JOB
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies .Division of Youth Services - Spring Creek Youth Services Center 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, 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 fifteen secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. The Division also contracts with numerous private residential and non-residential service providers throughout the State. For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of Colorado Youth Detention Continuum, 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
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
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 timeSummary of Work Unit: It is the mission of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) to effectively build skills and competencies of youth to become responsible citizens. The Social Work series and other identified Behavioral Health Specialists employed by the facility are responsible for providing evidenced based and research supported therapeutic intervention services to youth committed and detained with the Division of Youth Services. Behavioral Health Specialists are expected to provide for the therapeutic care of and support opportunities for growth and change for youth and their caregivers, to ensure healthy and successful reintegration back into our communities. This position provides consistent leadership and management around mental health and substance abuse services and behavioral interventions in the facility. These positions maintain and support the DYS treatment model and Sanctuary principles with transition staff, client management, mental health services, medical, special education, security staff and administration as needed. As a Behavioral Health Specialist within our facility, they are expected to remain current on literature and research in the field, especially as relates to emerging practices with complex mental health populations and behavioral and sensory interventions.About the Position: The Social Worker/Counselor IV serves as the Behavioral Health Lead for the facility and functions as the Youth Center Training Officer (YCTO) for Behavioral Health Services. The role also provides oversight for substance use psychoeducation services and the internship/practicum program. This position provides behavioral health clinical services to committed and detained youth who present with complex mental health needs, trauma histories, substance use concerns, aggression, and related behavioral issues. All services are delivered in accordance with DORA requirements and established mental health standards, including clinical assessment, service planning, individual and group counseling, documentation, and multidisciplinary service coordination. This position is designed to provide onsite services and is not authorized to deliver remote services unless explicitly approved by the Associate Director of Behavioral Health and Medical Services, the Director of Behavioral Health Operations, or their designeeThis position provides direct services to youth, including individual and group services as well as oversight of daily behavioral health services and is responsible to ensure transition planning and continuity of services upon discharge are taking place. This unit understands behaviors of adolescents and can treat the youth from the perspective of lowering the risks and increasing protective factors the youth present with and addressing the relationship between substance abuse issues and behavior. This position is skilled in the use of a strength-based perspective, systems theory, trauma informed care, and behavioral approaches. As a Social Worker/ Counselor IV this position supports and provides oversight for other Behavioral Health Specialists and Clinical Interns by providing enhanced services to complex youth, consulting to provide guidance on behavioral interventions for youth, and provides in the moment coaching to assist in the professional growth of less experienced behavioral health specialists.Summary of Duties: Provide Assessment and Treatment Within the first seven days of a youth’s arrival, this position will thoroughly assess a youth’s mental health needs by reviewing the youth’s main and medical files and making initial and collateral contacts as appropriate. Maintains a caseload and will provide oversight of Behavioral Health Specialists assigned to individual youth. Conducts individual, group, and family therapeutic interventions using evidence-based treatment theories and curricula. Provides counseling in accordance with training and expertise gained through specific training and knowledge of DORA standards and the Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health (OCFMH) expectations. Therapeutic intervention service needs include substance use, psychoeducation, mental health issues, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, sensory integration, and offense specific services for sexually abusive or violent youth. Behavioral health services are relevant to the needs of the youth and the individual needs and protective factors, considering their age, ethnic, cultural, religious and sexual identity issues, to affect behavior change and the reduction of complex co-occurring needs and risk to community and symptoms in the individual and family.Treatment is provided using DYS treatment model. Use of behavioral interventions, sensory integration and modalities, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing techniques with youth are used. Interpret treatment issues, needs, expectations, and changes in behavior for residents and families.Treatment is provided using strengths-based approach and holistic manner.Document and assess the effectiveness of specific interventions toward meeting the objectives and goals of the treatment plan. Treatment - incorporates and addresses the youth’s risk, needs and protective factors and how criminal conduct, trauma histories, substance abuse and mental health issues are related. Collaborate with the medical team and psychiatrist regarding psychotropic medication use in treatment and collaborate with primary BHS on assessing needs for medication if appropriate.Collaborate with client manager and primary BHS to assist in developing wrap around transition and aftercare services for the youth nearing parole / discharge to support sobriety. Collaborate with educational/vocational systems to ensure appropriate academic services are provided, and work with the school Behavioral Health Specialist in ensuring consistent behavior interventions for youth who may be struggling in the school environment. Seek out additional resources as necessary to ensure the best approach to treatment with the youth based on their developmental and neurocognitive ability. Therapeutic interventions are provided in a manner that is consistent with the youth’s ability, taking into account any necessary modification needed as a result of trauma, substance abuse, brain injury and mental health disorders.This position supports agency services of individualized services using cognitive behavioral based interventions, sensory modulation, Sanctuary model and Motivational Interviewing.Facilitation of daily groups, assessment of progress, barriers to progress, collaboration with multidisciplinary team members, communication of pertinent information to primary BHS, milieu staff and education, and documentation of all case management and therapeutic services in the electronic record system by the end of next business day.Documents summary of progress in monthly treatment plans for youth on caseload. Documents all assessments, sessions, court reports, transition plans, community passes and staffing sessions.Communicates effectively in verbal and written formats, that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in working with juveniles who have substance abuse, mental health and behavioral health issues. Is able to elaborate on needs, protective factors, progress and barriers to progress in a manner that is understandable to all audiences and partners, to include family, client management, education staff, parole boards, private providers, courts, etc. Conducts all mental health services in accordance with DORA and OCFMH standards in order to mitigate risk and improve overall health. Services provided are at an advanced level based on licensing and experience in the substance abuse field, relevant to current research and best practice principles.Training and/or Supervision: This position supervises programming components which include the Behavioral Program (level system), Chronic Disease Protocol, Substance Use Services, Mental health Services, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Responsive environments, Practicum, and Internship program. In conjunction with the CTL, develops and conducts training for milieu staff and/or BHS.This position is responsible for the training and development of interns; this position is an Individual Contributor that is responsible for oversight for mental health services.This position also makes recommendations, and evaluates treatment cases based on practice, theory, or principle, and experience at an advanced level confirmed by licensing with oversight from CLT. Utilizes a strength-based approach to assisting in professional development and addressing performance concerns. This position provides training specific to procedures that have been developed to ensure that policy standards are met and specifically to further develop the team in its competency and in the area of family engagement. This position provides consultation to the direct care staff to develop and maintain programming that promotes a trauma informed environment.Other duties as assigned
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
How to apply to the State of ColoradoThe Assessment ProcessFor additional recruiting questions, please contact
[email protected] Us & BenefitsIf your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (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 plansMedical and dental health plansEmployer supplemented Health Savings AccountPaid life insuranceShort- and long-term disability coverage11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leaveState of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource CenterEmployee Wellness programExcellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and moreRemote work arrangements for eligible positions*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.Our ValuesWe 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 AccommodationsCDHS 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
[email protected] Statement: The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employerWe 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 SupportIf 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.
