Behavioral Health Specialist (Social Work/Counselor IV) - Campus at Mount View

Department Information This position is open only to Colorado state residents. Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Division of Youth Services – Campus at Mount View Youth Services Center 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. DYS also contracts with numerous private residential and non‑residential service providers throughout the State. For pre‑adjudicated youth, DYS is 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. Learn more at Summary Of Work Unit The mission of DYS is to effectively build skills and competencies of youth to become responsible citizens. Behavioral Health Specialists (BHS) are responsible for providing evidence‑based and research‑supported therapeutic intervention services to youth committed and detained with DYS. BHS are expected to provide therapeutic care and support opportunities for growth and change for youth and their caregivers, ensuring healthy and successful reintegration back into communities. The work unit provides services that include support of clinical services, development of strength‑based treatment plans, individual, family, and group therapy, and thorough knowledge and training regarding HIPAA, confidentiality, transition, and integration of care within a multi‑disciplinary approach. About The Position The Social Worker/Counselor IV provides consistent training, functional leadership, and day‑to‑day guidance related to mental health services, substance use interventions, and behavioral strategies within the facility. The role supports the Clinical Director by reinforcing the DYS treatment model and Sanctuary principles across interdisciplinary teams, including transition services, client management, medical, special education, security, and administrative staff. As a Behavioral Health Specialist, the incumbent remains current on emerging research, best practices, and evidence‑based approaches relevant to complex mental health needs, behavioral interventions, and sensory‑based strategies used in youth treatment settings. Responsibilities Within the first seven days of a youth’s arrival, thoroughly assess the youth’s mental health needs by reviewing files and making initial and collateral contacts as appropriate. Maintain a caseload and provide oversight of Behavioral Health Specialists assigned to individual youth. 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, psychoeducation, mental health issues, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, sensory integration, and offense‑specific services for sexually abusive or violent youth. Treat youth considering their age, ethnic, cultural, religious, and sexual identity issues, aiming to reduce complex co‑occurring needs and risk to community and symptoms. Use behavioral interventions, sensory integration, CBT, and motivational interviewing to treat youth, interpret behavioral changes, and anticipate treatment issues. Use a strengths‑based and holistic approach. Document and assess the effectiveness of specific interventions toward meeting objectives and goals of the treatment plan. Collaborate with the medical team and psychiatrist regarding psychotropic medication use, and work with primary BHS to assess medication needs. Assist in developing wrap‑around transition and aftercare services for youth nearing parole or discharge, ensuring sobriety support. Collaborate with educational/vocational systems to provide appropriate academic services and coordinate with the school BHS for consistent behavior interventions. Provide therapeutic interventions tailored to developmental and neurocognitive abilities, considering necessary modifications due to trauma, substance abuse, brain injury, or mental health disorders. Support individualized services using cognitive‑behavioral interventions, sensory modulation, Sanctuary model, and motivational interviewing. Facilitate daily groups, assess progress, address barriers, collaborate with multidisciplinary team members, communicate information, and document all case management and therapeutic services by the end of the next business day. Document monthly treatment plans, assessments, sessions, court reports, transition plans, community passes, and staffing sessions. Communicate effectively in verbal and written formats to families, client management, education staff, parole boards, private providers, courts, etc. Conduct mental health services in accordance with DORA and OCFMH standards. Training and Supervision Supervise programming components including the 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 BHS in conjunction with the CTL. Provide training and development for interns, overseeing mental health services. Make recommendations and evaluate treatment cases based on practice, theory, and experience at an advanced level confirmed by licensing with oversight from CLT. Utilize a strength‑based approach to professional development and address performance concerns. Deliver training specific to procedures that ensure policy standards are met and further develop team competency and family engagement. Consult with direct care staff to develop and maintain trauma‑informed programming. Minimum Qualifications 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 age of 21 years, no felony convictions or history of domestic violence. Full background check and reference check required. State of Colorado residency required at the time of application and throughout employment. Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, valid uncontrolled Colorado driver’s license. Continued employment contingent upon successful completion of DYS Pre‑service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO), and mandatory annual training. Applicants for supervisory positions must meet legal licensing requirements for supervisory responsibilities. Travel to assigned trainings and/or alternate work sites. Eligibility and participation in the Diana Screen® sexual risk screening tool. Disclosure of prior disciplinary termination or resignation as required by state policy. 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. 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. 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. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success and encourages applicants from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities. In all aspects of the employment process, we provide 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. Preference may be given to military veterans and to those who meet certain conflict of interest requirements. The State of Colorado is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Colorado