Behavioral Health Specialist, Social Work / Counselor III - Platte Valley Youth Services Center
State of Colorado
FreshPosted Mar 31
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Posted: March 31, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Behavioral Health Specialist (Social Worker / Counselor I) - Lookout Mountain Youth Services
State of Colorado
Colorado Department of Human Services
Location
Colorado, --
Salary
From $5,665
per month
Type
Full-Time
More Healthcare & Medical jobs →Closes
April 15, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This job involves providing mental health support and counseling to young people aged 10-21 in a secure youth detention facility in Colorado, helping them deal with trauma, substance abuse, and behaviors linked to crime.
The role focuses on one-on-one, family, and group sessions in a supportive, trauma-aware setting to help these youth reintegrate into their communities successfully.
It's a great fit for someone with a background in social work or counseling who is passionate about working with at-risk adolescents and enjoys team collaboration.
Key Requirements
- Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related field
- Colorado licensure as a Social Worker, Counselor, or equivalent (or eligibility for licensure)
- Experience providing mental health services to adolescents, especially those with trauma or substance abuse issues
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care, strength-based approaches, and systems theory
- Ability to conduct mental health screenings and develop interventions for criminogenic risks
- Strong collaboration skills with facility staff, families, and community partners
- Commitment to working onsite in a secure youth facility (no remote services without approval)
Full Job Description
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies at the locations below.
Division of Youth Services - Lookout Mountain 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.
We invite you to explore the DYS website and learn about the services provided to youth, families, and local communities in the State of Colorado at: https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/dys
Requirements
Summary of Work Unit:
This work unit exists to provide supervised onsite mental health services to committed and detained youth in a secure facility. It provides individual, family, or group services in support of and in alignment with the Division of Youth Services (DYS) strategic plan and DYS treatment model within a trauma informed environment. This work unit identifies youth needs and develops interventions to mitigate risk and enhance protective factors to ensure successful reintegration into the community. It works collaboratively with milieu staff, education, family, client management, and community stakeholders to provide evidence-based services to youth with complex mental health needs. This position is designed to provide onsite services and is not approved to provide remote services to youth unless approved by the Director of Behavioral Health and Medical Services (BHMS) or designee.
This work unit exists to provide supervised onsite mental health services to committed and detained youth in a secure facility. It provides individual, family, or group services in support of and in alignment with the Division of Youth Services (DYS) strategic plan and DYS treatment model within a trauma informed environment. This work unit identifies youth needs and develops interventions to mitigate risk and enhance protective factors to ensure successful reintegration into the community. It works collaboratively with milieu staff, education, family, client management, and community stakeholders to provide evidence-based services to youth with complex mental health needs. This position is designed to provide onsite services and is not approved to provide remote services to youth unless approved by the Director of Behavioral Health and Medical Services (BHMS) or designee.
Summary of the position:
The purpose of this positin is to deliver supervised clinical services to youths facing complex mental health challenges, trauma, substance abuse, and related issues within the facility. Additionally, the trainee will be trained to address criminogenic risk factors and family interventions in the adolescent demographic. The trainee will gain an understanding of criminal behavior in adolescents, aiming to reduce criminogenic risks and enhance protective factors, while also tackling the interplay between mental health and criminal activity. The role is structured to foster learning and application of strength-based perspectives, systems theory, and trauma-informed care. The trainee will also be expected to learn about and cater to the needs of committed or detained youths who exhibit behavioral and psychiatric problems stemming from traumatic experiences, such as abuse or significant family distress.
This role conducts a mental health screening in line with DYS policy upon a youth's admission when applicable. It determines whether a youth qualifies for chronic care services or has special needs affecting their experience in a DYS facility. Additionally, this role refers youth to psychiatric services when suitable. It collaborates with medical personnel to assess if medical conditions affect the youth's emotional and psychological well-being. Utilizing the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument (YASI) and other validated tools, this position addresses criminogenic risk factors influencing underlying behavior through a strengths-based method and consideration of a youth's protective factors.
The purpose of this positin is to deliver supervised clinical services to youths facing complex mental health challenges, trauma, substance abuse, and related issues within the facility. Additionally, the trainee will be trained to address criminogenic risk factors and family interventions in the adolescent demographic. The trainee will gain an understanding of criminal behavior in adolescents, aiming to reduce criminogenic risks and enhance protective factors, while also tackling the interplay between mental health and criminal activity. The role is structured to foster learning and application of strength-based perspectives, systems theory, and trauma-informed care. The trainee will also be expected to learn about and cater to the needs of committed or detained youths who exhibit behavioral and psychiatric problems stemming from traumatic experiences, such as abuse or significant family distress.
This role conducts a mental health screening in line with DYS policy upon a youth's admission when applicable. It determines whether a youth qualifies for chronic care services or has special needs affecting their experience in a DYS facility. Additionally, this role refers youth to psychiatric services when suitable. It collaborates with medical personnel to assess if medical conditions affect the youth's emotional and psychological well-being. Utilizing the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument (YASI) and other validated tools, this position addresses criminogenic risk factors influencing underlying behavior through a strengths-based method and consideration of a youth's protective factors.
Job Duties:
Assessment and Treatment Planning.
When applicable, this position completes mental health screening according to DYS policy when a youth is admitted to a DYS Youth Center. This position will thoroughly assess a youth’s mental health needs by reviewing the youth’s main and medical files and making initial and collateral contacts as appropriate. Maintains a caseload and will provide behavioral health care to each youth. Conducts individual, group, and family therapeutic interventions using evidence-based treatment theories and curricula. Provides counseling in accordance with training and expertise gained through specific training and knowledge of DORA standards and the Civil and Forensic Mental Health Services (CFMHS) expectations. Therapeutic intervention service needs include substance use, psychoeducation, mental health issues, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, sensory integration, and offense-specific services for youth who have committed sexual offenses, along with youth who are abusive or violent youth. Detention mental health services are tailored to meet the needs of youth in alignment with the DYS treatment model This role involves identifying pertinent individual needs and protective factors, considering age, ethnicity, culture, religion, and sexual identity, which influence behavior change and the mitigation of complex concurrent needs and risks to the community, as well as symptoms in the individual and family during detention.Treatment. This position utilizes and presents a case conceptualization model of youth on caseload upon entering the facility and discusses this with supervisor and present to Department chairs for collaboration and decision making around appropriate services.
Training, Consultation. Participates and supports orientation, educational workshops, mental health, co-occurring disorders, and family department meetings, and training to assure and maintain competency in the provision of evidence-based mental health services. Serve as clinical support to unit managers and other clinical providers regarding the delivery of clinical services, milieu services and interventions. Provide consultation to milieu staff to assist in the implementation of youth treatment goals and objectives. Participates in family department meetings and training to assure and maintain competence. Supports and promotes Division and agency initiatives. Is knowledgeable of and in compliance with all DYS policies and audit standards. Is responsible for maintaining all professional certifications. Actively participates in own professional growth and continued training, research, and CEU’s. Participates in clinical supervision with the clinical director. Participate in team meetings and shift briefings.
Documentation. Document in approved electronic database for all individual and group sessions in approved DYS format. Group documentations must be individualized, reflecting how each particular youth participated in each group session. Document incident reports as indicated, ensure follow-up for DHS reports on a timely basis. Ensure all intern notes are entered into the approved electronic database when responsible for supervising the intern. Document calls to guardians and client managers. All documentation shall be reviewed and signed off on by the Clinical Clinical or their designee.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Experience Only:
Four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
~OR~
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to four (4) years.
Preferred qualifications:
- Enrolled in a Master's program that is license eligible.
- Current or previous State experience.
Conditions of Employment:
- Must be 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence
- Full Background - CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference checks, Professional License Verification, Drug Screen, PREA, Trails check.
- 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 Record (MVR) Check - Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License
- Travel. Transportation of youth in state vehicles, travel to assigned trainings and/or alternate work sites.
- Shift Work- Subject to assigned shifts.
- 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 that information on the application.
- Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
- 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.
The Diana Screen®, a sexual risk screening tool, is administered to all applicants to the Division of Youth Services (DYS) seeking positions of trust with children and teens to help ensure that ethical boundaries between children and adults are maintained.
At the DYS, the safety and protection of the youth who have been entrusted to us is our #1 priority.
The results of the Diana Screen will be provided to the Division of Youth Services and may be used as part of the Division's decision on whether a candidate is selected.
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.
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).
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 (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), 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 (303.866.5038) 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 (303) 866-3300, or
Additional Information
Need help with your application? Click here.
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
Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
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.
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.
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 cdhs_ada@state.co.us.
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 855-524-5627 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.
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