Youth Services Specialist I - Spring Creek YSC - Colorado Springs
State of Colorado
FreshPosted Feb 5
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Posted: February 5, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Ongoing Child Protection Administrator - Social Services Specialist VI
State of Colorado
Colorado Department of Human Services
Location
Colorado, --
Salary
$8,391 - $13,425
per month
Type
Full Time
More Social Services jobs →Closes
February 27, 2026More State jobs →
Job Description
Summary
This job involves leading and overseeing child protection programs across Colorado's counties, ensuring high-quality services for children and families in ongoing cases like foster care, reunification, and adoption.
The role includes supervising staff, collaborating with other state agencies and courts, and making key decisions to meet federal standards and improve outcomes.
It's ideal for experienced social services professionals with strong leadership skills and a passion for child welfare.
Key Requirements
- Extensive experience in child welfare and child protection services
- Strong supervisory and leadership abilities for managing county programs and staff recruitment/retention
- Knowledge of federal and state child welfare laws, regulations, and compliance standards
- Skills in program evaluation, quality improvement, and innovative service delivery models
- Ability to collaborate with judicial, health, and behavioral health entities
- Expertise in permanency planning, including reunification, adoption, and out-of-home placements
- Residency in Colorado
Full Job Description
This position is open to current Colorado residents only.
Requirements
About this Unit:
The Division of Child Welfare Services provides a range of leadership, management and supervisory functions related to the delivery of public child welfare services to children, youth and families. The Division provides administrative supervision for all child welfare programs in Colorado’s 64 counties, and delivers technical support, monitoring, program improvement, regulatory oversight and other quality assurance functions. The Ongoing Services unit carries the responsibility to provide supervisory oversight of the county departments child protective services programs which include cases in the phase of child protection services, this is from the opening of a
case to the closing of a case and including maltreatment in out of home, re-entry into foster care, congregate care, crisis intervention and treatment methodologies including in home services and out of home care. Additional competencies including final decisions making about the viability of reunification versus termination of parental rights
and placing children for adoption or other alternatives for finding permanency.
About this Position:
This position is the acting supervisor in the area of Ongoing Child Protection by interpreting and evaluating the effectiveness of programs, approaches, identification of avenues to improve the quality of intervention and services, and by setting the standards for program operation to be followed by County Department of Human or Social
Services. Collaborates with other offices including but not limited to the Judicial Branch, Department of Health Care, Policy and Financing and the Office of Behavioral Health to develop cross office collaboration to improve services to children and families across Colorado. Decisions made by this position may also impact federal financial sanctions for the Department. This position also addresses child protection specialty areas including expedited permanency, assessment, family services plans, treatment intervention, casework supervision, recruitment and retention of staff, innovative out of home placement models and judicial issues.
Job Duties:
Program Administration:
This position is the senior authority in the area of ongoing child protection and includes child protection specialty areas such as expedited permanency, assessment, family service plans, treatment intervention, case work supervision, recruitment and retention of staff, innovative out of home placement models/ permanency
models, and judicial services when families are involved in the child welfare system. The State of Colorado, including the Colorado Department of Human Services, Department of Health Care Policy and Finance, The State Court Administrator's Office and the Colorado Office of State Auditors relies on this position to ensure
that child welfare practices in Colorado are meeting Federal standards for practice regarding children and their families when they become involved in the child welfare system. Colorado Counties also rely on this position to complete guidelines and interpret federal laws as they relate to compliance for child welfare in Colorado.
This includes all practice areas from the time a child welfare cases opens through permanency. Interprets and administers statewide permanency planning requirements for county departments of human/social services that require collaboration and negotiation with state judicial and the local judicial districts in order to effectively carry out statutory requirements regarding expedited permanency planning for all children under the age of 6 and siblings who are the responsibility of county departments. Author’s reports to the Colorado legislature about the status of permanency planning in Colorado. Serves as a liaison for all 64 Colorado counties in matters that are critical in ongoing child protection. Responds to questions from stakeholders, legislators, and media, other state and federal agencies, professional organizations and researchers throughout the United States, including national level organizations related to ongoing child protection. Interacts with the Departments’ legislative liaison to provide policy and fiscal analysis on proposed legislation related to child protection. Communicates with child protection advocates, provides testimony at legislative hearings and is responsible for implementation of statute related to ongoing child protection. This position is the senior expert to review and evaluate service delivery of 64 Colorado county departments of human/social services as related to ongoing child protection and child welfare services. Serves as the Division’s lead in drafting revisions to reports in the state automated child welfare case management system related to areas of program responsibility. Oversees and works with county directors to review county policies related to ongoing child protection, permanency planning and initiates program improvement plans or sanctions when there is noncompliance by a county. Makes recommendations to child welfare director and child welfare leadership on various child welfare programs. Attends training on the latest models and methods and interventions to use to address ongoing child protection issues and then provides training to staff in county department of human/social services including other states
agencies. This would include judicial, state staff and others as determined. Researches and keeps up to date with child welfare practices across the country. Positions determine the annual business plans that integrate with the agency’s mission and goals, regarding the federal grants awarded to the state of Colorado. Determines implementation of policies and guidelines, develops budgets to distribute through the 64 counties the federal grants that the State of Colorado are awarded. Establishes staffing and directly controls the work of others. Work involves directing the implementation of policies, rules, and regulations for Child Welfare for the State of
Colorado.
models, and judicial services when families are involved in the child welfare system. The State of Colorado, including the Colorado Department of Human Services, Department of Health Care Policy and Finance, The State Court Administrator's Office and the Colorado Office of State Auditors relies on this position to ensure
that child welfare practices in Colorado are meeting Federal standards for practice regarding children and their families when they become involved in the child welfare system. Colorado Counties also rely on this position to complete guidelines and interpret federal laws as they relate to compliance for child welfare in Colorado.
This includes all practice areas from the time a child welfare cases opens through permanency. Interprets and administers statewide permanency planning requirements for county departments of human/social services that require collaboration and negotiation with state judicial and the local judicial districts in order to effectively carry out statutory requirements regarding expedited permanency planning for all children under the age of 6 and siblings who are the responsibility of county departments. Author’s reports to the Colorado legislature about the status of permanency planning in Colorado. Serves as a liaison for all 64 Colorado counties in matters that are critical in ongoing child protection. Responds to questions from stakeholders, legislators, and media, other state and federal agencies, professional organizations and researchers throughout the United States, including national level organizations related to ongoing child protection. Interacts with the Departments’ legislative liaison to provide policy and fiscal analysis on proposed legislation related to child protection. Communicates with child protection advocates, provides testimony at legislative hearings and is responsible for implementation of statute related to ongoing child protection. This position is the senior expert to review and evaluate service delivery of 64 Colorado county departments of human/social services as related to ongoing child protection and child welfare services. Serves as the Division’s lead in drafting revisions to reports in the state automated child welfare case management system related to areas of program responsibility. Oversees and works with county directors to review county policies related to ongoing child protection, permanency planning and initiates program improvement plans or sanctions when there is noncompliance by a county. Makes recommendations to child welfare director and child welfare leadership on various child welfare programs. Attends training on the latest models and methods and interventions to use to address ongoing child protection issues and then provides training to staff in county department of human/social services including other states
agencies. This would include judicial, state staff and others as determined. Researches and keeps up to date with child welfare practices across the country. Positions determine the annual business plans that integrate with the agency’s mission and goals, regarding the federal grants awarded to the state of Colorado. Determines implementation of policies and guidelines, develops budgets to distribute through the 64 counties the federal grants that the State of Colorado are awarded. Establishes staffing and directly controls the work of others. Work involves directing the implementation of policies, rules, and regulations for Child Welfare for the State of
Colorado.
Policy Development and Analysis:
Researches, collects and analyzes ongoing child protection data to identify statewide trends, patterns and problems in program services. In addition to Colorado data, collaborates with others states and national organizations to develop policies or to propose legislation resulting in more efficient and effective program. Initiates changes in rules and policies that aligns Colorado with the national trends and best practices and assists counties to improve in service delivery. Researches national models of ongoing child protection assessments to ensure the best and most current practices are being utilized in Colorado.
Serves as the ongoing child protection expert in numerous public venues. Acts as resource consultant to child protection supervisor groups and to child protection supervision training and curriculum development staff for 64 Colorado county departments of human/social services. Serves as the Division’s lead program liaison with State
Judicial and the local judicial districts regarding Dependency and Neglect matters. Participates in numerous committees for the purpose of making recommendations on program policy, rules and legislation related to Child Welfare services. Serves as the State Liaison with counties and citizens. Participates in numerous committees for the purpose of making recommendations on program, policy, rules and legislation related to Child Welfare services. Frequent Overnight travel is required. Serves as the voting member from Child Welfare for the Permanent Home Hearing Committee, the DANSR Core Team member.
Staff Supervision and Team Leadership:
The Ongoing Child Protection Administrator supervises three permanent employees (ongoing specialists) and any temporary employees assigned to the unit. Supervisory role includes setting performance standards, conduct performance planning and appraisal of staff, and ensures that subordinate staff development needs are met. Initiates and administers necessary corrective or disciplinary actions. Monitors and approves formal leave for staff and provide for formal and regular interval evaluations of direct report staff. Determines workflow and distribution of work; scheduling; employee performance management needs; staffing
needs, training; and progressive discipline.
needs, training; and progressive discipline.
Other Subject Matter Expert (SME):
Provides ongoing technical assistance and guidance assigned to county departments regarding timeliness of initial contact, timeliness of assessment closure, accuracy in completing the safety and risk assessment, decision making around safety within the dual track response system and the overall global assessment within child protection specifically as it relates to permanency. Provides technical assistance on difficult child protection issues and provides onsite coaching and supervision to counties struggling with implementing best practices according to rules, policies, procedures and statues, both state and federal. Provides oversight and supervision to county departments regarding these rules, policies, and procedures. General knowledge of casework across the life of a case. Travels across the state to other state and county agencies for technical assistance and guidance.
Other duties as assigned
Other duties as required
Qualifications
Important Note: Please review your application to ensure completion. For the most equitable applicant experience, CDHS' hiring teams consider only the contents of your application to determine meeting minimum qualifications and for the comparative analysis process. Experience is calculated on a full-time equivalency basis, therefore, it is important to accurately notate the hours you averaged per experience section entry. Volunteer work or related type of experience may be used to meet the qualifications, but must be clearly documented. It is paramount that in the experience portion of the application, the applicant describes the extent to which they possess the education, experience, competencies and background as they relate to the duties outlined in the job announcement.
Experience Only:
Nine (9) 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 nine (9) years.
Preferred Qualifications:- Preferred qualifications would include a certified caseworker or certified supervisor for child welfare in Colorado. An undergraduate degree in social work or a related field, or a master’s degree in social work or a related field.
Conditions of Employment:
- Current, valid and unrestricted CO drivers license
- Travel across the state to county departments, 25%
- Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan www.copera.org 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
- BenefitHub state employee discount program
- Employee Wellness program MotivateMe
- Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
- Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
Full Background – A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process as this position is deemed to have direct contact with vulnerable persons.
Felony convictions, conviction of crimes of moral turpitude, or convictions of misdemeanors related to job duties may disqualify you from being considered for this position.
Should your background check reveal any charges or convictions, it is your responsibility to provide the CDHS Background Unit with an official disposition of any charges.
Additionally, you will be required take and pass a drug screen.
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position.
Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.
APPEAL RIGHTS:
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail 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.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.
Additional Information
For additional recruiting questions, please contact Brennon.Watts@state.co.us
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.
In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:
*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more
information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs.
Our Values:
We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.
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.
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
ADAA Accommodations: CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of 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, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform 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 our ADAAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at cdhs_ada@state.co.us or call 1-800-929-0791.
~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~
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