Job Description
Posting number: IIB 03653 10/21/26
Department: Colorado Department of Human Services
Division: OBH - CMHIP
Job classification: Training Specialist III
Posting type: Open
Categories: Health Services, Mental Health, Health Education, Allied Health, Health Sciences, Counseling, Health Care Support, Medical
Summary
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
This position is open to current Colorado residents only.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP)
As a cornerstone of the Pueblo community for over a century, Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP) is a leading employer, provider of quality mental health services, and a community partner. CMHHIP is a 24 hour behavioral health acute care facility that is intended to provide a safe, secure, and therapeutic setting for patients with both psychiatric and medical issues. The services provided include evaluation and treatment for patients who are severely mentally ill, and the goal of this facility is to return patients to their optimal level of functioning and assist them in returning to the community as appropriate.
The purpose of the Continuity of Treatment Department is to enhance, increase and support treatment programming in all CMHHP patient units by managing clinical staff call-offs and deployment in order to minimize clinical treatment and activities cancellations. The goal of the department is to maintain clinical staffing levels which will assist with patient stabilization, treatment and discharge preparedness. The department provides clinical training and education on specific treatment approaches, therapeutic and group facilitating skills to mental health clinicians and other clinical staff within the hospital to enhance patient treatment outcomes.. The work unit develops and implements staffing systems to assure treatment and activities are ongoing and not canceled. The department tracks group/activities compliance, clinical staff call-off and backfill data as well as data on treatment/activities groups cancellations. The department maintains all clinical programming schedules, staff schedules, protocols and group tracking systems. Staff have an understanding of and experience working with patients with mental health issues, substance abuse issues, developmental disabilities, physical handicaps, legal issues and multiple psychiatric diagnoses. The legal status of patients may include incompetent-to-proceed, competency exams, not guilty by reason of insanity, short-term or long-term admission or long-term extension. The unit goal is to assist in treating the severely mentally ill, return them to their optimal level of functioning and assist them in returning to the community as appropriate.
Examples of duties
100% In-Person Working Arrangements
Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo is a 24-hour facility
This position will comply with the Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health/Division of Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo /Unit: Continuity of Treatment current working arrangements.
Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change.
About the Position:
As a Training Specialist III, this position is to independently provide comprehensive education and training to new and current CMHHIP staff across a broad range of approved clinical curricula. This position serves as a primary instructor for core training programs, including but not limited to Motivational Interviewing, Clinical Group Facilitation, Plan of Care Processes, and various psychoeducational group curricula. The specialist applies discretion and professional judgment to adapt training methods to diverse audiences, troubleshoot complex learning challenges, and provide expert, "just-in-time" clinical support on units. This role actively contributes to the evaluation and refinement of curriculum content, ensuring alignment with best practices, organizational goals, and regulatory standards, and manages all aspects of training preparation, delivery, and reporting.
Clinical Trainer:
- Designs, develops, and delivers comprehensive training programs for new and current CMHHIP staff, serving as a primary instructor for core curricula such as Motivational Interviewing, Clinical Group Facilitation, Plan of Care Processes, and various psychoeducational group curricula, and the Active Treatment Program Manual
- Applies advanced knowledge of adult learning theory and instructional design principles to adapt and tailor training techniques (e.g., lecture, role-playing, case studies) to optimize learning outcomes for diverse audiences and complex subject matter
- Responsible for evaluating student competency through advanced assessment methods, such as but not limited to data collection, unit performance metrics and incident reports
- Provides expert feedback and present findings and plan of actions to the department leadership
- Evaluates and proposes improvements to training materials and delivery methods based on observed effectiveness and evolving best practices
- Ensures that all training is aligned with hospital treatment methods such as the Active Treatment Program Manual
- May be required to travel to other state offices in a state vehicle for training purposes
Classroom Management/Preparation:
- Manages all aspects of classroom preparation and environment to ensure optimal learning conditions
- Assesses and secures necessary equipment and materials, ensures compliance with infection control and safety protocols, and optimizes the physical layout for effective instruction
- Troubleshoots complex logistical issues independently and ensures meticulous documentation of student attendance and achievement
On-unit, Just-in-time Clinical Training:
- Serves as a subject matter expert and resource, providing proactive and reactive on-unit, "just-in-time" clinical training and coaching to individuals and teams
- Assesses real-time clinical situations, identifies opportunities to reinforce training principles, and provides immediate, targeted feedback and guidance that aligns with established best practices and hospital policies
- Adapts coaching strategies to the dynamic unit environment and complex staff interactions
Use of Technology:
- Utilizes and provides expert instruction on a wide range of educational technologies, including interactive conference rooms, projectors, laptops, and specialized A/V equipment
- Responsible for advanced troubleshooting of technical issues, optimizing technology integration for enhanced learning, and managing comprehensive training data within the LMS system
- Identifies opportunities for system improvements and provides advanced user support
Collaborative Training Team Work:
- Participates in and contributes to the Clinical Education Team meetings and relevant hospital committees, serving as a subject matter expert and resource
- Analyzes training needs, evaluates curriculum effectiveness, and proposes modifications or new program initiatives based on professional expertise, observed staff performance, and evolving clinical standards
- Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to shape comprehensive training
- Responsible for the implementation of department orientation, regular competency review, organization and implementation of skills competency fairs and check-offs
Group/Activity Coverage and Milieu Management and Other Duties as Assigned:
- Engages with patients to establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship that supports the patient’s psychiatric recovery and mental health
- Facilitates certain groups such as educational treatment/activity groups as assigned and scheduled by the Clinical Manager, after competency is determined
- Co-facilitates other groups with appropriate training/education, for example Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Leads/initiates scheduled alternate programming exercises
- Facilitates patient one-to-one sessions providing and documenting interventions which assist the patients toward meeting Plan of Care (POC) treatment goals
- Addresses and resolves patient issues when possible and refers issues to the patient’s rights advocate as indicated
- Escorts patients to activities within treatment areas (Treatment Malls)
- Utilizes therapeutic interventions to manage crisis situations and management of assaultive and disruptive behaviors
- Promptly responds to a patient's psychiatric crisis
- Understands and practices knowledge of when to report changes in patient condition or complaints such as pain or other medical needs to the RN
- Maintains awareness of all 1:1, special precautions, and medical and psych issues for each patient
- Responds to duress alarm
- Assures all assigned duties are complete and documented
- Demonstrates knowledge of own scope of practice
- Provides coverage in all units/groups/activities as assigned
- Provides milieu management in all treatment areas assigned to
- Develops protocols and curriculum for assigned groups and activities
- Facilities/co-facilitates groups and activities on units as assigned and in the treatment malls as assigned
- Assists in the development of treatment malls
- Recognizes signs and symptoms of patients and reports those that may need additional intervention with the treatment team
- Performs assigned tasks and duties within the scope of practice for this position that do not fall within the realm of all other duties
Qualifications
Minimum 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 relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to six (6) years
Preferred Qualifications:
- One or more years of experience training staff
- One or more years of experience working within a forensic or other psychiatric facility
- 20+ hours of documented training in Training Facilitation and/or Instructional Design
Conditions of Employment:
- Full background and reference checks 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
- Other Conditions of Employment specific to Program
- 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.
- Shall not initiate or engage in sexual, social, personal, or financial relationships with patients either during or at any time after hospitalization, even if the patient requests or initiates such a relationship. All relationships with current or former patients must be disclosed on your application
- Successfully pass all modules of the CMHHIP New Employee Orientation core curriculum, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments, and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics
- Possess the physical ability to successfully complete hospital-adopted physical intervention (MANDT) and CPR
- Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist
- Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled containment to the floor
- Withstand impact on own body using an ASP shield
- Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for using a defensive tactic
- Kneel on one or both knees and stand up again with multiple repetitions
- Must be able to see and hear to observe, address, and respond to potential breaches in safety
- Seize, hold, control, or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
- Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs, and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
- Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person, and/or restraint situations
- Ability to read and comprehend the English language; effectively and fluently communicates in English, both verbally and in writing
- Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold), which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings
- Willing and able to travel;
- 2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
- Annual Influenza vaccination
- Other vaccinations as required by the State of Colorado
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
Supplemental Information
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:
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.
