Behavioral Health Specialist; Social Work​/Counselor IV - Campus at Mount View

Department Information

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Please note:

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

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.

DYS also contracts with numerous private residential and non‑residential service providers throughout the State. For pre‑adjudicated youth, DYS is 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.

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The mission of DYS is to effectively build skills and competencies of youth to become responsible citizens. Behavioral Health Specialists (BHS) are responsible for providing evidence‑based and research‑supported therapeutic intervention services to youth committed and detained with DYS. BHS are expected to provide therapeutic care and support opportunities for growth and change for youth and their caregivers, ensuring healthy and successful reintegration back into communities.

The work unit provides services that include support of clinical services, development of strength‑based treatment plans, individual, family, and group therapy, and thorough knowledge and training regarding HIPAA, confidentiality, transition, and integration of care within a multi‑disciplinary approach.

The Social Worker/Counselor IV provides consistent training, functional leadership, and day‑to‑day guidance related to mental health services, substance use interventions, and behavioral strategies within the facility. The role supports the Clinical Director by reinforcing the DYS treatment model and Sanctuary principles across interdisciplinary teams, including transition services, client management, medical, special education, security, and administrative staff. As a Behavioral Health Specialist, the incumbent remains current on emerging research, best practices, and evidence‑based approaches relevant to complex mental health needs, behavioral interventions, and sensory‑based strategies used in youth treatment settings.

• Within the first seven days of a youth’s arrival, thoroughly assess the youth’s mental health needs by reviewing files and making initial and collateral contacts as appropriate.
• Maintain a caseload and provide oversight of Behavioral Health Specialists assigned to individual youth.
• Conduct individual, group, and family therapeutic interventions using evidence‑based treatment theories and curricula.
• Provide 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.
• Address substance use, psychoeducation, mental health issues, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, sensory integration, and offense‑specific services for sexually abusive or violent youth.
• Treat youth considering their age, ethnic, cultural, religious, and sexual identity issues, aiming to reduce complex co‑occurring needs and risk to community and symptoms.
• Use behavioral interventions, sensory integration, CBT, and motivational interviewing to treat youth, interpret behavioral changes, and anticipate treatment issues.
• Use a strengths‑based and holistic approach.
• Document and assess the effectiveness of specific interventions toward meeting objectives and goals of the treatment plan.
• Collaborate with the medical team and psychiatrist regarding…