Job Description

Posting number: IKA 05417 07/31/2026

Department: Colorado Department of Human Services

Division: OCYF - Platte Valley Youth Services Center

Job classification: State Teacher II

Posting type: Open

Categories: Corrections, Mental Health, Social Services, Education, Human Services, Health Education, Counseling, Professional Education, Community and Social Services, Education, Training & Library, Instructor, Rehabilitation Services

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

About the Division of Youth Services: The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non-residential services that encompass juvenile detention, commitment, and parole. DYS is the agency statutorily mandated to provide for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates fifteen secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. The Division also contracts with numerous private residential and non-residential service providers throughout the State. For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of Colorado Youth Detention Continuum, a State-funded, locally administered program that provides services to youth at risk of further progressing into the juvenile justice system. In addition to residential programming, the Division administers juvenile parole services throughout the State.

We invite you to explore the DYS website and learn about the services provided to youth, families, and local communities in the State of Colorado at: https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/dys

Examples of duties

You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.

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

The special education model at the Division of Youth Services is designed to ebb and flow with the fluctuating special education population, to include the unique needs of each student with an identified disability per IDEA, at each site. This position requires a highly flexible person with the understanding that each position within the special education model at DYS can be shared at times, again based on the business needs.

School-Based Multi-Tiered and Behavioral Systems Support

• Social / Emotional Assessments
• Planning and collaboration with teachers regarding services and interventions
• Utilize the consultation model of services for teachers and administration
• Develop of systems and data-tracking mechanisms for mental health progress monitoring and behavioral progress monitoring
• Planning and implementing psycho-educational groups during the school day in both a preventative and remediation model to targeted students for whom behavior is impacting learning
• Design and implement school-based programs to promote a positive school climate in conjunction with the school administration team.
• Utilize social work training and skills to remedy barriers to learning by providing evidence based supports to school personnel
• Develop behavioral intervention strategies either student specific or school-wide
• Lead and train others to facilitate restorative justice circles within the school environment
• Participate in conflict resolution and anger management as necessary in the school
• Facilitate the functional behavioral analysis process and development of behavior intervention plans for students
• Support internal and external Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) systems
• Participation in appropriate MDTs

Culture and Collaboration

• Collaborate and consult with the Facility-Based Education Staff, Behavioral Mental Health Partners, Assessment Specialists, Client Managers
• Collaborate with education and Behavioral Health Staff (BHS) regarding the implementation of research-based interventions for students experiencing mental health and/or behavioral related concerns/issues as appropriate: which may involve modification recommendations of the classroom environment
• Develop relationships with facility transition workers and assist with education transitions for youth
  
  

504 Site Coordinator & Special Education Assessment and Supports

• Participating in and helping with the regularly scheduled team meetings.
• Consults with other team members when determining necessary formal and informal behavioral and related service assessments.
• Prepare social developmental histories for initial or re-evaluation meetings.
• Participate in Manifestation Determination meetings, Crisis Response Team meetings, and Best Interest Determination (BID) meetings
• Provide related services articulated on Individualized Education Programs and assist in co-teaching effective needs classes.
• 504 Site Coordinator

Training/Communication and Other Duties as Assigned

• Maintain direct and ongoing communication with supervisor to bolster ongoing mental health support, services, and interventions within all DYS commitment facilities.
• Identify and report special education program/systemic strengths and limitations to supervisor.
• Participate in program development activities
• Train stakeholders on topics related to school social work services as well as assigned committees designed to ensure continuous quality improvement.
• Additional school based supports may include, but not limited to, interdisciplinary team problem solving, intervention plan development, school improvement planning, prevention services, teach or support affective education classes, school-related concerns such as academic achievement, bullying, harassment, misbehavior, or underachievement, and family issues

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education, Experience and License:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to the work assignment.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in the specialty area of the work assignment (i.e. working in a school with youth or content / industry related exp.)
• And a current and Valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Special Service Provider License: School Social Worker OR School Psychologist OR School Counselor, or allowable substition.

Substitutions:

• There are no substitutions for the required education or required experience.

• Allowable substitutions for the CDE license:
  • Current and valid Colorado DORA license from the list below (see senate bill 23-004)
    • Psychologist license (LP)
    • Social Worker license (LSW or LCSW which is one step above a LSW)
    • Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
    • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
    • Addiction Counselor (CADC)

Preferred Candidates will possess the following qualifications:

• School social worker experience of 2 or more years
• Experience working with at risk youth
• Experience with 504s
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Experience collaborating across complex systems
• Understanding of trauma-responsive/restorative environments.
• Relevant years of State service experience
• Masters Degree in related field
• Related licensure
  
  
  

• Colorado Academic Standards for K-12 education.
• Demonstrated knowledge in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Strong decision-making skills and follow through.
• Ability to positively and professionally interact with administrators, staff, parents, clients, community members and the judicial system.
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Ability to collaboratively problem solve, ask for and use feedback, and create positive culture and climate.
• Willing to think outside the box
• Flexible and creative problem solver
  
  

Conditions of Employment:

• Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.
• 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, (MVR check) required .
• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License.
• Must travel to training events and shadowing events in Denver area and other state facilities
• Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the DYS Pre-service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO), and mandatory annual training in all subject areas.
• Must be able to pass Escape and Evade
• Current and Valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Special Service Provider License: School Social Worker OR School Psychologist OR School Counselor.
• 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.

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

Need help with your application? Click here.

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact isaac.phelps@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.