Registered Nurse I, RN I - Gilliam, Youth Services Center - Denver

This position is open only to Colorado state residents. This position will receive a short-staffing temporary pay differential of 4% from July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026. Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies (Including both part and full time positions). Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details! 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. Summary of Position Delivers health care to detained and committed youth within the nurse’s scope of practice. Primary care is provided by independent practitioners with responsibility for a continuum of care from the initial assessment through development and maintenance of health care including physical, psychiatric and dental maintenance. Specific Job Duties Clinical Duties Initial nursing assessments and triage of requests for health/medical care submitted by youth. Reviews the admission medical information obtained by security staff at intake. Administers nursing care and provides education for routine, urgent and emergent medical situations within scope of practice. Obtains laboratory and other diagnostic procedures ordered by medical providers, reviews results and notifies provider when indicated. Initiates nursing/medical treatment plans for youth with special health care needs and revises them as needed. Completes health appraisals, physical exams, vision/hearing screenings, in‑house laboratory diagnostic testing (e.g. urine dipsticks, pregnancy tests, STI urine testing, PPD tests), and immunizations per DYS policy. Documents all encounters with youth in electronic medical records and/or appropriate medical logs in an accurate and timely manner. Maintains confidentiality of all patient information in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Initiates consultations or referrals to mid‑level provider or physician when indicated. Responds to requests for emergent situations (Code Blue, Code Red), administers CPR/First Aid, and initiates a 911 call if indicated. Delivers medications, medical supplies, and evaluates youth who may be confined to specific buildings or rooms on campus. Performs other nursing duties as delegated or ordered by DYS physicians or mid‑level providers. Medication and Treatment Orders and prepares youth’s medications for administration within the facility. Transcribes and procures psychiatric, physician, and/or mid‑level provider medication orders. Maintains accuracy of individual Medication Administration Records, monitors for medication errors, and reports errors to the Lead Medical or Mid‑Level Provider in charge. Educates youth and staff about medications, side effects, desired effects, and importance of compliance. Investigates and documents interviews with youth refusing prescribed medications and initiates interventions. Maintains inventory logs of medications arriving at the facility and assists in ordering and maintaining stock supplies, medications, and equipment in campus clinics. Monitors first aid kits, AEDs, refrigerators, and other equipment to ensure adequate functioning of the medical department. Documents administration of youth medications and behavioral contacts in the electronic medical record database. Assesses vaccine status and administers needed vaccines per CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and provider recommendation. Follows Vaccine for Children’s Program protocols for immunization administration and safe storage and handling. Mental Health Evaluates residents’ mental status and behavioral health conditions through interview, health appraisal, and observation. Provides basic mental health intervention and refers to psychiatrist or mental health resource for further evaluation or transfer. Provides basic nursing interventions and education during encounters as indicated. Makes appropriate referrals and/or consultations with mental health providers or psychiatrist. Actively involves parents and legal guardians in the care and treatment of the mental health of their youth. Health Education Assesses knowledge deficits regarding general health and hygiene topics presented by youth in routine and formal encounters. Provides individual and group education regarding health promotion, disease and injury prevention, healthy lifestyle, stress management, proper hygiene practices, dental care, STI safe sexual practices, contraceptive options, and injury prevention using protective gear. Identifies gender‑specific educational needs of youth. Provides ongoing education regarding medication administration, infection prevention, and other health‑related topics specific to staff. Education / Licensure / Certification / Experience Current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). Preferred Qualifications Experience with adolescent health care. Experience with mental health nursing. Experience with correctional nursing. Relatable experience as a current or previous State of Colorado employee. Highly Desirable Competencies Knowledge of current medications, administration, their actions and use. Ability to work in collaborative relationships with other professionals to achieve interdisciplinary goals set for clients. Ability to assess and coordinate community health care services to meet the needs of clients and their families. Ability to collect, record, and interpret data concisely and accurately. Ability to self‑regulate emotions when provoked or when working under conditions of stress. Conditions of Employment Minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence. Full background check required. This includes CBI name check, fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, reference checks, professional license verification, drug screen, PREA, Trails check, CAPS, and MVR check. Must possess a valid, non‑restricted Colorado Driver’s License. Ability to work shift work as required. Essential Services Designation – Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services. Travel required to cover other DYS youth centers and attend meetings and training. Exposure to hazardous materials (medical waste) required. Must maintain a current CPR Card and perform CPR per guidelines. Continued employment contingent upon successful completion of DYS Pre‑service Training Academy, Field Training Program, and mandatory annual training in all subject areas. Benefits 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. Access to 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. 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 a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to View email address on click.appcast.io. EEO Statement 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 is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr