Behavioral Health Specialist, Social Work/Counselor III - Prairie Vista Youth Services Center
Listed on 2026-03-01
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Social Work
Mental Health, Family Advocacy & Support Services, Psychology, Crisis Counselor -
Healthcare
Mental Health, Family Advocacy & Support Services, Psychology, Crisis Counselor
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Please note:
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies at the locations below.
Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!
Division of Youth Services - Prairie Vista
Youth Services Center
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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
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.
This position functions as a mental health counselor. It provides mental health and case management services to committed and detained youth in the Division of Youth Services. Services include clinical assessment, monitoring medication effectiveness, individual, group, family, and milieu therapies, suicide risk assessment and monitoring, report writing, and mental health service coordination with a Multi‑Disciplinary Team (MDT) of experts.
This position exists to provide mental health/crisis management services for a DYS detained/committed youth. DYS youth often have behavioral and/or psychiatric problems resulting from trauma‑related issues such as neglect, abuse, or severe family problems. This position provides individual, group and if applicable family services to this population, using the approved DYS Evidence‑Based Curricula.
Job Duties Provide Treatment- Maintains a caseload and conducts individual, group, and family therapy sessions using evidence‑based treatment theories in mental health treatment for adolescents.
- Maintains a clear understanding of adolescent development and appropriate interventions for this population.
- Uses theories relevant to the needs of the youth and their individual history, considering their age, ethnic, cultural, religious and sexual issues to effect behavior change. Interpret treatment issues, problems, expectation, and changes in behavior for residents and families.
- Document and assess the effectiveness of specific interventions toward program progression and youth stabilization.
- Provides therapeutic services for substance abuse, mental health issues, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, and specific services for sexually abusive or violent youth, taking into account protective factors.
- Provides therapeutic services using a strength‑based approach and a holistic manner.
- Collaborates with the medical team and psychiatrist regarding psychotropic medication assessment or continuation to aid in youth stability.
- Collaborates with educational/vocational systems to ensure appropriate academic services are provided.
- Seeks out additional resources as necessary to ensure the best approach to treating the youth based on their developmental and neurocognitive ability.
- Provides therapy 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…
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