Case Manager (Health Professional III) Forensics Services

Full Job Description

Weekly Hybrid Working Arrangements

Minimum 2 days In Office and Maximum 3 days Remote Work

This position will comply with the Forensics Services Department's current

working arrangements.

Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.

Located within the Colorado Department of Human Services, the Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health (OCFMH) is responsible for policy development, service provision and coordination, program monitoring and evaluation, and administrative oversight for the public behavioral health system. OCFMH funds, supports and monitors numerous mental health and substance abuse community programs and providers. OCFMH also operates the Colorado Mental Health Hospitals at Fort Logan and Pueblo and the Forensic Services Division. OCFMH executes the States’ federal responsibilities as the State Mental Health Authority and State Substance Abuse Authority for the purposes of administering federal mental health and substance abuse block grant funds.

The Forensic Services Division is responsible for six departments, including Forensic Community-Based Services (FCBS), Jail-Based Evaluation and Restoration (JBR), Outpatient Restoration (OPR), the Forensic Support Team (FST), the Court Services Department, and the Operations Department.

This work unit exists to carry out the statutory obligations of the Department of Human Services to supervise compliance with court-ordered conditions for individuals who have been adjudicated Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) and who are subsequently released by the courts from their commitment to CDHS (Conditional Release) and at times when they are granted extended leave from the hospital into the community, Temporary Physical Removal (Conditional Placement). Additionally, the work unit provides oversight care coordination, and in select cases treatment interventions, for individuals who have been found NGRI or incompetent to proceed and who remain committed to the custody of CDHS, but who have been released by the courts to reside in the community.
Our teams work within various settings including community agencies, jails, courts, and hospitals. The locations can include locked units and secure facilities and our clients may at times be unpredictable due to their mental health needs. Our team is required to make critical decisions in dynamic and fast-paced environments in order to ensure a high level of accountability for patient care. Our staff are required to maintain updated skills, knowledge, abilities, and competencies necessary to the position through continuing education, clinical supervision, literature review, and discipline and team development. This position may be required to travel throughout Colorado to meet the needs of the department.

Requirements

Weekly Hybrid Working Arrangements

Minimum 2 days In Office and Maximum 3 days Remote Work

The FCBS case manager is responsible for overseeing clients who have been adjudicated as Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) and are court-ordered into the custody and care of the FCBS. This position is responsible for contributing to care coordination and case management needs of the clients who have a variety of psychiatric and legal needs. The case manager monitors compliance with court-ordered conditions, supports and may facilitate resource referrals and acquisition, partners with community providers to ensure adequate care and compliance, and serves as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders. In doing so, this position must maintain strong knowledge of the Colorado statutes, the identified person’s risk and mitigation factors, community resources, and complex system processes. The overall goal of this work unit and this position is to assist with smooth and safe transitions into the community, support maintenance of stability in the community, support ongoing community treatment engagement, and support clients’ interactions with the legal system.

Case Management:

Responsible for a caseload of FCBS clients determined by referral demand and acuity.

This begins with notification that one may be granted community living of any sort, and in-reach efforts with the hospital (Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo) teams need to begin.

The focus of in-reach is to establish rapport and gain knowledge of individualized needs.

Requires the individual to monitor the ongoing psychiatric stability, safety, and support needs while one is living in the community under specific agreed-upon, and/or court-ordered conditions.

Monitor and support adherence to any such agreements and/or court-ordered conditions, and communicate timely with necessary parties if there is a change or violation.

Serves as a primary liaison and consultant with community stakeholders, supports any resource referral needs in partnership with treatment team members, engages client support networks, offers case management service needs, attends staffings, participate in home visits, facilitates administration, collection, and submission of various forensic tests (i.e., urinalysis, hair test, etc.), and receives the results in order to inform any care needs, contributes to plans of care when appropriate, monitors condition compliance (i.e., housing, employment, medication, treatments, etc.), monitors ancillary individual needs such as adequate finances, food, clothing, transportation, etc., engage in property and home searches when required by conditions, and partners with treatment teams to facilitate referrals for evaluations and changes in conditions.

Drafts corresponding documentation and enters regular contact notes in various electronic health record platforms, in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Documentation:

• Required to regularly document client contact notes within the internal electronic health record system in a timely, thorough, and accurate manner.

Responsible for legal documentation to be submitted to the courts, which includes but is not limited to quarterly reports, annual reports, probable cause memorandum for violations, and assisting with drafting probable cause affidavits, drafting”Requirements for Community Placement”, drafting conditional release orders, and other FCBS- related court communications and/or reports.

In completing all documentation, professional writing, attention to detail, and relevant information, and an ability to accurately convey information are expected.

Legal and Court Involvement:

May engage as a liaison for judges, attorneys, guardians, attorneys general, and others affiliated with the criminal justice system.

This involves fielding questions and concerns via email, telephone, meetings, and training. This also includes testimony when so required on behalf of the Forensic Services Division.

• May also be times when this position is required to contact law enforcement. When engaging in any such activities, this position is required to maintain professional boundaries, the scope of practice associated with the position, and represent the department.
  

Other Duties:

• Any other duties that may arise while completing the tasks of this position to meet the needs of the unit, the Department, and the Division.

Qualifications

Experience Only:

Six (6) 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 six (6) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with clientele with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI), case management experience, and a minimum of 2 years of work experience in a human services field.

• Bachelor's Degree required (ideally with a focus in psychology, criminal justice, etc), Master's degree in a Clinical or Criminal justice area preferred.

• Flexibility and adaptability, willingness/comfort level meeting clients in their homes or other community settings, approachable, ability to provide care without judgment, strong time management skills

Conditions of Employment:

• Travel: Position must use state vehicles to conduct in-person case management visits and attend meetings as needed. Occasionally, transport clients to appointments.
• Other:
  • 2-Step - TB(tuberculosis)screening is required
  • Annual Influenza vaccination, and other vaccinations as required by the State of Colorado.
  • Position must be available for emergency calls

FULL BACKGROUND CHECK: This position will have direct contact with vulnerable persons (as defined by C.R.S.27-90-111: "Direct contact" means providing face-to-face care, training, supervision, counseling, consultation, or medication assistance to vulnerable persons, regardless of the level of supervision of the department employee.

"Direct contact" may include positions in which persons have access to or unsupervised time with clients or patients, including but not limited to maintenance personnel, housekeeping staff, kitchen staff, and security personnel.)

• Motor Vehicle Check: This position will drive a state fleet or non-state fleet vehicle for State business purposes.

• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or a non-restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border.

• Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.

• 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.

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.

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:

  • Relevant years of state service experience.

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).

Appeal Rights

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

• Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules, and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

Additional Information

• How to apply to the State of Colorado(Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

• The Assessment Process

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

• 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.

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.

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.

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 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.