Training Specialist III

Division of Youth Services (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 numerous secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21 and contracts with private residential and non‑residential service providers throughout the state.

The Office of Staff Development (OSD) develops, coordinates, implements training and staff development programs for all DYS employees. This role is responsible for writing, overseeing, and delivering training programs that align with DYS policies and initiatives, including crisis prevention, life safety, and mental health interventions.

• Develop standardized curricula and deliver training for DYS programs such as Orientation, Sanctuary, CPR/First Aid, Youth Rights, Suicide Precaution Monitoring, Mandatory Reporting, P-REAP, Report Writing, Code of Conduct, Informed Supervision, and group-based simulations.
• Serve as a trainer of trainers: certify and train PSI instructors and provide quarterly refresher training.
• Represent CDHS, DYS, and Staff Development on inter‑agency committees and collaborative efforts.
• Utilize adult learning theory and technology to enhance participant engagement, retention, and skill acquisition.
• Design and administer training evaluation plans to monitor training effectiveness.
• Assist youth centers by providing training support, recertification, and guidance on conflict resolution and cultural issues.
• Perform related duties such as data entry, scheduling, and maintenance of training materials.

• Experience Only: Six (6) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
• OR Education and Experience: A combination of related education and/or relevant experience equal to six (6) years.
• Certified as a trainer of trainers (Sanctuary Institute or designee) and a CPR/First Aid/Automated External Defibrillator instructor (Health and Safety Institute).
• Demonstrated application of adult learning principles and technology to facilitate training.
• Minimum age of 21 years; no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
• Full background check – name check, TRAILS, and fingerprinting required.
• Willingness to travel to DYS youth centers and regional offices across the state.
• Successful completion of the DYS Pre‑service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO), and mandatory annual training in all subject areas.

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation; otherwise they may be disqualified.
• Applicants who are removed from consideration may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director using the official appeal form.

• How to Apply – Link to application portal.
• The Assessment Process – Link to assessment details.
• Additional recruiting questions may be directed to

• Strong, secure, and flexible retirement benefits: PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, 401(k), and 457.
• Medical and dental health plans.
• Employer‑subsidized Health Savings Account.
• Paid life insurance.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave.
• Benefit Hub state employee discount program.
• Employee Wellness program.
• Excellent work‑life programs, such as flexible schedules and training.
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (see link).

CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact our ADAAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at  or call 1‑800‑929‑0791.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

For additional recruiting questions, please contact