Social Work​/Counselor - Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons

Overview

This position is open to current Colorado residents only. The Social Worker will work at the Colorado Veterans Community Living Center (VCLC) at Fitzsimons, a 180‑bed, skilled nursing facility serving Colorado’s veterans. The role supports the Social Services Director by providing comprehensive, integrated care to meet residents’ physical, emotional, and mental health needs.

• Interview and gather background data to complete social history, assessment, treatment planning and implementation for residents, families, and significant others.
• Complete PHQ‑9 depression screening and BIMS cognitive assessment quarterly.
• Complete MDS 3.0 assessment initially, quarterly, and at change of condition.
• Perform assessments for special situations such as suicide ideation, elopement, and safe smoking.
• Assess resident needs, concerns, and issues using active listening.
• Identify solutions in counseling, therapy, or social services interventions for residents, under supervision and consultation.
• Provide education and counseling to reduce personal, emotional, or general concerns that limit service utilization.
• Make referrals to hospice services, psychological counseling, ancillary services, and community resources such as diabetic footwear or handicap parking.
• Engage in discharge planning.
• Attend interdisciplinary team meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties assigned.

• Experience Only: Four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to this position.
• Education and Experience: A combination of related education and/or experience equivalent to four (4) years.
• Special
  
  Qualification:
  
  Undergraduate degree in Social Services required by CMS, VA, and CDPHE.

• Experience working in social work.
• Training related to mental health and/or trauma.
• Experience as a veteran or working with a veteran population.

• Full background check required, including CBI & FBI fingerprint, Colorado Court Database, Medicare Fraud Database, and TRAILS Database.
• Direct care of vulnerable adults requiring a CAPS check.
• State of Colorado residency at time of application and throughout employment.
• Motor vehicle check; valid, non‑restricted Colorado or U.S. Driver’s License.
• Pass TB test and required vaccinations.
• Disclosure of prior disciplinary termination or resignation by former State employees required during application.

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Medical and dental health plans.
• Employer‑supplemented Health Savings Account.
• Paid life insurance.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
• 11 paid holidays per year, plus vacation and sick leave.
• Employee Benefit Hub Resource Center.
• Employee Wellness program.
• Work‑life programs such as flexible schedules and training.
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

• People‑first approach: prioritize the needs, well‑being, and dignity of individuals, families, and communities.
• Balance creates quality of life: flexible, supportive workplace valuing health, wellness, and employee engagement.
• Accountability: responsibility for programs, results, and state health and human services.
• Transparency: open and honest with employees, partners, and the public.
• Ethics: doing what is right, not what is easy.
• Collaboration:
  
  working together with partners, employees, and clients for best outcomes.

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. We assist applicants with disabilities through the application process, interviews, testing, and the selection process. If you require reasonable accommodations, contact

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status. Preference is given to military veterans.