Behavioral Health Specialist Assessment Court Liaison (Social Work/Counselor IV) - Denver

Behavioral Health Specialist Assessment Court Liaison (Social Work/Counselor IV) - Denver

Salary

$87,612.00 Annually

Location

Denver, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IKA 07090 8/4/2026

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

OCYF (Office of Children, Youth & Families)

Opening Date

08/11/2026

Closing Date

8/23/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

4131 S. Julian Way, Denver CO 80236

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

isaac.phelps@state.co.us

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Department Information

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

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

Division of Youth Services - Youth Services Central Administration Office

About the Division of Youth Services:

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non-residential services that encompass juvenile detention, commitment, and parole. DYS is the agency statutorily mandated to provide for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates fifteen secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21 who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. The Division also contracts with numerous private residential and non-residential service providers throughout the State. For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of Colorado Youth Detention Continuum, a State-funded, locally administered program that provides services to youth at risk of further progressing into the juvenile justice system. In addition to residential programming, the Division administers juvenile parole services throughout the State.

We invite you to explore the DYS website and learn about the services provided to youth, families, and local communities in the State of Colorado at: https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/dys

Description of Job

You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.

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

Summary of Work Unit:

The purpose of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) Assessment Unit is to provide a safe, secure, and healthy environment for all juveniles committed to the Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services (DYS), while conducting comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessments. Services include, but are not limited to, the administration and interpretation of criminogenic risk, mental health, substance use, and sex offense-specific screening and assessment instruments to inform treatment recommendations and ensure efficient, effective service delivery. The unit also provides specialized sex offense services and treatment needs, as well as coordination with internal and external stakeholders.

Principal functions include identification of criminogenic risk factors; evaluation of mental health functioning; determination of substance use treatment needs; assessment of individual strengths and responsivity factors; evaluation of sexual behavior concerns; and development of recommendations for placement type and individualized service plan goals. Additionally, the unit serves a court liaison function, facilitating communication with judicial partners, attorneys, and community agencies; preparing and presenting DYS Assessment and treatment services

Evaluation services are delivered through a multidisciplinary team decision-making process that incorporates family input and community support. All assessment services are empirically supported and aligned with best practice standards established by the U.S. Department of Justice, the National Institute for Correctional Mental Health Care, and the CDHS Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division.

About the Position:

The Behavioral Health Specialist Assessment Court Liaison serves as an on-site assessment subject matter expert within the regional Assessment team. A primary aim of this position is to provide supervision and oversight to assure quality of work product, consistency across regions, and effective communication/delivery of new practices. This position regularly completes assessments and works within a multidisciplinary team to offer empirically supported criminogenic, mental health, trauma, and substance abuse evaluation services to the youth and families that DYS serves. This position conducts individual and family structured clinical interviews, administers and interprets psychological assessment information, acts as a liaison with psychiatric professionals, completes substance abuse screening and assessments, and participates as a team member and clinical consultant with other assessment and regional personnel. Information gained through the assessment process is synthesized into a comprehensive and professional report and is completed within the timelines specified in Colorado Revised Statutes and internal implementing procedures.

Additional aspects of this position include receipt and provision of training related to various criminogenic, mental health, neuropsychological, and substance abuse issues,and sex offense specific issues, coordination and support of sex offense services programming, referral and coordination of executive transfers to the Colorado Mental Health Institutes, ongoing communication with Client Managers and treatment providers regarding assessment, court representatives, attorneys, probation personnel, and treatment providers regarding assessment, treatment, transition, and court-related issues, treatment and transition issues, consultation for youth placed across the DYS continuum of care, and ensuring the safety and security of each youth, staff, and the community according to Colorado law. Providing high quality criminogenic, mental health, and substance abuse screening and evaluations across the continuum of care helps to ensure that the diverse and complex needs of committed juvenile offenders are being met in the most effective and cost efficient manner.

Summary of Duties:

Sex Offense Services Program and Court Liaison

• Maintains consultation with Behavioral Health, Medical, and Educational Service members to ensure expertise in assessment and behavioral health services across DYS; provides expert, neutral testimony to the courts and responds to inquiries regarding DYS services, policies, reports, and population; and leads the development, implementation, oversight, and evaluation of sex offense-specific policies, programs, contracts, and practices in alignment with SOMB standards, evidence-based care, and DYS guidelines, including training, technical assistance, compliance monitoring, reporting, and participation in agency initiatives.

Program Development/Operational Oversight

• Ensure the oversight and application of appropriate, reliable and accurate assessment practices to ensure consistency across regions. Identify system processes in any given situation and define the issues related to the process from a division-wide perspective. Identify areas of personal contributions and relationships to other Behavioral Health, Medical, and Educational Services disciplines and actively work to balance the needs of all discipline areas. Collaborative with other disciplines to create a shared vision for statewide SOMB Services and Behavioral Health services within DYS.

Formalized Assessment Practice

• Conduct clinical interviews, criminogenic risk assessments, drug and alcohol screening and assessments, mental health evaluations, trauma assessment, and neuropsychological screenings on juvenile offenders who are committed to the Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services. Administration and interpretation of the Youth Assessment and Screening Inventory (YASI), Juvenile Automated Substance Abuse Evaluation (JASAE), and University of California Los Angeles Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Reaction Index (UCLA PTSD-RI) to assess specified areas of functioning including, but not limited to: current and past delinquent behaviors, mental health presentation, criminogenic need areas, family issues, peer relationships, self-perceptions, use of free time, level of maturity, problem solving skills, breadth of decision-making, drug and alcohol involvement, personal goals, risk factors associated with neuropsychological deficits, and identified skills/competencies. Conduct family interview to ascertain individualized family strengths, needs, perspective, and expressed goals for treatment and DYS stay. Review relevant collateral data, previous evaluation findings, legal documents, and any other information received at time of commitment, and incorporate the information into the finalized assessment report. Contact DYS Quality Assurance designee and/or courts to obtain any necessary legal interpretation or clarification and request amendment to mittimi when warranted. Complete all commitment paperwork, and calculate the security level designation. Contact collateral agencies to verify or request additional information on newly committed juveniles. Review all information available in the judicial database to ensure accuracy of mittimi, additional/pending charges, sentencing requirements, court orders and/or restitution ordered, and note any discovered discrepancies in the Assessment Report. Outline the assessment process to youth and families, including expectations, responding to questions, and requesting signed authorization for release of information and disclosure statements.
• Communicate individualized assessment findings and treatment recommendations with interdisciplinary team members to arrive at collaborative decisions regarding Service Plan goals, optional placement types, and recommended treatment. Participate in the initial DYS Multidisciplinary team meeting to discuss all relevant assessment findings in order to arrive at consensus related to prescribed placement type, service plan recommendations, and transition goals based upon individualized youth and family needs. Incorporate all assessment findings into a comprehensive, individualized, and strengths-based written Assessment Report. Enter all pertinent information into the Colorado Trails database and the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Perform a quality review all Assessment Reports prior to dissemination to ensure information contained in the report is accurate, conveys data necessary for Treatment Plan development, and represents correct grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.

Communication/Training/Clinical Oversight

• Provide clinical oversight, expertise, quality assurance, and direction regarding evaluation findings of juveniles who have committed sexual offenses, committed to the Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services. Uphold the effectiveness, fit, and functionality of currently utilized services and provide recommendations for improving statewide SOMB Services practices and policies. Participate in training topics related to Offense Specific Youth, including but not limited to, strengths-based evaluation and goal setting, effective report writing, identification of mental health and criminogenic need factors, psychological theories that apply, and motivational interviewing skills. Participate as a representative for DYS SOMBServices at various mental health and juvenile justice conferences. Maintain ongoing statewide correspondence with colleagues, service providers, and client managers to ensure reliable communication and continuity of services provided across the DYS continuum of care.
• Maintain direct and ongoing communication with the Director of Assessment and SOMB services for DYS to review, uphold, and improve ongoing criminogenic practices. Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement practices, as outlined by DYS Assessment Services protocol. Communicate program/system strengths and limitations to the Program Manager. Participate in program development activities and assigned committees designed to ensure continuous quality improvement and reinforcement of DYS SOMB Services initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed below to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience must be specifically documented on your application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application.

Minimum Qualifications:

License and Experience:*

Current, valid Colorado or State participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact licensure as a:

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) OR
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) OR
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)

AND

• Two (2) years of experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact based on the work assigned to the position.

• Applicants for supervisory positions must have licensure that meets the legal requirements to perform supervisory responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relatable experience as a current or previous State of Colorado employee.
• Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) certification

Conditions of Employment:

• Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence
• Full background check and reference check required
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check
• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License
• Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the DYS Pre-service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO) and mandatory annual training in all subject areas.
• Applicants for supervisory positions must have licensure that meets the legal requirements to perform supervisory responsibilities.
• Travel to Travel to assigned trainings and meetings, will travel to different facilities depending on critical case load.
• 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.

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 Directors Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

Supplemental Information

How to apply to the State of Colorado

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact Isaac.Phelps@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:

• 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.

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agencys contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

A condition of employment requires applicants to be 21 years of age or older. Do you meet this condition?

• Yes
• No

02

How many years of experience do you have facilitating psychotherapy/psychoeducation groups?

• 0-3 Years
• 3-5 Years
• 5+ Years

03

How many years of experience do you have working with youth who have complex mental health needs, severe behavioral challenges, learning disabilities, co-occurring disorders, limited skills?

• 0-3 Years
• 3-5 Years
• 5+ Years

04

Please indicate which licensure or certifications you currently hold (select all that apply):

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC)
• Other, Not listed or No current license at this time

05

How many years of experience do you have working with youth in the juvenile justice field?

06

How many years of experience do you have writing individual treatment plans?

07

How many years of experience do you have working on teams?

08

Describe your ability to work on a team with various work backgrounds as well as a time when a conflict arose on that team and how you addressed the conflict.

09

Are you a Veteran who qualifies for Veterans Preference Points? (If yes, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 form) Also, if you have a disability you must include a disability letter with your DD214.

• Yes
• No

10

The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.

• This information is available to me and I have read this information
• I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

11

Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application?

• Yes
• No

12

If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997…). Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not provide this information. An incomplete application may not move forward in the Selection process. If you are a former or current state employee, please identify what state agency you work(ed) with and how many years of relevant state service you have related to the position you are applying for. (Ensure this is listed on your application under work experience).

13

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify your application from the current position.

Required Question

Employer State of Colorado

Address See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

Website https://careers.colorado.gov/