Behavioral Health Specialist, Social Work​/Counselor III - Platte Valley Youth Services Center

Behavioral Health Specialist, Social Work / Counselor III – Platte Valley Youth Services Center

2 days ago – Be among the first 25 applicants

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking a licensed behavioral health specialist to provide evidence‑based therapeutic interventions to youth who are committed and retained in our facility. The role requires ongoing collaboration with medical, special‑education, security, and administrative staff to ensure comprehensive mental‑health support and successful reintegration into the community.

• Maintain a caseload and conduct individual, group, and family therapy sessions using evidence‑based treatment theories for adolescents.
• Conduct thorough clinical assessments, including DSM‑5 diagnostics, medication monitoring, and suicide‑risk evaluation.
• Document and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in the Fusion Electronic Health Record system.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, medical teams, educational/vocational systems, and the Multi‑Disciplinary Team (MDT) to coordinate care and medication management.
• Provide strength‑based, trauma‑informed care with a focus on cultural, ethnic, and developmental considerations.
• Engage family/caregivers in treatment planning, stabilization, and placement decisions.
• Facilitate Community Review Teams and Individual Growth and Change Plans as needed.
• Participate in training, supervision, and professional development to maintain licensure and competency.
• Interpret and document therapy outcomes, progress, and barriers to achieve program goals.
• Support operational and programmatic initiatives, including conference guidance on milieu programming and treatment interventions.

• Current, valid Colorado or State licensure 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).
• One (1) year of clinical experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact.
• Strong knowledge of federal confidentiality regulations (42 C.F.R. Part 2, HIPAA) and Colorado Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division rules.

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

• Minimum 21 years of age with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
• Full background and reference check required.
• Residency in the State of Colorado required at the time of application and throughout employment.
• Valid, non‑restricted Colorado Driver’s License required for positions within 30 miles of the Colorado state border.
• Completion of DYS Pre‑service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO) and mandatory annual training is required.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.