five (5) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
~ Or ~
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to five (5) years
Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to work under tight deadlines and be adaptable to changing assignments
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint)
Ability to interpret complex rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines
Experience working with confidential information
Critical and analytical thinking skills
Ability to take initiative to solve problems in an innovative manner;
Strong attention to technical detail and accuracy;
Ability to work effectively in both independent and team situations;
Exceptional customer service and ability to develop and maintain professional relationships Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Highly organized
Relevant Years of State Experience
Conditions of Employment:
Be a minimum of 21 years of age
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.
Must travel to training events and shadowing events and other state DYS facilities
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.
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 (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#how-to-apply)
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support
The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#assessment-process)
For additional recruiting questions, please contactisaac.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/
