Job Description

Posting number: IIC 05866 09/29/26

Department: Colorado Department of Human Services

Division: OBH - CMHIFL

Job classification: Mental Health Clinician II

Posting type: Open

Categories: Community Services, Corrections, Health Services, Mental Health, Public Health, Social Services, Nursing, Investigative, Miscellaneous, Laboratory, Human Services, Community Development, Medical Examiner, Forensics, Health Sciences, Counseling, Criminology, Humanities, Medical/Dental, Social Sciences, Community and Social Services, Health Care Support, Medical, Convention

Summary

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies within the Ft. Logan (Denver) Mental Health Hospital (morning, afternoon, and evening shifts)

*This is an On-site position only*

We offer shift differentials for Nights and Weekend between 14 – 20% above base pay!

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

About Us:

The Colorado Mental Health Hospital at Fort Logan (CMHHIFL) is expanding our hospital by adding 16 forensic beds to our current 138 patient beds. This expansion will assist in our mission of providing Colorado with the best behavioral health care available. CMHHIFL is dedicated to meeting the needs of the community by providing mental health treatment to the adult population in the metro area. The mission of CMHHIFL is to provide the highest quality mental health services to adults with complex, serious and persistent mental illness within the resources available. CMHHIFL is dedicated to promoting Trauma Informed Care and promoting the implementation of Trauma Informed Practices within the organization

*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs

Our Culture & Environment

We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.

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.

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Examples of duties

About this Position:

This position exists to provide therapeutic work in the psychiatric care and treatment of adults with acute and chronic exacerbation of a mental illness. Primary responsibilities are the application of knowledge, expertise and experience to establish a therapeutic relationship with the patient and provide safe and effective patient care. Mental Health Clinicians utilize psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery principles and techniques in all aspects of their job duties. This position works under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse and assists with psychiatric nursing care of mentally ill patients; observes, reports, and documents patient's behavior, physical condition, and reactions to medications and treatment; participates in designing and implementing patient treatment plans; monitors and intervenes to ensure a safe and therapeutic patient milieu; and provides immediate crisis intervention when indicated. Duties in this position include:

Provide Therapeutic Patient Care:

Under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse, engage with patients to establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship which supports the patient’s psychiatric recovery and mental health. Model and maintain professional boundaries with patients and their families. Assist patients in developing insight into their mental illness while exploring symptoms and ways of decreasing, coping with, or eliminating distress while eliciting ways to live a more productive, satisfying life. Engage in one-on-one interaction with patients regularly and guide therapeutic psycho-educational groups and activities with a focus on assisting patients to build interpersonal and life management skills.

• Act as patient advocate and provides patient and their family with support and education on patient’s rights. Address and resolve patient issues when possible and refer issues to the hospital Patient’s Rights Specialist, as indicated. Model solution-focused problem-solving strategies.
• Supports patient in accomplishing activities of daily living (ADLs) through monitoring, teaching, supporting and assisting as needed. This includes such activities as personal hygiene, shaving, brushing teeth, care of personal items, laundry, toileting, and showers, as needed, based on the patient’s ability and current status. Assures that patient is treated with dignity and respect, maintaining patient’s privacy
• Escort patients to activities and appointments on grounds and in the community, including driving patients to appointments.
• Assumes responsibility for paperwork, assuring confidentiality. Communicates patient’s whereabouts to charge nurse and treatment team though sign-out/sign-in systems on the unit.
• Communicate to provide or exchange information while keeping registered nurse and other staff informed of patient status and patient issues. Documents patient care and patient response to treatment as required by hospital policy. Supports patients to develop a list of positive supports which may include family, friends, agencies, and staff members
• Rover/Internal Float duties

Milieu Management:

• assures a safe and therapeutic treatment environment through effective Milieu Management. Closely monitors and maintains surveillance of the unit to assure a safe milieu. This position models professional interactions with patients, families and staff. Facilitates solution oriented problem-solving strategies, and encourages patient input and self-determination, whenever possible. Monitors, identifies and addresses safety violations in patient care areas. Using therapeutic clinical skills, anticipates and initiates intervention at an appropriate level in crisis situations (i.e., physical or verbal assault against a person or property, suicidal behavior, etc.) by adhering to nursing standards and hospital policies and procedures in order to provide a safe and therapeutic environment
• monitors the milieu, conducts safety checks and monitors for unsafe items and/or unsafe conditions, and acts promptly to secure unsafe items and corrects unsafe conditions. Utilizes appropriate techniques from Verbal Defense and Influence (VDI) and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) to manage aggressive patient behavior, and de-escalate situations whenever possible, reducing the potential for physically aggressive behavior or injury. During episodes of patient physically aggressive behavior, minimizes risk of injury to patient and staff by utilizing CPI approved methods
• engages patients in unit activities, including impromptu groups, discussions, and games that support patient’s well-being and builds appropriate interpersonal skills. Monitors patient’s needs for structure and/or downtime and works in collaboration with unit staff to intervene as indicated. Monitors patients during meals including monitoring for issues with swallowing/choking, food intake, and interactions with others. Intervenes as indicated and communicates any concerns to the registered nurse. Facilitates patient meetings and groups utilizing appropriate group facilitation techniques

Interdisciplinary Team Treatment Implementation:

• work as part of the interdisciplinary team and participate in treatment planning and the development of the plan of care for patients
• contribute information and treatment approaches to support patient health and wellness
• incorporate information from multiple sources and provides input into treatment planning. Advocate for patient’s interest and input into their plan of care

Other Duties as Assigned:

• any other duties that aren’t covered in the above duty statements but need to be completed to meet the mission of the division and the department.
• This entry level position offers great opportunity for advancement! Ask us how!

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of (4) years related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to four (4) years

This experience must be clearly documented on your application.

Part-time experience will be pro-rated.

Substitutions:

Professional work experience that focuses on the specific experience described above, demonstrating the competencies equivalent to the competencies learned through completion of the required education may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.

A Bachelor's Degree will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1+ years Knowledge and Experience as Mental Health Care Clinician I at a State of Colorado Mental Health Institute.
• 1+ years professional inpatient mental health-care experience in a psychiatric locked/secure setting,
• Experience developing and running treatment groups
• Knowledge and experience with Trauma Informed Care and Recovery Principles and practices
• Outpatient mental health experience running groups, case management etc., and
• College or university education in nursing, psychology, sociology, human services, or education.

Highly Desirable Competencies:

• Knowledge of oral and written communication skills,
• Knowledge and professional inpatient mental health-care experience
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting departmental and institutional policies and procedures,
• Ability to work with and communicate with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner and committed to quality service,
• Ability to perform with a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently,
• Ability to encourage and facilitate cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity,
• Ability to foster commitment and team spirit.
• Ability to express information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information,
• Ability to listen to others and respond appropriately,
• Ability to problem solve,
• Ability to execute decisions, Integrity, and Accountability

Conditions of employment:

• Full Background check and reference check required
• Shift Work – may work days, evenings, or nights
• Essential Services Designation – Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare
• must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. Driver's License
• must be at least 21 years of age or older
• may be exposed to bodily fluids or caustic chemicals
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination, or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

Conditions of Employment:

1. Disclose that information on the application.
2. Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
3. 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 be 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

How to apply to the State of Colorado

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact curtis.padilla@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.

Toll-Free Applicant Technical Support