Posting number: IHA 07130 8/17/2026
Department: Colorado Department of Human Services
Division: OAADS - Aging and Adult Services
Job classification: Social Services Specialist VI
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Administration, Health Services, Mental Health, Planning and Development, Management, Executive Management, Human Services, Project Management, Organizational Development
This position is open to current Colorado residents only.
This position is open to current Colorado residents only.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Adult Protective Services
The Division of Aging and Adult Protective Services (AAPS) is one of three Divisions within the Office of Children, Aging and Community Services. The Division exists to provide state leadership and supervision for all services (state, county, local, non- profit, etc.) in the administration and coordination of services to older adults, to include oversight of all 64 county departments of social/human services in the administration of Adult Protective Services (APS) programs as well as the 16 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in the administration of programs and services funded by the Older Americans Act (OAA) and State Funding for Senior Services (SFSS).
The Division consists of the following management units that report to the Division Director:
State Unit on Aging (SUA);
Adult Protective Services, and within, the Colorado APS Data System (CAPS) Check Unit (CCU), and APS Policy Unit
Data, Fiscal and Program Accountability functions are included in both programs.
APS administers both the statewide APS program and the CAPS Check Unit (CCU). The APS program provides supervisory oversight of 64 County Departments in the administration of APS. The CCU provides pre-employment background screening of the Colorado APS Data System (CAPS).
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This position supports the APS Program Director in providing management and guidance to state staff for the APS program. This position oversees the APS Training Specialist, the Colorado APS (CAPS) Data System Team, and the CAPS Check Unit (CCU). The APS Associate Director serves as the strategic bridge between high-level policy and daily operations for Colorado’s Adult Protective Services program. In this role, the position supports division leadership in analyzing legislation, authoring rules, and shaping statewide best practices, while taking primary responsibility for operationalizing those policies through training and updates to the CAPS system and CAPS Check Unit. By providing strategic governance, budgetary oversight, and leadership to training, the CAPS data system team and the CAPS Check Unit (CCU), the Associate Director translates statutory and regulatory requirements into functional technical updates and operational workflows. Ultimately, this position ensures program integrity, data security, and operational compliance across all 64 counties, effectively transforming high-level policy goals into practical, real-world execution.
Job duties of the Associate Director include, but are not limited to:
Policy and Program Development
This position is responsible for supporting the APS Program Director with establishing policy and best practice for the Adult Protective Services (APS) program to be implemented by county departments statewide. This includes preparation of reports, guidance, and recommendations for the APS Program Director, AAPS Division Director, and the Department related to mistreatment and self-neglect of at-risk adults in Colorado; legislative initiatives; program quality and integrity; direction to the county departments related to performance and program compliance; rule development and updates; identification of new promising and best practices in the APS program; and training for county department APS staff. The position is also responsible for collaboration with other agencies and Department Divisions that play a role in the services provided to APS clients, including but not limited to county departments, Regional Centers, Health Care Policy and Financing, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and the Office of Behavioral Health within the Department of Human Services.
This position is responsible for establishing policy and best practices for the CAPS (Colorado APS Data System) Check Unit (CCU) to be implemented by the CCU supervisor and technicians. This includes overall CCU operations, quality assurance, legislative initiatives, reporting, budget, training for CCU staff and employers, and providing recommendations to the Division Director and the Department. This position supports the APS Program Director with analyzing legislative proposals and supports Division and Office leadership in the development of policy impact analysis recommendations when needed.
Data System Support and Maintenance
This position provides strategic governance and operational oversight for the administration, security, and maintenance of the Colorado Adult Protective Services (CAPS) data and case management system, which operates independently of Office of Information Technology (OIT) support. The position establishes the direction for and monitors the performance of the internal APS data system team, which executes the hands-on system maintenance, security protocols, user access management, and help desk operations. Serving as the ultimate product owner, this position holds final approval authority and prioritization management for all system enhancements and change requests supporting both the APS program and the CCU.
Rather than performing individual technical execution, this position governs the prioritization, policy alignment, and systemic analysis of data and reporting needs. The Associate Director provides high-level direction and oversight for translating statutory, regulatory, and policy changes into clear technical requirements, ensuring that automated screening tools and user interfaces align seamlessly with county and state workflow needs. Through strategic leadership of the data team, this position oversees system reliability, usability, and strict security protocols to safeguard confidential data while monitoring overall system health and prioritizing defect resolutions with developers. Additionally, the role drives data-informed decision-making by directing the deployment of automated reporting structures and leveraging aggregate data, system utilization metrics, and outcome analytics to evaluate and enhance overall program performance statewide.
Supervision
The position develops and monitors work plans, writes performance reviews for direct reports, and reviews performance reviews for the remaining FTE. The position writes position descriptions, hires staff, coaches and mentors staff, and develops performance improvement plans, when necessary. Delegates appropriate assignments and tasks. The position also provides supervision of contract and/or temporary staff, when employed.
The position ensures that the APS Section staff are managing their tasks and communicating concerns with this position. The position may provide supervision of contract and/or temporary staff or oversight of internships supporting the program, as designated/applicable.
The position reviews recommendations from the CCU supervisor related to performance incentives, flex time and flex place, and other activities designed to minimize vacancies within the CCU. The position decides which are appropriate and provides approval for those incentives.
The position provides strategic leadership and operational direction in alignment with the Program Director for all staff in the section, to include strategic planning, workload management, operational decisions, and coaching for improved performance.
Program and Data Integrity
The position monitors county program compliance with APS statutory and regulatory requirements; develops tools and data reports to assess program compliance; conducts program assessments and evaluations and recommends actions to address issues, up to and including corrective action. Coordinates with the Administrative Review Division (ARD) to ensure quality assurance reviews are being conducted according to program rule and program practice expectations. Coordinates with county APS programs to respond to the results of ARD quality assurance reviews through training. Elevates ongoing trends (positive or negative) to the Program Director, Division Director and/or the Department. Oversees all activities related to C-stat for the APS program. Serves as the Data steward (or delegates) for all requests for information.
Position ensures that CAPS checks conducted by the CCU are accurate so that no false positive or false negative results are provided to employers. The position ensures that all search procedures are followed, and that routine monitoring of quality is conducted by the CCU supervisor. The position must ensure that all expectations for returning results timely are met or exceeded.
Budget and Contract Management
This position is responsible for managing the APS program within the allocated funds, including state administration, which includes personnel and operating costs, and training funds for county programs. The position also manages the CCU budget in coordination with the Child and Adult Maltreatment Dispute Review Section (CAMDRS), which manages all due process costs. The position ensures that the CCU is not collecting too much or too little cash fund by analyzing expenses of the CCU and CAMDRS units with the number of CAPS check requests to determine the fee to charge employers for the CAPS check. The position assists the Division and Office Leadership with supplemental and budget requests and development of fiscal notes for proposed legislative changes. The position participates in the Financial Sub-Policy Advisory Committee (SubPAC) as needed and is a voting member of the APS Allocation Task Group, charged with development of an equitable allocation formula for county department APS administration and client services funds.
The position also provides management of the statewide data and case management system (CAPS) to ensure that the licenses purchased with the allocated funds are adequate to meet user needs. The position determines when an outside developer might be needed to assist with CAPS upgrades, and if needed, develops all task orders for those contracted system enhancements for the APS program and CCU. The position manages the processes related to the purchase of licenses for CAPS.
Other Duties As Assigned
The position may be designated by the Program Director to complete or assist in completion of any other duties assigned to the APS program and CCU by the Department, the Office Director, or the Division Director. The position provides back-up for training, technical assistance, and other duties performed by the program and data system specialists. The position provides consultation to the county departments and employers. This position is responsible for supporting the Program Director and the Section overall in leadership needs, including supporting staff within the Section who report directly to the Program Director. This could include:
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree (4 years) from an accredited institution in a field of study related to the work assignment (a degree in social work, human services, public policy, public administration, psychology, sociology, liberal arts, public health, organizational leadership, etc.)
AND
Five years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position, such as social services casework, or any field where a caseload is carried, policy writing, and implementation.
Substitutions
Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis (any similar public service role providing policy guidance and oversight of government services, especially human services types of programs, but could include other similar systems supporting adults; and/or supervision/leadership).
Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required general experience on a year-for-year basis, but not the five years of specific experience (in related disciplines such as Social work, human services, public policy, public administration, psychology, sociology, any specific aging or aging-related program titles, liberal arts, public health, organizational leadership or related topics, or anything in similar fields).
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in leadership roles supporting Adult Protective Services, especially within the Colorado APS system, and/or similar government-regulated work.
Experience with oversight over multiple roles and/or management of multiple functions.
Significant understanding of the needs of at-risk adults as well as County APS programs.
Experience leading program/process design and implementation and/or change management initiatives.
Experience developing and interpreting rules and regulations and/or participating in legislative processes, especially in Colorado.
Experience and proficiency with technology such as Google Workspace (including Google Forms, Sheets, and Docs), Microsoft Office Tools, Zoom, and/or CAPS.
Experience with and/or understanding of general purchasing and/or budget-related functions, especially within government-regulated environments.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong public speaking and facilitation skills.
Excellent time management skills and attention to detail.
Excellent customer service and stakeholder engagement skills with demonstrated successes in supporting collaborative initiatives involving multiple stakeholder types.
Conditions of Employment
Standard background check and reference check required
This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
Motor Vehicle Check, if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an ongoing capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.
Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or a non-restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border
Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.
Travel as needed to meet with county APS programs, participate in events in the community, or attend conferences
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
Disclose that information on the application.
Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination, and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.
CDHS Selection Process Explanation
Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.
Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
Relevant years of state service experience.
Minimum Qualification Screening Process
A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."
You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review
After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.
Your Work Experience/Job Duties
Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.
If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.
Supplemental Questions
Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).
Appeal Rights
You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.
You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.
You can find the official appeal form here
You must deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:
By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or
Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or
Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203), or
Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.
Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:
At (303) 866-3300, or
Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.
About Us & Benefits
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high-quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:
Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
Employer-supplemented Health Savings Account
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training, and more
Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Our Values
We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families, and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness, and access in every decision, policy, and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.
Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.
We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility for the state of health and human services in Colorado through our actions, programs, and results.
Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.
We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.
Collaboration helps us rise together:We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.
ADA Accommodations
CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment.
This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to cdhs_ada@state.co.us
EEO Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer
We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
Additional Support For Your Application
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support
If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g., uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application, 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.
Required Supplemental Questions:
(Multiple Choice) The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll-free applicant technical support, and how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer.
Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.
This information is available to me, and I have read this information.
I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)
Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application. Yes/No
If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997…). Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not provide this information. An incomplete application may not move forward in the Selection process. If you are a former or current state employee, please identify what state agency you work(ed) with and how many years of relevant state service you have related to the position you are applying for. (Ensure this is listed on your application under work experience).
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application.
In the space below, please explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify your application from the current position.
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Serve the needs of the State of Colorado through a number of subdivisions. The Colorado Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branches form the government for the State of Colorado. "A Career should be about believing in what you do and making a positive impact on your community. That is a career that makes you proud; that is a career with distinction."- Mary Mullarkey, Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court.
