Behavioral Health Specialist Assessment; Social Work​/Counselor IV), Administration Office

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 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 serving youth aged 10 to 21 who are pre‑adjudicated, sentenced, or committed.

DYS also contracts with private residential and non‑residential service providers throughout the state and administers juvenile parole services statewide.

The position serves as an on‑site assessment supervisor within the regional Assessment team. Duties include supervising SWIII/Assessment Specialists, coordinating with the Coordinator of Assessment, and administering and interpreting a range of criminogenic, mental health, trauma, and substance abuse screening and assessment tools. The supervisor ensures quality of work product, consistency across regions, and effective communication and delivery of new practices, while regularly completing assessments and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

• Supervision: Provide supervision and oversee technical and qualitative aspects of Assessment Services for the Western Region at Grand Mesa Youth Services Center and across the state. Train staff to policy and procedure standards, resolve grievances, manage schedules, participate in the disciplinary process, and review assessment reports for accuracy and timeliness.
• Program Development/Operational Oversight: Ensure reliable assessment practices, manage staffing rosters, coordinate training sessions, and collaborate with Clinical Directors and the Assessment Services Coordinator to review and update assessment practices.
• Formalized Assessment Practice: Conduct clinical interviews, criminogenic risk assessments, drug and alcohol screening, mental health evaluations, trauma assessment, and neuropsychological screenings. Administer YASI, JASAE, and UCLA PTSD‑RI, conduct family interviews, review collateral data, and incorporate findings into comprehensive assessment reports.
• Communication/Training: Provide clinical oversight, quality assurance, and direction on evaluation findings. Uphold effectiveness of current evaluation instruments and recommend practice and policy improvements. Participate in assessment‑related training topics.
• Other Duties as Assigned: This position is contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications and meeting organizational workforce requirements.

• Current, valid Colorado or state licensure participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC).
• Two (2) years of experience in a role that aligns with the responsibilities of this position while holding valid licensure.
• For supervisory roles, licensure must meet the legal requirements to perform supervisory responsibilities.

• Relatable experience as a current or previous Colorado State employee.

• Minimum 21 years of age, no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
• Full background check and reference check required.
• State of Colorado residency at the time of application and throughout employment.
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check for employees who drive state‑owned vehicles or travel for training.
• Valid, non‑restricted Colorado Driver’s License required; out‑of‑state license holders must obtain Colorado license within 30 days of start date.
• Mandatory completion of DYS Pre‑service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO), and annual training in all subject areas.
• Travel to assigned trainings and/or alternate work sites as needed.
• Diana Screen® sexual risk screening required for positions of trust with children and teens.
• Disclosed and explained former disciplinary terminations or resignations for former state employees.

• Retirement benefits…