Temporary THERAPY ASSISTANT I - Fitzsimons Veterans Community Living Center - Aurora
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Salary
$1,787.20 Biweekly
Location
Aurora, CO
Job Type
Temporary Full Time (9 mos or less)
Job Number
ILG 80011 08/26/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OAADS - Colorado State Veterans Home at Fitzsimons
Opening Date
08/26/2026
Closing Date
9/7/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
Fitzsimons Veterans Living Center 1919 Quentin Street Aurora, CO 80045
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Christine Koter - christine.koter@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, part-time and full-time.
Office of Adult, Aging and Disability Services
Colorado Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons
Colorado Veterans Community Living Center (VCLC) at Fitzsimons is a beautiful 180-bed, skilled nursing facility serving Colorado's veterans. We strive to honor and respect those living in our community through companionship and person-centered care while providing a comfortable and safe place to live. At Fitzsimons, we provide long-term care, short-term rehab, and have a secured memory care neighborhood, and are conveniently located on the medical campus with UC Hospital and the Aurora VA Medical Center. Fitzsimons celebrates a low 14% staff turnover rate and substantial longevity among staff.
Visit us online at: www.colorado.gov/cdhs/veteranshomes/fitzsimons
Description of Job
You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times . The shifts covered by this posting will be Sunday - Thursday and Friday - Tuesday.
Please note: Shifts and work arrangements are subject to change based on the needs of the facility.
The Therapy Assistant I will plan, organize, and facilitate a program of activities to meet the cultural, social, educational, recreational, psychological, physical, and spiritual needs and interests of the residents of your assigned neighborhood(s). To afford the resident personal enjoyment and satisfaction and to develop a feeling of usefulness and belonging. To encourage each resident to strive for restoration to self-care, maintenance of resumption of normal activities, and maintenance of an optimal level of psychosocial function. To promote opportunities to engage in normal pursuits, including religious activities of the residents' choice. To assist the facility in acknowledging and providing an individualized leisure routine that meets each individual needs.
Additionally, as a Therapy Assistant I, you can expect to:
Receive direction from supervisor and then plan and facilitate recreational programs that are designed to meet the interests and needs of each individual resident and/or neighborhood
Prepares the recreation calendar for the neighborhood and presents it to the supervisor for approval. Programs will be varied to meet a variety of residents' individual interests, which may include cognitive, recreation, physical groups, spiritual experience, and creative endeavors. Prepares and facilitates daily groups for the neighborhood assigned
Completes documentation of daily attendance/refusals of recreation programs for neighborhoods assigned. Documents residents' daily independent pursuits. Documents 1-to-1 therapeutic programming visits to predetermined care plan goal/response as developed by the Clinical Therapists
Provides 1-to-1 therapeutic programming to residents with decreased ability to interact with their environment as care planned by the Clinical Therapist, which may include hand massage, sensory stimulation, wheelchair walks, visits about the facility, utilization of the sensory cart, artistic expression, etc.
Coordinates activity program times, content, and location with nursing services, housekeeping, and dietary staff. Organizes kitchen requests for special functions with the dietary department and linen requests through laundry services. Acquires supplies needed for programs. Maintains purchasing card within state and facility guidelines and within budget for the department.
Conducts outings of choice by the residents and ensures safety of the residents while outside the facility
Attends staff meetings, in-services, and all other meetings relative to the position. Attends committee meetings as assigned. Completes Cornerstone and Relias assignments
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Experience Only:
None
OR
Education and Experience:
None
Conditions of Employment:
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 Check
Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License; Out-of-State Driver's License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License within 30 days of the employment start date
Pre-employment Physical/Tests: TB Test
May be required to travel/transport residents in state vehicles
Must be able to work weekends. Shifts can vary based on resident programming demands of the day.
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.
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 standardised testing.
Your Work Experience/Job Duties
Document your work experience/job duties to the extent that 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 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) (YouTube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)
The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#assessment-process)
About Us:
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. 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/
