The Behavioral Health & Medical Services work unit exists to ensure that appropriate and comprehensive assessment, medical, psychiatry, dental, mental health, psychological, neuropsychological, substance use and sex offense specific services are provided to the Division of Youth Services’ (DYS) detained and committed youth. The unit ensures the health needs of youth involved in DYS are addressed.
The DYS Director’s Office provides global administration of the operations of all State-operated institutions, privately contracted residential and non-residential program services and centrally managed programming. The Director’s Office allocates resources consisting of DYS Central Administration, Behavioral Health and Medical Services, Education Services, Training and Staff Development, Food Services, Research and Evaluation, Quality Assurance, Contract Management, Bed Management, Colorado Detention Youth Continuum (Alternatives to Incarceration) and Information Technology Services. Primary administrative functions of the Director’s Office include: crafting and executing short-term and long-term planning initiatives to address Division-wide current and future resource needs, sustaining communication with the Governor’s Office, Legislature, Legislative Staff, Courts and other State Departments, conducting reviews to establish and monitor standards for provision of service and care, developing policies and procedures, generating and for program development, collaborating with internal and external service agencies and stakeholders and providing system support to DYS associated programs and centrally managed programming.
The purpose of this position:
The Behavioral Health Program Coordinator supports statewide efforts to strengthen the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of behavioral health services across Division of Youth Services facilities by developing, refining, and implementing behavioral health practices, training materials, and communication tools aligned with DYS policy, NCCHC standards, the Colorado Children’s Code, and evidence-informed approaches. In carrying out this responsibility, the Coordinator is relied upon by management to assign work, prioritize work activities, and establish annual and monthly work plans that ensure assigned deliverables are completed despite routine or shifting deadlines. The position analyzes areas where existing processes may create inefficiencies and makes operational decisions to amend or redesign workflows to improve program implementation and staff performance. The Coordinator collaborates with facility leadership and the BHMS Central Office to promote program fidelity, support workforce competency, and ensure consistent use of the electronic health record, applying analytical judgment to tailor guidelines to specific circumstances. While the role independently adjusts processes and work plans to meet operational needs, new or system-wide changes require approval from higher-level leadership.
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.
Job Duties:
Supervision and Leadership:
The Behavioral Health Program Coordinator provides supervisory leadership to Behavioral Health and Medical Services staff by establishing work schedules, monitoring workflow, assigning workloads, and ensuring employees receive necessary training to support consistent, evidence-informed service delivery. The position ensures the quality and quantity of performance meet program objectives and works with staff to resolve practice challenges, strengthen competencies, and promote alignment with DYS policy, NCCHC standards, the Colorado Children’s Code, and trauma-responsive principles. The Coordinator develops and reviews performance plans, evaluates employee performance, and addresses performance issues, disputes, and informal grievances, initiating corrective actions when appropriate. The role manages personnel processes by reviewing and approving leave and timekeeping (KRONOS), recommending promotions, signing personnel action forms, and leading the hiring process—including providing subject-matter expertise during comparative analysis, interviewing applicants, and making hire decisions. The Coordinator maintains current knowledge of Department and statewide policies to ensure supervisory decisions support program fidelity, workforce competency, and the effective implementation of behavioral health practices across the Division
Program Development and Implementation:
The Behavioral Health Program Coordinator ensures that behavioral health programming, policies, and procedures across state-operated facilities align with DYS standards, NCCHC requirements, and the DYS Treatment Model. The role coordinates clinical and operational processes, supports interdisciplinary teams, and promotes consistent use of the electronic health record. The position makes operational decisions within established professional standards, available resources, and program objectives set by higher management. Responsibilities require analyzing complex clinical and operational issues and applying established theories, principles, and models to design or adapt processes that meet facility needs. The Coordinator exercises analytical judgment to tailor guidelines to specific circumstances, while new or system-wide processes require approval from higher-level leadership.
Live Observation and Fidelity Monitoring:
The Behavioral Health Program Coordinator conducts live observations of behavioral health services to assess fidelity to the DYS Treatment Model and ensure consistency in service delivery across youth centers. Observations of individual and group sessions, treatment team meetings, and other interventions are used to evaluate adherence to evidence-informed practices, documentation expectations, and professional standards. The position makes operational-level decisions by identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and training needs, and by providing structured feedback to Behavioral Health Specialists and facility leadership. Observational findings inform program-level decisions that support program fidelity, statewide training priorities, and alignment with DYS policy, NCCHC standards, and trauma-informed care principles. The Manager applies analytical judgment to tailor recommendations to facility needs and contribute to continuous quality improvement across the Division.
Other Duties As Assigned
