Social Work/Counselor III- Clinical Group Facilitator COT

Salary: $83,448.00 - $116,820.00 Annually
Location : Pueblo, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: IIB 06201 10/08/26
Department: Colorado Department of Human Services
Division: OBH - CMHIP
Opening Date: 10/08/2026
Closing Date: 11/8/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: View email address on click.appcast.io
Primary Physical Work Address: In person position not eligible for remote work reporting to: Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo, 1600 W. 24th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.


Department Information
This recruitment is only open to current Colorado Residents Only

This posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP)
Social Work/ Counselor III

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 CMHHIP patient units by managing clinical staff call-offs and deployment to minimize clinical treatment and activity cancellations. The department's goal 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, and 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 ensure treatment and activities are ongoing and not canceled. The department tracks group/activities compliance, clinical staff call-off, backfill, and treatment/activity groups and cancellations. The department maintains all clinical programming schedules, staff schedules, protocols, and group tracking systems. The staff has an understanding of and experience working with patients with mental health diagnoses, substance abuse, developmental disabilities, physical handicaps, legal concerns, 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 developing and maintaining group master schedules, staff schedules, staffing clinical call-offs, and developing curricula, group session plans, and group manuals.
Description of Job
You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.

Full-Time, 100% In-Person Position

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Work Location: 1600 W. 24th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003

Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.
About the Position:
We are looking for a dedicated clinician to support our most vulnerable patients. In this role, the incumbent will be the bridge between diagnosis and recovery for individuals facing severe emotional and cognitive hurdles. The incumbent will have the autonomy to adapt psychosocial therapy approaches, ensuring every patient receives care that respects their specific journey.


Clinical Treatment & Group Facilitation

• Act as the primary therapist or co-facilitator for individual and group sessions, using proven therapeutic methods tailored to each patient's unique background, including their age, culture, religion, and identity.
• Lead groups in various settings (on-unit, across campus, or off-site). For off-campus activities, safely transport patients using a state vehicle.
• Evaluate what a patient needs to learn and identify their strengths or obstacles to progress. Provide clear education on mental health, symptom management, and relapse prevention.
• Develop a strong, trusting rapport with patients to encourage them to take an active role in their own recovery.
• Keep accurate records of all sessions, tracking how well specific treatments are working and adjust goals based on the patient's progress.
• Apply advanced clinical experience and professional licensure to provide high-level care and guidance for complex cases.

Unit Strategy & Collaboration

• Partner with the multidisciplinary unit team to recommend specific therapy groups that best fit the current patient population.
• Join individual patient care meetings as requested to suggest targeted treatments for specific clinical needs.

Professional Development & Consultation

• Provide expert clinical consultation and training to other staff members to improve the overall quality of care on the unit.
• Stay current in field by attending workshops, staff meetings, and required training to maintain your license and professional skills.
• Maintain a deep understanding of hospital processes and case assignments to ensure the facility runs smoothly.

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks as needed to support the team and patient care.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications:
Current, valid Colorado or State participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact licensure as a:

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) OR
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) OR
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)

AND
One (1) year of experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact based on the work assigned to the position.
Preferred Qualifications:

• 1+ years of facilitating psychotherapy/psychoeducation group
• 1+ years of working in a locked or high-acuity unit
• 1+ years working with a forensic population

Conditions of Employment:

• Full 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 , if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an on-going 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 an 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.
• Other Conditions of Employment specific to Program
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

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.

• This position can be required to work unexpected or unusual work hours to perform the essential and/or emergency services of the department without delay and/or without interruption.
• This position is required to report or remain at work during delayed start, early release or closure situations.
• Shall not initiate or engage in sexual, social, personal or financial relationships with patients either during or 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 interventions 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 in order 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
• Travel - Willing and able to travel
• Annual influenza vaccination
• 2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
• 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 (View email address on click.appcast.io), 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io) 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io, 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

• 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 View email address on click.appcast.io.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io 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.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information:


Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01


The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.

• This information is available to me and I have read this information.
• I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

02


Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application.

• Yes
• No

03


If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not provide this information. An incomplete application may not move forward in the Selection process. If you are a former or current state employee, please identify what state agency you work(ed) with and how many years of relevant state service you have related to the position you are applying for. (Ensure this is listed on your application under work experience).
04


The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.

• This information is available to me and I have read this information
• I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

05


Please indicate which licensure or certifications you currently hold (select all that apply):

• -Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• -Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC)

06


Which Preferred Qualifications do you have, if any. These are verified in the job history questions of the application (select all that apply)

• No Preferred Qualifications
• 1+ years of facilitating psychotherapy/psychoeducation group
• 1+ years of working in a locked or high-acuity unit
• 1+ years working with a forensic population

07


Are you currently licensed or approved by the CO DORA to provide mental health services?

• Yes
• No

08


Have you ever been reported to a licensing board? If so, what were the circumstances and what was the outcome?
09


This position is in a fast-paced hospital environment where daily schedules frequently change at the last minute to accommodate patient needs and unit coverage. Are you comfortable and willing to work in an environment that requires high daily adaptability, and what techniques do you use to manage change and reprioritize tasks?
10


Describe your general approach to planning and facilitating a therapeutic group. How do you balance sticking to a curriculum with addressing the immediate needs of the participants in the room?
11


Please provide a brief summary (1-2 paragraphs) of your experience working with highly acute, multifaceted populations (e.g., severe mental illness, legal statuses, developmental disabilities). If you do not have direct forensic experience, briefly explain how your background prepares you for this population.
12


Which evidence-based therapeutic modalities are you most experienced in utilizing in a group setting? Briefly describe your experience with each modality and any clinical preference towards one over the others.
Required Question