SOCIAL WORK/COUNSELOR III- CMHHIP
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Salary
$83,448.00 - $116,820.00 Annually
Location
Pueblo, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IIB 03755 08/28/26
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OBH - CMHIP
Opening Date
08/28/2026
Closing Date
9/20/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
ellie.cassio@state.co.us
Primary Physical Work Address
In person position not eligible for remote work reporting to: Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo, 1600 W. 24th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003
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.
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. This work unit exists to provide inpatient psychiatric evaluations and treatment for severely emotionally disturbed and/or cognitively impaired older adults who cannot be safely or adequately treated in the community. The treatment program is designed to eliminate symptoms and behaviors of patients such as suicidality, assaultiveness, psychosis, depression and agitation which make them a danger to themselves or others, or gravely disabled, although the majority of patients are hospitalized with a forensic legal status. The purpose is to increase their mental health capacity in order to return them to their community to live safe, productive lives. Direct treatment utilizing individual, family, group work and psycho-educational treatment is provided.
Description of Job
You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the CMHHIP Campus
Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change.
About the Position:
This position exists to provide therapeutic interventions including psychosocial therapies, individual, family and group treatment to severely emotionally disturbed/cognitively impaired patients and their families. This position completes assessments and disposition planning, interagency communication with residential care facilities, social services, community mental centers, etc., to ensure continued appropriate level services following discharge. Individualizes psychosocial therapy approaches to meet the specific needs of the patient population. Provide training and consultation to other professional staff. Duties in the position include: Assessments:
Completes a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment of patients being admitted for inpatient psychiatric treatment
Interviews the patient assuring that assessment data is as reliable as possible, that the patient is engaged in a supportive and educative manner, that confidentiality is maximized, and that symptoms and behaviors are thoroughly evaluated and handled in a sensitive and safe manner
Contacts/ engages parents/ family members, significant others, guardians, and referring agency personnel to interview and obtain relevant collateral and supporting information to enhance the understanding and dynamics of the patient's situation
Completes the Colorado Client Assessment Record (CCAR) and the bio-psychosocial component of the hospital's Integrated Initial Assessment document
Completes re-assessments of the patient's situation and response to treatment as frequently as daily and documents patient progress in progress notes, weekly progress notes, and treatment plan reviews
Collaborates with and inform team members of relevant assessment information
Community Reintegration:
Coordinates discharge planning through evaluation and assessment of patient's needs as they relate to available community resources and exploring and mobilizing those resources
Is the liaison between hospital and community agencies. Identifies and chooses appropriate community placements and treatment programs
Provides case management by making appropriate referrals to community agencies, networking and directing reciprocal relationships with community agencies, Social Security, Social Services, Court system, jails, DOC, probation, parole, DYC, attorneys, CMHC, CCB, nursing, boarding, and group homes, individuals and families
Attends meetings with the above-mentioned agencies
Treatment Planning:
Participates in the direction and formulation of treatment plans and reviews
Collaborates with multidisciplinary treatment team by recommending and designing treatment interventions, which meet patient and family education and therapeutic needs
Provides required documentation
Psychosocial Education:
Assesses patient and family education needs and identifies readiness to learn, motivation, strengths, and barriers to the learning process
Provides ongoing psycho/social education that is relevant to individual, social, and environmental factors and medical regimens to enhance mental health growth and stability
Educates patients and families regarding related symptoms of their disorders, symptom management, risk factors, relapse prevention, and level of care needs
Provides required and necessary documentation of the above
Treatment
Conducts individual, group, and family therapy sessions using social work theories and concepts relevant to the needs and pathology of patients and their families, considering their age, ethnic, cultural, religious, and sexual issues to affect behavioral change and reduce symptoms in the patient and the family
Interprets treatment issues, problems, expectations, and changes in behavior for patients and their families
Assesses and documents the effectiveness of specific interventions toward meeting the goals and objectives of treatment
Guides milieu staff by modeling patient interventions, recommending practice and patient "homework" assignments that they may implement
Develops a therapeutic alliance with the patient and family to secure their understanding and participation in the treatment process
Provides information and education to patients and family and/or community providers about mental illness and treatment and/or refer to relevant resources to enhance their understanding of of patient's ongoing concerns and needs
Professional Development and Other Duties as Assigned:
Participates in orientation, educational workshops, social work discipline meetings, and training to assure and maintain competency in the provision of social work and treatment services
Provides consultation and training regarding social work services and clinical issues on a functional basis with clinical staff and discipline members
Participates in clinical and administrative supervision to enhance, ensure, and confirm skills, knowledge, competency, and understanding of assigned cases and team, discipline, and hospital processes
Perform other duties as assigned
.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications:
Current, valid Colorado 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
One (1) 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
MSW in Social Work
Knowledge of casework methods, techniques, and their applications to work problems
Knowledge of the principles of human growth and behavior, basic sociological and psychological treatment and therapy practices
Knowledge of interviewing skills and techniques
Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing
Ability to use interviewing skills and techniques effectively
Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions
Conditions of Employment:
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 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 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 CMHIP 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, MANDT 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 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
Travel -Willing and able to travel
2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
Annual influenza vaccination
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) (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)
The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#assessment-process)
For additional recruiting questions, please contact ellie.cassio@state.co.us
About Us:
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/
