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

Department Information

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

The recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies at the locations below. The Division of Youth Services (DYS) operates fifteen secure facilities that serve 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.

DYS provides a continuum of residential and non‑residential services encompassing juvenile detention, commitment, and parole. The Division is statutorily mandated to provide care and supervision for youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services.

The purpose of this position is to serve as an on‑site assessment supervisor within the regional Assessment team. Duties include supervision of SWIII/Assessment Specialist, coordination with the Coordinator of Assessment, and administration and interpretation of criminogenic, mental health, trauma, and substance abuse screening and assessment tools. The role also involves providing supervision to ensure quality of work product, consistency across regions, and effective communication and delivery of new practices.

• Supervise and oversee the technical and qualitative aspects of Assessment Services for the Western Region at Grand Mesa Youth Services Center and support other areas across the state. This includes training staff to relevant standards, resolving informal grievances, creating and monitoring schedules, participating in disciplinary processes, providing training, investigating personnel issues, and coordinating with the Coordinator of Assessment. Review and track all assessment reports for accuracy and timely completion.
• Ensure oversight and application of reliable assessment practices for consistency across regions. Review staffing rosters, ensure timely scheduling and completion of paperwork within the required 30‑day period, and collaborate with the Coordinator of Assessment to guarantee participation and completion of required training. Research and coordinate training sessions to promote Assessment Specialist job development.
• Conduct clinical interviews, criminogenic risk assessments, drug and alcohol screening and assessments, mental health evaluations, trauma assessment, and neuropsychological screenings on juvenile offenders. Administer and interpret the Youth Assessment and Screening Inventory (YASI), Juvenile Automated Substance Abuse Evaluation (JASAE), and UCLA PTSD‑RI. Conduct family interviews, review collateral data, and incorporate information into the finalized assessment report.
• Provide clinical oversight, expertise, and quality assurance regarding evaluation findings for juveniles committed to DYS. Maintain effectiveness of evaluation instruments and recommend improvements to statewide assessment practices and policies. Participate in training topics related to assessment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

License and Experience

• Current, valid Colorado or state participation in the Social Work Licensure Compact documentation as a:
  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
• Two (2) years of experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact in work related to this position.
• For supervisory positions, licensure must meet the legal requirements to perform supervisory responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Conditions of Employment

• Minimum of 21 years of age; no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
• Full background and reference checks required.
• State of Colorado residency required at the time of application and throughout employment.
• Valid, non‑restricted Colorado Driver’s License or non‑restricted U.S. Driver’s License for positions within 30 miles of the state…