Job Description

Posting number: IJC 00115 07/10/2026

Department: Colorado Department of Human Services

Division: OAADS - Wheat Ridge Regional Center

Job classification: Health Care Services Trainee I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Health Services, Human Services, Health Sciences, Health Care Support

Many

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Examples of duties

The Health Care Service Trainee (HCST I) gives hands-on direct support to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. These positions provide people we serve with opportunities to achieve the highest level of independence in the areas of health, safety, and activities of daily living (eating, bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene). These positions sustain a therapeutic milieu for people served while utilizing sound practices to ensure safety and security of the environment. The HCST I provides psychiatric and behavior-based treatment, while assisting those served to reach their maximum level of independence.

Some precautions we are taking include:

1. We provide personal protective equipment - i.e. gloves, gowns, surgical masks, N 95 masks and protective eyewear
2. Emphasis on Infection control - i.e. robust training and cleaning schedule
3. Management support

What you will be doing

• Coaching and mentoring individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities
• Assisting individuals with learning personal care and domestic care skills
• Implementing behavior programs to decrease the performance of problem behaviors, to develop replacement behaviors and to teach coping and safety skills
• Responding to crises by following approved verbal and physical interventions to ensure safety
• Assisting individuals with various therapy/treatment
• Ensuring appropriate documentation
• Provide supervision and support to individuals while at home
• Provide transportation, supervision and support individuals when in the community
• Attend and participate training as required
• Working with an interdisciplinary team
• Shift work, days, nights and weekends required.

Additional info for this position:

This position is a unique opportunity to receive fully paid training that requires no prior healthcare experience!

We will equip you with the skills and knowledge to quickly advance. Here’s a snapshot of what career pathing opportunities we offer:

1. After the employee starts and completes orientation, the employee will begin training in order to be able to administer medication to the individual we serve.

2. After the employee completes this coursework and passes a competency check with a nurse, the employee will be promoted to a Health Care Service Trainee II and paid an additional $1 per hour

3. After 6 successful months working as a Qualified Medication Administration Personnel (QMAP), the employee will be promoted to a Health Care Technician I and paid an additional $1 more per hour

4. Additionally, once the employee becomes a QMAP, there are many other positions at WRRC open to them including Mentor/Health Care Technician II, Line Charge/Health Care Technician III and Residential Coordinator/Health Care Technician IV. These promotional opportunities all come with increased salaries.

It doesn’t end there! After one year of working with CDHS, you will be eligible for partial tuition reimbursement. Begin or continue your education while you work and we’ll lend you a hand. Your success is our success and ensures better outcomes for the patients we serve!

Qualifications

Experience: None

Education:None

Supplemental Information: You will be required to provide at least two supervisor/mentor references after a successful interview and before we can extend an official hiring offer. This can include a teacher, mentor, former boss, or even someone you may have babysat for. (Please provide both a current phone number and email address for each reference.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Experience working with people who have developmental/intellectual disabilities
• Experience working with people who have mental health diagnoses

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively orally with information and ideas so others will understand.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written format so others will understand.
• Ability to instruct individuals for guidance with personal care needs
• Listening Skills
• Teaching Skills
• Willingness to Learn

Conditions of Employment:

• CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons): CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services), Trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults – Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers)
• 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
• This classification is a progressive series; because of this, candidates must have a high school diploma or GED within one (1) year of employment.
• 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.
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Pre-employment Physical/Test: Must demonstrate the ability to lift 50 lbs, bend, squat, etc., and perform physical interventions proficiently (pre-employment and continuously throughout employment).
• Influenza and other vaccines as required by the State of CO
• A Tuberculosis Test (TB) will be required upon hire
• WRRC is a 24/7 facility; therefore person in this position must be available to work any shift, any day, and/or any area, to meet agency needs.
• Must travel to remote work sites and must utilize a state vehicle, if available. If not, must utilize personal vehicle and submit for mileage reimbursement. Position requires to use a state vehicle to transport residents.
• 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. 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 a review and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from an eSkills Test. 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.

Supplemental information

How to apply to the State of Colorado(YouTube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact joel.drahos@state.co.us

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

• 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

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• 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 through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

• 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.