Foster Home Certification Reviewer

Full Job Description

This position is open to State of Colorado residents only.

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

About this Unit:
The Administrative Review Division's (ARD) vision is to create a safe and promising future for children and at-risk adults. Our mission is to strengthen the communities, families, and systems that work to make that future possible. As a neutral, third party, we do this by facilitating reviews, gathering and analyzing data, publishing research, and providing training and technical assistance to effect change in practice, policy, and programs that lead to improved outcomes for Colorado's children and at-risk adults.

Colorado's Administrative Review Division (ARD) serves as an independent third party review system under the auspices of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The ARD manages quality assurance and quality improvement programs for Colorado’s child welfare and adult protective services systems. Specifically, the ARD is the mechanism responsible for the federally required Case Review System and a portion of the Quality Assurance System for both the Division of Child Welfare and the Division of Youth Services. Additionally, the ARD conducts quality assurance reviews of Adult Protective Services cases.

With an ultimate passion of providing permanency and well-being for Colorado's children, and the safety and protection of at-risk adults, the Administrative Review Division works closely with Colorado's counties to train, measure and assess their adherence to State and Federal regulations. Such regulations are in place to help prevent unnecessary moves for children in foster care and to assess (and encourage) that the needs of the families', children, and at-risk adults are being appropriately addressed.

Specifically, the ARD is the mechanism responsible for:

• Child Welfare Quality Assurance:
  • The federally required child welfare Case Review and Qualitative Case Review systems,
    • Administrative Reviews
    • Court ordered substituting Administrative Reviews
    • Screen Out Reviews/Assessment Reviews
    • In-home Services Case Reviews
    • Institutional Abuse/Neglect Reviews

  • Colorado’s statutorily mandated Child Fatality Review Team

  • Foster Home Certification Reviews

  • Child Welfare Hotline Reviews

• Adult Protective Services Quality Assurance:

  • Adult Protective Services qualitative case reviews

• Child and Adult Maltreatment Dispute Review Section

  • Child abuse and neglect dispute review unit

  • Adult Protective Services dispute review unit

• Qualified Residential Treatment Program Placement Review

Requirements

PLEASE NOTE: This is a hybrid position. When not completing certification reviews this position is required to be in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday the employee works remotely as long as they are not conducting reviews. The office address is 3656 W. Princeton Circle, Denver, CO 80236.

Position follows a hybrid work arrangement, combining remote work with regular travel. All certification reviews are completed in person at the respective county offices.

This position provides independent third party review and quality improvement processes for Colorado's Child Welfare Foster Home Certification procedures and is expected to determine if county departments of human/social services are properly certifying foster homes/kinship foster homes and properly screening out Institutional Abuse referrals in accordance with Federal and State laws through qualitative case reviews. This position provides oversight of the county supervised delivery of these services. This position recommends what action(s) should be taken if a county department of human/social services policy, procedure or overall operation do not adequately protect the safety and well-being of children in care as it pertains to foster home certification. This position supports the mission of the Division and Department through the collection, analysis, interpretation and distribution of compliance and quality assurance data/reports to the county departments of human/social services through the daily operation of the data system and the regular production and dissemination of compliance and quality assurance reports. This person demonstrates strong working knowledge and understanding of federal and state law and how it applies to child welfare operations, including child placement, foster care rules and regulations, and child welfare related quality assurance processes.

This position requires extensive travel across Colorado and may stay overnight in various locations up to eight nights per month. The mode of travel will include either driving a State of Colorado fleet vehicle, personal vehicle, or carpooling with other members from within the unit.

• This position is responsible for reviewing Critical Incident Reports (CIR's) of county departments who certify foster homes and kinship foster homes to determine if the incident was accurately reported within the required timeframe and met the threshold for reporting.

• This position is responsible for monitoring Stage II investigations that were recommended from the Institutional Abuse Review Team (IART) of county departments who certify foster homes and kinship foster homes.

• In addition to conducting comprehensive, cross-system on-site qualitative case reviews, this position will also review referrals called into a county department of human/social services and the Hotline County Connection Center that a county department screens out for abuse or neglect and does not accept for assessment of all institutions that provide care for children/youth to determine if the screening decision was appropriate.

• Independently determines through qualitative case reviews the extent of county department compliance with minimum rules/regulation and statutes.

• Exercises independent discretion and judgment in responding to compliance findings or issues that are identified during a review. Identifies the most appropriate action necessary to correct the deficiency and establishes reasonable timeframes to correct the issue.

• Initiates further involvement by other State agencies where safety issues are identified or greater technical consultation is needed.

• Determines if licensing violations are being corrected and further action required, when warranted.

• Responsible for approving compliance findings during the review and addressing areas of inconsistency among reviewers.

• Facilitate entrance and exit conferences with county staff and discusses county performance.

• Make recommendations for instrument construction (e.g., question wording and response format) in order to capture valid data.

• Make recommendations to refine review instruments and processes that better identify certification concerns and program quality.

• Enters data into a database and makes corrections to data entry errors.

• Summarizes and makes recommendations about county compliance based on established criteria.

• This position will encounter data integrity/accuracy issues and must determine how to best research potential causes and make recommendations for solutions.

• Determines when answer responses appear inconsistent across questions, researches potential causes, and works with Division Management to correct any data integrity issues.

• Makes decisions on how to interpret Federal and State laws, rules, and guidelines as they relate to the specifics of each foster home and kinship foster home file when providing technical assistance to county caseworkers and supervisors.

• When county departments ask for guidance on specific areas, this position must interpret Federal and State laws as they guide practice specific to the unique circumstances of each foster home and kinship foster home, as well as systemically.

Qualifications

Experience Only:

Six (6) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.

Must have at least two (2) years of professional experience in the certification of foster homes, monitoring compliance with licensing protocols, and implementing corrective actions for homes out of compliance with licensing rules and regulations.

Must have at least two (2) years experience with the resource function of Colorado Trails or other relevant CCWIS systems, this includes knowledge and experience utilizing Volume 7 Regulations, the Colorado Children's Code, and Colorado child welfare processes or other state child welfare systems.

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of relevant education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to six (6) years.

Must have at least two (2) years of professional experience in the certification of foster homes, monitoring compliance with licensing protocols, and implementing corrective actions for homes out of compliance with licensing rules and regulations.

Must have at least two (2) years experience with the resource function of Colorado Trails or other relevant CCWIS systems, this includes knowledge and experience utilizing Volume 7 Regulations, the Colorado Children's Code, and Colorado child welfare processes or other state child welfare systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong preference will be given to candidates with 3-5 years of experience in the certification of foster homes, monitoring compliance with licensing protocols, and implementing corrective actions for homes out of compliance with licensing rules and regulations.
• Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience determining screening decisions for abuse and neglect referrals.
• Strong preference will be given to candidates who possess a relevant Master's degree.
• Certified through the Child Welfare Training Academy.
• Exceptional communication skills, including demonstrated success in developing curriculum and providing training utilizing adult learning theory.

Highly Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated working knowledge and understanding of federal and state law and how it applies to the administrative review process;
• Demonstrated working knowledge and experience utilizing the Colorado Trails and ICON programs;
• Knowledge of the Code of Colorado Regulations and ability to provide technical expertise and training regarding the requirements for the certification of foster homes and kinship foster homes.
• Ability to manage scheduling needs of multiple counties and multiple reviewers to ensure reviews are completed timely;
• Ability to manage and resolve conflicts, confrontations, and disagreements in a positive and constructive manner to minimize negative personal impact;
• Ability to derive logical conclusions from available information, utilizing a combination of judgment and formal guidance, in order to determine if departmental objectives have been met;
• Ability to effectively communicate in both written and oral format to prepare and present review findings and provide technical assistance;
• Ability to set and prioritize workload, identify short- and long-term goals and develop strategies to achieve them; and
• Ability to negotiate to find mutually acceptable solutions, and builds consensus through give and take.

Special Licenses, certifications, etc. required:
Eligible for or Certified through the Child Welfare Training Academy

Conditions of Employment

• Full background check and reference check required

• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application, and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.

• Candidates are preferred to reside within 25 miles of the work location of 3656 W. Princeton Cir., Denver, CO 80236.

• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

1. Disclose that information on the application.

2. Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.

3. 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

• 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."

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.

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:

For additional recruiting questions, please contact jade.green@state.co.us

About Us and 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.