Central Region Housing Specialist​/Case Manager - Youth Services Counselor II

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

Please note:

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies (Including both part and full time positions).

Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!

Position will initially be required to be in office 5 days per week.  There will be an opportunity to go to a hybrid option that requires a minimum of 2 days In  office and maximum 3 days remote work.

About the unit - This work unit exists to provide a continuum of services for detained youth and youth who are committed to the Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services. The unit also serves to represent the Division with local juvenile justice partnerships, committees, statutorily mandated boards, and governmental/private entities including but not limited to district attorneys, public defenders, county departments of human

services, judicial officers, juvenile probation, local school districts and mental health centers. This unit provides oversight and fiscal support for detention services that may include screening, assessment, community supervision and treatment of pre- adjudicated youth.

Through the Colorado Youth Detention Continuum. This unit also provides case management and juvenile parole services to youth committed to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services. This includes planning and oversight for youth in residential placement, facilitation of multidisciplinary teams, the development of transition plans and parole plans, and the active monitoring of juvenile parolees in the community.

The region is charged with ensuring the safety and security of each youth, staff, and the community according to Colorado law. The Central Region Office is responsible for resource development and management to facilitate service provision and includes but is not limited to personnel, and contract programs, throughout 11 counties and 5 judicial districts.

Purpose of the position - The position serves as the subject matter expert on housing resources for the regional office. The position identifies

resources for youth who will transition from a DYS secure facility or contract residential program to independent living and will need housing resources. The position will develop and maintain a library of resources in the primary geographical areas of the region. These resources may include but not be limited to; available apartments, food assistance, employment, setting up an apartment, mental health resources, medical resources, and any other essential services youth may require.

The position will act as a liaison between State and local entities and the region in identifying, obtaining, and retaining housing vouchers for transitioning youth. The position will participate in relevant committees. work groups, boards, and housing initiatives. The position will partner with the client manager of a youth paroling with a housing voucher, assisting the client manager in case management duties and planning for DYS discharge at the end of the parole period.

The position will develop sustainability plans for youth and provide case management services up to a youth's 26th birthday to youth who voluntarily participate. This position differs from a Youth Services Counselor II Client Manager/Parole Officer in that the housing specialist plays no role in the juvenile parole process, does not possess the authority of a Client Manager/Parole Officer, and continues to serve clients beyond their discharge from parole.

Duties

Case Planning
- * Partner with the client manager of committed youth who are referred for a housing voucher to jointly develop the parole plan.

* Develop a housing sustainability plan for each youth using a housing voucher to meet their needs in areas of employment, education, mental health, health, basic needs, and other needs that may arise.

* Identification of youth who will need and would benefit from a housing voucher.

* Identification, connection, and coaching of youth to co-design sustainable ongoing transition plans including the…