Full Job Description
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
This position will be paid bi-weekly.
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This position will receive a short-staffing temporary pay differential, to be determined at time of job offer.
Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!
RECRUITMENT NOTE-
While this announcement will be used to fill multiple Units, should an offer be extended to you, the hiring manager may make you a job offer within the same classification for a different unit within the hospital.
These opportunities will be based on vacancies at the time of offer and business needs. All work locations evaluated will remain within CMHHIP.
About us
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining 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.
About Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP)
As a cornerstone of the Pueblo community for over a century, Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP) is a leading employer, provider of quality mental health services, and a community partner. CMHHIP is a 24 hour behavioral health acute care facility that is intended to provide a safe, secure, and therapeutic setting for patients with both psychiatric and medical issues. The services provided include evaluation and treatment for patients who are severely mentally ill, and the goal of this facility is to return patients to their optimal level of functioning and assist them in returning to the community as appropriate.
Requirements
This position exists to deliver nursing care and therapeutic interventions under the supervision of a registered nurse. The Client Care Aide I (CCA I) provides nursing care, which often revolves around assistance with activities of daily living, self-maintenance, and hygiene. A CCA Is main responsibilities include patient observation and reporting, assisting with patient care as directed, and unit maintenance and security.
Client Care Aides have a fixed schedule and provide essential care across various units. These units range from High Security to Low Security settings, with a diverse patient population including adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients experiencing psychiatric disorders, criminal involvement, or medical complexities. Staff may work in units featuring locked or unlocked doors, depending on the level of security required. Responsibilities include providing care to high-acuity patients in secure environments, such as high-security buildings with Sally Ports, or in lower-security community reintegration settings. Duties in this position include:
Clinical Skills:
- Responsible for administering nursing care, both psychiatric and medical crisis interventions under the direction and supervision of an RN
- Monitors the milieu for needed interventions
- Utilizes therapeutic interventions to manage crisis situations and management of assaultive and disruptive behaviors
- Promptly responds to patient’s psychiatric and/or medical crisis
- Understands and practices knowledge of when to report changes in patient condition or complaints such as pain or other medical needs to the RN
- Maintains awareness of all 1:1, special precautions, and medical and psych issues for each patient
- Responds to duress alarm
- Assures all assigned duties are complete and documented each shift
- Follows and maintains Infection control standards and regulations
- Responsible for CCA duties including changing linen, assisting with bathing, feeding, and lifting/turning/transferring patients
- Organizes time daily to assure timely completion of assigned tasks
Accountability:
- Knows, utilizes and follows CMHHIP standards and guidelines: Treatment Plans, Infection Control Manual, and Emergency Response Guides
- Follows and maintains infection control standards and regulations
- Adheres to CMHHIP Employee Code of Conduct and CMHHIP’s Organizational Ethics policies
- Follows and complies with all nursing competencies related to the CCA I, is aware and utilizes the Nursing chain of command
- Provide safe/secure transport of patients to yard, gym, visits, administrative conference room, staffing/dispo reviews, court/community reintegration sites
- Knows how to access the nursing drive on the computer and is expected to be proficient in navigating the platform
- Responsible to ensure educational profile is current and up to date
- Participates in the QA/PI process at the unit level as directed by the Nurse Manager
- Attends weekly nursing rounds or read/review and understand information in the weekly NEC minutes to be aware of nursing direction, new information, changes in policy/procedure/instructions etc.
- Reports ALL claims of harassment/workplace violence, alerts public safety/charge RN/Nurse Manager/and nursing appointing authority immediately
Communication/ Interpersonal Skills/Customer Service:
- Effectively communicates by actively listening and sharing relevant information with co-workers, supervisor(s), and customers to anticipate problems and ensure the effectiveness of the department
- Adapts communication methods to respond to different audiences to promote a positive environment, which is appropriate in all communications with coworkers and patients
- Receives cross-shift reports from the off-going RN and is aware of all 1:1, SP II, medical, and psych issues for each patient
- Addresses patient complaints at the unit level
- Reports ALL abuse allegations immediately to the charge RN/Nurse Manager/nursing appointing authority and refer to public safety
- Alerts the RN to all exceptions, and changes in patient status including suicidal/homicidal ideation, need for medication, or RN intervention
- Completes and routes paperwork to the appropriate area/person (to include incident reports and injuries on the job)
- Corrects and reports any hazardous environmental findings to the Charge RN
- Treats all patients and staff with respect, demonstrates tact and diplomacy and encourages open communication and mutual trust
Other Duties as Assigned:
- Responsible for the performance of assigned tasks and duties within the scope of practice for this position that does not fall within the realm of duty statements
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:- High school diploma or General Educational Diploma (GED)
Substitutions:- Current, valid certification as a Nurse Aide (CNA) from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies will substitute for the high school diploma or GED.
**Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a pro-rated 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:
- Experience working in a mental health setting
- Willingness to work an occasional graveyard/night shift
- Possession of CNA License
- Experience assisting residents/patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL) care with the mentally ill population.
- Experience observing, recording, reporting, and documenting changes in a patient's condition.
Required Competencies:- Dependability
- Excellent Oral Communication Skills
- Problem Solving
- Participating as an Active Team Player
Conditions of Employment:- Full background check and reference check required. Name check, TRAILS, and Fingerprinting, CAPS
- A Tuberculosis Test (TB), and other required immunizations will be required upon hire.
- Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency
services to ensure health, safety, and welfare. - May be required to work overtime as needed on a shift or weekend not part of scheduled hours (days, evenings, or nights).
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, back to back shifts and double back shifts, when necessary.
- Work in a secure facility in locked and unlocked environments.
- Willing to work with the mentally ill population.
- Willing to work with individuals with a range of moods behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and congenial, personal manner.
- Shall not initiate or engage in sexual, social, personal or financial relationships with patients either during or any time after hospitalization, even if the patient requests or initiates such a relationship. All relationships with current or former patients must be disclosed on your application.
- Successfully pass all modules of the CMHIP New Employee Orientation core curriculum to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in
- Defensive Tactics.
- Physically able to perform the duties required for the position.
- Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations.
- Ability to read and comprehend the English language, in addition to effectively and fluently communicating in English, both verbally and in writing.
- Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings.
- Willing and able to travel.
- 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 ExplanationEmployment 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. 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 a review and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from an eSkills Test.
Your Work Experience/Job DutiesDocument your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.
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 RightsYou 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
About Us & BenefitsIf 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:
Our ValuesWe 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 AccommodationsCDHS 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 StatementThe 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 ApplicationIf 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.
THE CAMPUS OF THE COLORADO MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITAL IN PUEBLO IS TOBACCO FREE
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer