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Posted: February 3, 2026 (8 days ago)

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Client Care Aide II, Full Time, CMHHIP ABTU Unit

State of Colorado

Colorado Department of Human Services

Recent

Location

Salary

$3,834 - $5,368

per month

Closes

February 21, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as a nursing aide in a secure mental health hospital unit for teenagers aged 12-17 who have serious psychiatric issues and criminal involvement, helping with daily care like hygiene and meals under a nurse's guidance.

You'll also monitor patients for safety, support their treatment plans, and maintain the unit's security.

It's a good fit for compassionate individuals with healthcare experience who can handle high-stress environments and work fixed shifts in a team setting.

Key Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Experience in direct patient care or nursing assistance
  • Ability to provide activities of daily living support (e.g., hygiene, self-maintenance)
  • Skills in patient observation, reporting, and security monitoring
  • Knowledge of therapeutic interventions and treatment plan implementation
  • Capability to work in high-security settings with adolescent patients
  • Physical ability to assist with patient transport and unit maintenance

Full Job Description

CDHS Logo.jfif

This position is open to current Colorado residents only

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.



***This position will receive a short-staffing temporary pay differential through June 30th 2025***


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.

About the ABTU Unit
The ABTU unit provides treatment for adolescents ages 12 through 17. Patients have psychiatric disorders with concurrent criminal involvement or are highly dangerous, requiring inpatient care in a secure setting. This is a medium acuity unit. The patients have acute symptoms of mental illness. Severe and persistent mental illness and/or personality disorders concurrent with criminal involvement. Patients with a primary Psychiatric Diagnoses, Conduct Disorder who are medically stable. The unit is located in Hawkins and is considered high security specialty.


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Requirements

This position exists to deliver nursing care and therapeutic interventions under the supervision of a registered nurse. The Client Care Aide II provides nursing care as assigned (i.e. activities of daily living, self-maintenance, and hygiene). Participates in implementation of the treatment plan and utilizes the plan of care as the basis for the provision of care.

Major responsibilities include patient observation and reporting, assisting with patient care as directed, and unit maintenance and security. Provides security and accountability for client’s location and condition. May assist licensed staff in patient transport on or off grounds and monitoring of general client activities on an on-going basis.

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 include:
Clinical Skills
  • Is responsible to administer 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 to possibly include changing linen, obtaining and documenting vital signs, bathing, feeding and other ADL care, lifting/turning/transferring patients.
  • Organizes time daily to assure timely completion of assigned tasks.
  • Learns, completes and maintains competency in patient care, including taking vital signs, patient hygiene and personal care.
Accountability
  • Knows, utilizes and follows CMHIP standards and guidelines: Treatment Plans, Infection Control Manual, and Rainbow book and Emergency Guides.
  • Responsible to maintain own certification and not allow it to lapse.
  • Follows and maintains infection control standards and regulations.
  • Adheres to CMHIP Employee Code of Conduct and CMHIP’s Organizational Ethics policies.
  • Follows and complies with all nursing competencies related to the CCA II.
  • 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.
  • Documents towards Nursing Department standards for assigned tasks.
  • Knows how to access the nursing drive on the computer and is expected to utilize it.
  • 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 Lead Nurse.
  • 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 any claims of any type of harassment/work place violence, alerts public safety/charge RN/Lead Nurse/and nursing appointing authority.
  • Arrives to work on time and prepared to begin the shift at the scheduled time.
  • Clocks in and out for scheduled work hours to prevent any unnecessary unauthorized overtime.
  • Follows policies related to use of leave (Addenda C-9 ;Use of Leave), calling off, and scheduling time off.
Communication/Interpersonal Skills/Customer Service
  • Effectively communicates by actively listening and sharing relevant information with co-workers, supervisor(s) and customers so as to anticipate problems and ensure the effectiveness of the department.
  • Adapts communication methods to respond to different audiences to promote a positive environment.
  • Is appropriate in all communications with co-workers and patients.
  • Receives cross shift report 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 abuse allegations immediately to the charge RN/Lead Nurse/nursing appointing authority and refer to public safety.
  • Alerts the RN to all exceptions, changes in patient status to include suicidal/homicidal ideation, need for medication or RN intervention.
  • Completes and routes paperwork to appropriate area/person (to include incident reports and injury on the job).
  • Corrects and reports any hazardous environmental findings to the Charge RN.
  • Treats all patients and staff with respect.
  • Interactions with all persons are positive, demonstrate tact and diplomacy, and encourage open communication and mutual trust
Other Duties as Assigned
  • Responsible for performance of assigned tasks and duties within the scope of practice for this position that do not fall within the realm of duty statements A-C

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
A high school diploma or General Educational Diploma (GED)
AND
One year (1) experience in an mental health or inpatient hospital setting

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.
  • Current, valid licensure as a Practical Nurse (LPN) from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies or any state participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact will substitute for the experience requirement
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working in a mental or behavioral health setting
  • Possession of CNA License
  • Experience assisting residents/patients with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL) care with the mentally ill population.
  • 1 year experience in an inpatient setting
  • Previous State experience

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 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. 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 Duties

Document 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 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


For additional recruiting questions, please contact Magalie.Chapman@state.co.us


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:

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.


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    Posted on NEOGOV: 2/3/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/4/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-colorado-5218892