Job Description

Posting number: IIB 06276 9/16/2026

Department: Colorado Department of Human Services

Division: OBH (Office of Behavioral Health)

Job classification: Health Professional III

Posting type: Open

Categories: Mental Health, Forensics

Summary

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This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

Located within the Colorado Department of Human Services, Civil and Forensic Mental Health (CFMH) is responsible for policy development, service provision and coordination, program monitoring and evaluation, and administrative oversight for the public behavioral health system. CFMH funds, supports, and monitors numerous mental health and substance abuse community programs and providers. CFMH also operates the Colorado Mental Health Hospitals at Fort Logan and Pueblo, the Mental Health Transitional Living Homes, and the Forensic Services Division. CFMH executes the State’s federal responsibilities as the State Mental Health Authority and the State Substance Abuse Authority to administer federal block grant funds for mental health and substance abuse.

The Forensic Services Division is responsible for six departments, including Forensic Community-Based Services (FCBS), Jail-Based Evaluation and Restoration (JBR), Outpatient Restoration (OPR), the Forensic Support Team (FST), the Court Services Department, and the Operations Department.

Our teams work within various settings, including community agencies, jails, courts, and hospitals. The locations can include locked units and secure facilities, and our clients may at times be unpredictable due to their mental health needs. Our team is required to make critical decisions in dynamic, fast-paced environments to ensure a high level of accountability for patient care. Staff are required to maintain updated skills, knowledge, abilities, and competencies necessary to the position through continuing education, supervision, literature review, discipline, and team development. This position may be required to travel throughout Colorado to meet the needs of the department.

The FST monitors individuals who are court-ordered to receive inpatient competency services while currently incarcerated. Monitoring includes in-custody jail visits, reporting direct and jail staff observations to assist with informing admissions, and attending select court hearings. In addition, they serve as a centralized liaison between the CFMH, jails, clients, and courts for individuals pending admission to inpatient treatment facilities. Collectively, this team acts as care coordinators, ensuring that all internal and external stakeholders have access to up-to-date client information. In collaboration with stakeholders, they help ensure services are delivered to clients appropriately and effectively, and, when appropriate, they support transition plans and facilitate client movement to appropriate levels of care.

Examples of duties

This position is deemed 100% Remote Work.

This position will comply with the Forensic Services Department's current

working arrangements.

Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.

The Forensic Support team delivers high-accountability, multidisciplinary care across jails, courts, hospitals, and community agencies throughout Colorado, with a core role in supporting consent decree initiatives by promoting timely evaluation, appropriate placement, and continuity of care for individuals involved in the forensic mental health system. Navigators work in dynamic, often secure environments with fluid caseloads, adjusting workflows to meet the distinct needs of each judicial district. The role requires a strong commitment to service excellence through ongoing supervision, training, and professional development; the ability to make timely, sound decisions in fast-paced settings to support individuals with complex mental health needs; and operational flexibility to shift assignments across facilities and regions as program demands and jail placements evolve. To perform these duties effectively, the position requires comprehensive knowledge of Colorado statutes, available community resources, and complex system processes.

Based on FST staffing levels, jail availability, and at the discretion of the Department and/or Leadership, additional responsibilities may include assisting with complex care coordination needs that fall outside the Consent Decree framework, participation in competency docket activities, providing psychoeducation/restoration education, and other such system-wide initiatives impacting this population.

Other Duties include:

Needs Assessment:

• Administers appropriate/evidence-based assessment instruments to determine the individual needs of clients with consideration to key variables such as education level, language, and culture.
• Interprets and apply the needs assessment results, incorporating collateral information, to identify the required complementary treatment or social services.

Resource Acquisition:

• Develops case plans designed to ensure client coordination of care and resource acquisition.
• Provides and/or refer individuals for indicated services by facilitating, obtaining, and executing all necessary documentation.
• Coordinates access to identified needs within various systems, such as medication evaluation and management, mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, case management, and other treatment services related to the client’s behavioral health needs.
• Must remain in close contact with the FST team, jails, courts, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure continuity of care and clear communication regarding cross-agency clients.
• Serves as an intermediary between the healthcare and behavioral health systems, social assistance programs, county jails, and the community, facilitating access to services in support of community transitions. It is expected that this position remains well-informed about various service options throughout Colorado, the associated processes, and the requirements.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with such stakeholders to support an understanding of our population's needs and positive outcomes.

Benefit Coordination:

• Serves as the subject-matter expert regarding benefit options, processes, and requirements and may provide consultation on behalf of the FST in this domain.
• Responsible for identifying clients in need of benefit acquisition, accepting referrals from the FST team and other stakeholders, and overseeing the benefit acquisition lifecycle. They will track all benefits-related needs, submissions, and outcomes on behalf of the department.
• Communicates with the FST team and our various stakeholders regarding the status of benefit acquisition and its implications for potential transitions.
• Serves as a liaison between our navigators and coordinator staff and will ensure continuity of care through strong communication with courts and receiving agencies/entities to support the maintenance of benefits and avoid coverage lapses. To do so effectively, this position must also be familiar with stakeholder policies, processes, and federal, state, and local regulations and requirements.
• Meest directly with clients and other stakeholders in various locations.
• Establishes and maintain strong relationships with stakeholder agencies, including those specific to benefit acquisition needs and placements.

Documentation:

• Responsible for a high volume of various documents, including sensitive client information and legal documents. To obtain various documents, the case manager must complete any necessary paperwork to obtain mental health, medical, general treatment, and legal records.
• Understands and adhere to various privacy laws, federal and state confidentiality laws, and ensure secure record retention.
• Utilizes established processes to safeguard client information and release it only when authorized by legal and regulatory requirements.
• Generates comprehensive and timely documentation of all client interactions, including face-to-face visits, collateral contacts with clinical teams, and system partners. Documentation is completed after each contact and includes the client's status, needs, ongoing referral status updates, and any identified barriers.
• Responsible for formal court documentation submissions and accurate internal database tracking related to client engagement and system coordination efforts. Records are maintained in a centralized data system and shared with the courts and other authorized stakeholders to support legal and clinical decision-making. Documentation supports ongoing communication and collaboration between the jail, courts, and the Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health.

Other Duties as Assigned:

• This position may be required to perform additional duties not specifically outlined in the duty statements in order to meet the operational needs of the agency and the CFMH department. The case manager may be asked to provide coverage or support for other Forensic Navigator positions during vacancies or when program needs arise. This may include case management activities, administrative support, and direct client contact.
• Based on FST staffing levels, jail availability, and at the discretion of the Department and/or Leadership, additional responsibilities may include assisting with complex care coordination needs that fall outside the Consent Decree framework, participation in competency docket activities, providing psychoeducation/restoration education, and other such system-wide initiatives impacting this population.

Qualifications

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 experience in Behavioral Health field (Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Public Health) or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to six (6) years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with complex care coordination and case management
• Experience in the forensic or criminal justice system, social work, behavioral health case management and/or care coordination.
• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health related field (psychology, sociology, criminal justice, social work, public health)
• Master’s degree in a behavioral health related field (psychology, sociology, criminal justice, social work, public health)
• Working with the justice involved population/competency population/correctional facilities
• Working with individuals who have severe and persistent mental illness and associated behavioral health systems
• Previous State Experience

Conditions of Employment:

• Travel – Explain: In-state travel is required. This position requires operating a state or non-state fleet vehicle for official State business. A valid, unrestricted Colorado Driver's License is mandatory.
• Other – Explain: This position requires frequent county jail visitation; this position must be able to pass a jail background check, attend and participate in any mandatory training required by the jail, and adhere to all rules and regulations as outlined by the respective county jail.
• 2-Step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required.
• Annual Influenza vaccination, and other vaccinations as required by the State of Colorado.
• This position designates the employee's residential address as their sole and permanent workplace, serving as the traveler's regular work location. Employees are required to maintain a functional home office and a dependable internet connection to fulfill all necessary job duties.
• MOTOR VEHICLE RECORD CHECK: This position will drive a state fleet or non-state fleet vehicle for State business purposes.
• 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 the employment start date.
• Full Background 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).
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
• Disclose that information on the application.
• 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.
• Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.

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 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.

Below is some additional information:

• 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

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.
2. Close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.