Behavioral Health Lead Clinical Supervisor (Social Work/Counselor IV) - Prairie Vista YSC

This position is open only to Colorado state residents. Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Division of Youth Services - Prairie Vista Youth Services Center 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. 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. Summary of Work Unit The mission of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) is to build skills and competencies of youth to become responsible citizens. The Social Work series and other Behavioral Health Specialists employed by the facility are responsible for providing evidence‑based and research‑supported therapeutic intervention services to youth committed and detained with DYS. They provide therapeutic care of and support opportunities for growth and change for youth and their caregivers, and ensure healthy and successful reintegration back into our communities. This position provides consistent leadership and management around mental health and substance abuse services and behavioral interventions, supporting the DYS treatment model and Sanctuary principles with transition staff, client management, mental health services, medical, special education, security staff, and administration as needed. The specialist remains current on literature and research in the field, especially as it relates to emerging practices with complex mental health populations and behavioral and sensory interventions. About the Position The Social Worker/Counselor IV serves as the Behavioral Health Lead for the facility and functions as the Youth Center Training Officer (YCTO) for Behavioral Health Services. The role oversees substance use psycho‑education services and the internship/practicum program. It provides behavioral health clinical services to committed and detained youth who present with complex mental health needs, trauma histories, substance use concerns, aggression, and related behavioral issues. All services are delivered in accordance with DORA requirements and established mental health standards, including clinical assessment, service planning, individual and group counseling, documentation, and multidisciplinary service coordination. The position performs direct individual and group services, oversees daily behavioral health services, and ensures transition planning and continuity of services upon discharge. It applies a strength‑based perspective, systems theory, trauma‑informed care, and behavioral approaches. It supports and provides oversight for other Behavioral Health Specialists and Clinical Interns, offering enhanced services to complex youth, consulting on behavioral interventions, and coaching less experienced specialists. Summary of Duties Within the first seven days of a youth’s arrival, thoroughly assess mental health needs by reviewing files and making initial and collateral contacts. Maintain a caseload and provide oversight of assigned Behavioral Health Specialists. Conduct individual, group, and family therapeutic interventions using evidence‑based treatment theories and curricula. Provide counseling in accordance with training and expertise gained through specific training and knowledge of DORA standards and the Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health (OCFMH) expectations. Address substance use, psycho‑education, mental health issues, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, sensory integration, and offense‑specific services for sexually abusive or violent youth. Ensure services consider the youth’s age, ethnicity, culture, religion, and sexual identity to effect behavior change and reduce risk. Use DYS treatment model, behavioral interventions, sensory integration, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. Employ a strengths‑based and holistic approach to treatment. Document and assess effectiveness of interventions toward treatment objectives, collaborating with medical team and psychiatrist on psychotropic medication use. Collaborate with client manager and primary BHS to develop wrap‑around transition and after‑care services for youth nearing parole or discharge to support sobriety. Collaborate with educational/vocational systems to ensure appropriate academic services and coordinate with school Behavioral Health Specialists. Seek additional resources as needed based on developmental and neurocognitive ability. Support agency services using cognitive behavioral, sensory modulation, Sanctuary model, and Motivational Interviewing. Facilitate daily groups, assess progress, identify barriers, collaborate with multidisciplinary team members, and document all case management and therapeutic services in the electronic record system by the end of the next business day. Document summary of progress in monthly treatment plans; record assessments, sessions, court reports, transition plans, community passes, and staffing sessions. Communicate effectively in verbal and written formats to all audiences, including family, client management, education staff, parole boards, private providers, and courts. Perform all mental health services in accordance with DORA and OCFMH standards to mitigate risk and improve overall health. Training and/or Supervision Supervise programming components including Behavioral Program (level system), Chronic Disease Protocol, Substance Use Services, Mental Health Services, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma‑Responsive Environments, Practicum, and Internship program. Develop and conduct training for milieu staff and/or Behavioral Health Specialists with the Clinical Training Leader. Provide oversight for mental health services and make treatment case recommendations based on advanced practice, theory, or principle. Utilize a strengths‑based approach to professional development and performance improvement. Provide training on procedures ensuring policy standards are met and further develop team competency and family engagement. Consult direct care staff to develop and maintain a trauma‑informed environment. Other Duties as Assigned Other duties may be assigned by the Associate Director of Behavioral Health. Minimum Qualifications License and Experience Current, valid Colorado or State participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact licensure as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). Two (2) years 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 Relatable experience as a current or previous State of Colorado employee. Conditions of Employment Minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence. Full background check and reference check required. State of Colorado residency at the time of application and throughout employment. Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check. Valid, non-restricted Colorado driver’s license. Successful completion of DYS Pre-service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO), and mandatory annual training. Travel to assigned trainings and/or alternate work sites. EEO Statement The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to increasing a \"Colorado for ALL\" workforce and providing culturally responsive programs and services. The State of Colorado encourages candidates from all backgrounds and abilities to apply. 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. 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 the State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center. Employee Wellness program. Excellent work‑life programs such as flexible schedules and training. Remote work arrangements for eligible positions. Potential qualification for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Our Values We believe in a people‑first approach and prioritize the needs, well‑being, and dignity of individuals, families, and communities. We value flexibility, health, wellness, and employee engagement to create a resilient workplace. We hold ourselves accountable for the state of health and human services in Colorado. We are transparent and honest with employees, partners, the public, and Coloradans. We act ethically, doing what is right, not easy. We collaborate with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes. ADA Accommodations CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individual. We provide assistance with disability accommodation requests related to employment. Accommodation includes application process, interviewing, pre‑employment testing, and essential job functions where possible without undue hardship. Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io for assistance. #J-18808-Ljbffr Colorado-Department-of-Human-Service