Clinical Security Officer I - Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan (Denver)
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Salary
$27.64 Hourly
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IIC 07310 08/21/26
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OBH - CMHIFL
Opening Date
08/21/2026
Closing Date
9/4/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan 3520 W. Oxford Ave Denver, CO 80236
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
curtis.padilla@state.co.us
Salary Note
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
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.
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CDHSCareers
About Us:
The Colorado Mental Health Hospital at Fort Logan (CMHHIFL) is expanding our hospital by adding 16 forensic beds to our current 138 patient beds. This expansion will assist in our mission of providing Colorado with the best behavioral health care available. CMHHIFL is dedicated to meeting the needs of the community by providing mental health treatment to the adult population in the metro area. The mission of CMHHIFL is to provide the highest quality mental health services to adults with complex, serious and persistent mental illness within the resources available. CMHHIFL is dedicated to promoting Trauma Informed Care and promoting the implementation of Trauma Informed Practices within the organization
*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs
Our Culture & Environment
We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans. 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.
Description of Job
Location: 3520 W Oxford Avenue, Denver, CO 80236 Full-Time & Part-time, On-Site
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies and shifts.
This is an in-person position requiring shift work
About the this unit: The Safety Department exists to maintain the safety and security of the CMHHIFL campus. Duties of the Safety Department include maintaining a safe environment for patients, personnel, and visitors, providing assistance to the clinical staff in the various @types of patient treatment programs, assisting with the management of aggressive/assaultive individuals, and monitoring and evaluating the impact of applicable laws and regulations. The Safety Department staff follows accepted practices including policies and procedures. The department supports patient care and the safety of buildings, grounds, equipment, occupants, and internal physical systems. This work unit reports and resolves situations that pose a threat to life, health, or property.
Job Assignment / Purpose of Position: This position exists to ensure a safe work environment through application of and adherence to CMHHIFL/CDHS policies, Joint Commission Standards, Life Safety Codes, and Colorado Revised Statutes. The position responds to crisis situations (i.e physical or verbal assaults against persons or property, suicidal behavior) following hospital policies and procedures, assists nursing and clinical staff to ensure a safe and therapeutic environment. This position assists with environmental safety checks and on unit/campus transports to treatment programming and meals.
Job Duties:
Safety and Support Services:
Respond to hospital staff requests for assistance.
Performs supportive actions and approved physical intervention techniques, as necessary.
Maintain safety and security throughout the hospital by responding to psychiatric emergencies and non-emergency situations.
Exercise sound judgment and emotional control when evaluating possible risk while taking into consideration the physical and mental well-being of all patients and staff. Participate in defusing and debriefing all incidents.
Actively uses effective communication skills, Verbal Defense Interventions (VDI) skills and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) skills when interacting with patients and staff in a positive and respectful manner.
Support patient transport needs when appropriate.
Patrol and Observation/ Rounding:
Provide hospital security and enforcement by patrol and observation designed to detect, prevent and control security incidents at CMHHIFL.
Document reports of criminal activity.
Provide traffic surveillance and parking control.
Maintain hospital safety via routine physical checks.
Perform monthly safety inspections of clinical units.
Identify security violations and safety hazards and take necessary actions to correct the problem (i.e. initiation of work orders, contact DFM personnel, reporting to appropriate person, etc.)
Perform monthly fire drills and evaluate staff to insure efficient training.
Transports:
Transport/escort clients and staff to and from various locations on and off hospital grounds (i.e. Admissions, medical appointments, court, CMHIP, etc.)
Perform entries into various security-sensitive areas (After-Hours Pharmacy, Central Medical Supply, Medical Records, Finance/Safe, etc.) with/without staff assistance.
Police Liaisons:
Communicates with other police agencies, acting as liaison between Fort Logan and police and sheriff department around the metro area, the State, and the Nation
Other Duties as assigned:
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Applicants must meet all of the following qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience must be specifically documented in the "Work Experience" section of your application, resumes will not be reviewed.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
Substitutions:
None
Preferred Qualifications:
College education in a behavioral health and or justice related field.
Experience working with adjudicated and/or detained within a secure residential facility and/or a behavioral health setting;
Experience facilitating psychoeducational groups; Education/experience working with adolescents who have trauma;
Experience utilizing verbal de-escalation and motivational techniques.
Highly Desirable Competencies
Skilled in conflict management.
Strong work ethic, integrity and dependability.
Sound judgment and decision making skills.
Self control, composure and the ability to manage stressful situations.
Ability to verbally communicate clearly and willingness to do so respectfully
Ability to identify and act on changes, inappropriate activity, hazards or potential security breaches and verbally communicate pertinent information.
Ability to study information and recount events in a written, factual, concise, and legible method.
Work Schedule:
Shift work-Varying shifts at 24/7 facility.
Conditions of Employment:
A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process as this position is deemed to have direct contact with vulnerable persons. Felony convictions, conviction of crimes of moral turpitude, or convictions of misdemeanors related to job duties may disqualify you from being considered for this position. Should your background check reveal any charges or convictions, it is your responsibility to provide the CDHS Background Unit with an official disposition of any charges.
Current and Valid unrestricted Colorado Driver's License or non-restricted U.S. Driver License for positions within 30miles of CO state border.
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.
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 be 21 years of age or older
May be required to provide local transport for patient care
Travel to assigned trainings and/or work sites
Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare.
Must take and pass a Tuberculosis (TB) test
Shall not initiate or engage in sexual, social, personal or financial relationships with patients either during or 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 CMHHIFL 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 successfully complete CPI and CPR; · Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist; · Stabilize another person to accomplish a take down. Must be able to see and hear in order 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;
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
How to apply to the State of Colorado (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuwGdPpOW0)
The Assessment Process
For additional recruiting questions, please contact curtis.padilla@state.co.us
About Us & Benefits:
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining 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. 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 www.copera.org plus 401(k) and 457 plans
Medical and dental health plans
Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
BenefitHub state employee discount program
Employee Wellness program (https://coloradostateofhealth.com/)
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. For more
information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs .
Our Values:
We believe in a people-first approach:
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.
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
ADAA 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 (EEO Statement):
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.
Toll-Free Applicant Technical Support (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#technical-support)
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/
