Registered nurse - youth service center

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

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 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 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
Provide direction and clinical supervision of all Nursing and Health Care Technician staff assigned to the unit. Deliver 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 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 the youth. Review admission medical information obtained by security staff at intake.

Administer nursing care and provide youth education for routine, urgent, and emergent medical situations within the scope of practice.

Obtain laboratory and other diagnostic procedures ordered by medical providers, review results, and notify the provider when indicated.

Initiate nursing/medical treatment plans for youth with special health care needs and review and revise as needed.

Complete health appraisals, physical exams, vision/hearing screenings, in‑house laboratory diagnostic testing (urine dipsticks, pregnancy tests, STI urine testing, PPD tests, etc.) and immunizations per DYS policy.

Document all encounters with youth in the electronic medical records system and/or appropriate medical logs in an accurate and timely manner.

Maintain confidentiality of all patient information according to HIPAA regulations.

Initiate consultations/referrals to mid‑level provider or appropriate physician when indicated.

Respond to emergent situations (Code Blue, Code Red), administer CPR/First Aid, and initiate 911 call when indicated.

Deliver medications, medical supplies and evaluate youth who may be confined to specific buildings or rooms on campus.

Other nursing duties as delegated/ordered by DYS physicians or mid‑level providers.

Medication and Treatment

Responsible for ordering and preparation of youth’s medications for administration within the facility.

Transcribe and procure medication orders from physicians, psychiatrists, and mid‑level providers.

Maintain Medication Administration Records and update continuously.

Educate youth and staff about medications and compliance.

Investigate and document interviews with youth refusing prescribed medications and initiate interventions.

Maintain inventory logs and procure medications, supplies and equipment within campus clinics.

Monitor inventory and restock medications and supplies in campus clinics and living units.

Inspect and maintain First Aid Kits, AEDs, pharmaceutical refrigerators and other equipment.

Document medication administration and behavioral contacts in electronic medical record database.

Assess vaccine status and administer needed vaccines per CDC guidelines.

Clinical Supervision

Accountable for the work of nursing staff, health care technicians, nursing students, orientees and others through delegation of work assignments and ensuring timely completion.

Provide clinical and administrative supervision of nursing staff on duty and act as liaison between nursing staff and providers/administration.

Coordinate daily tasks and assign specific duties to staff to ensure all tasks are completed.

Ensure interventions are implemented, care meets or exceeds standards and documentation is completed.

Ensure essential information is shared from shift to shift.

Notify nursing staff of changes to processes, policies and procedures through meetings, email and individual contact.

Provide individual coaching sessions regularly.

Orient new staff and serve as preceptor for students.

Monitor compliance review standards and maintain NCCHC folders for readiness and compliance.

Supervise assessment and diagnostic skills of medical clinic staff by observation and review of documentation.

Supervise clinic staff on safe and legal medication administration protocols.

Supervise staff performance and provide feedback, completion of performance plans, and accountability for timekeeping through Kronos.

Facilitate resolution of interpersonal conflicts and investigate complaints from staff, youth, family and customers.

Schedule clinic staff based on needs.

Approve or deny individual leave.

Act as point of contact for local schools for RN, NP or PA students.

Facilitate regular staff meetings.

Education, Licensure, Certification, and Experience

Current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact.

Three (3) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.

Substitutions

Appropriate education may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience on a year‑for‑year basis.

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 the client.

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 working under conditions of stress.

Conditions of Employment

Must be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.

Full background checks: CBI name check, fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, reference checks, professional license verification, drug screen, PREA checks, Trails check, CAPS check.

Must possess State of Colorado residency at the time of application and throughout employment.

Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required.

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 may be required to other DYS Youth Centers for coverage, meetings and training.

Use, handling or exposure to hazardous materials - includes medical waste.

Must maintain a current CPR Card and perform CPR per guidelines.

Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the DYS Pre‑service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO) and mandatory annual training in all subject areas.

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose information on the application and explain why it should not disqualify them from this position.

Benefits

Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, 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, 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. The State of Colorado is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and serve them. 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.

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