| Location | Denver, CO |
| Salary | $72,264–$115,632 Per Year |
BHA-Criminal Justice Substance Use Treatment Licensing Manager
Salary
$72,264.00 - $115,632.00 Annually
Location
Denver, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
ILA 02498 11-02-02-2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
BHA -
Opening Date
11/02/2026
Closing Date
11/16/2026 10:00 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
3824 West Princeton Circle Denver, CO 80236
Hiring Pay Rate
6022-9636
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Gerald.Barajas@state.co.us
Salary Note
Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
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.
Department Information
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
This position is open to current Colorado residents only.
This position is designated at Remote, On Site as needed - Subject to change
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CDHSCareers
Description of Job
About this Unit:
This position is located within the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) which leads and promotes the State's behavioral health priorities, ensures that behavioral health services respond to the changing needs of communities, monitors State and local data, and continuously evaluates State efforts. In collaboration with other state agencies, the BHA is accountable for the delivery of behavioral health services in Colorado. It bestows a streamlined and efficient government approach to support quality care while minimizing the burden to providers so that they can focus on service delivery. The BHA is responsible for behavioral health policy development and effective collaboration with cross-sector partners working in and around the behavioral health system and along the continuum from prevention to treatment and recovery. The BHA works in partnership with State agencies to reduce bureaucracy and fragmentation.
The BHA funds, supports and monitors critical high intensity mental health and substance abuse community programs and providers, and reviews and designates the State's 27-65 providers. The BHA executes the State's federal responsibilities as the State Mental Health Authority and the State Substance Abuse Authority for the purposes of administering federal mental health and substance abuse block grant funds.
About this Position:
This position, located in the Licensing and Designation work unit within the Quality and Standards Division, is responsible for regulatory oversight specific but not limited to criminal justice and/or the Colorado Department of Corrections; this work unit is responsible for monitoring compliance of providers to rule and statute in licensing and designation. This unit is responsible for overseeing the survey monitoring function, regulatory and statutory compliance, adverse licensing actions, enforcement of regulations, and technical assistance to internal and external stakeholders. This position ensures that a high standard of care is honored and implemented, to meet the Behavioral Health Administrations vision of having a comprehensive, equitable, effective continuum of behavioral health services that meets the needs of all Coloradans.
The team has behavioral health experts from a variety of specialty areas who represent the BHA on various state level task groups and commissions. This positions specific subject matter expertise is related to the provisioning of substance use disorder treatment services for individuals involved in the criminal justice system and/or incarcerated in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Personnel use their expertise to provide technical assistance to provider agencies to promote system and service improvements
Summary of Duties:
This position is the Staff Authority and statewide expert on Substance Abuse and Mental Health treatment agencies specific to Criminal Justice, Colorado Department of Corrections, and substance use disorder treatmentI; its knowledge of the statute and rule. This Staff Authority represents Colorado on inter-agency task forces and committees and nationally in a variety of forums. Other state agencies, such as Colorado Division of Criminal Justice Services (CDJS), Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), Health Care & Policy Financing (HCPF), Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and the state Judicial system rely on guidance from this authority in order to provide treatment services in accordance with state statute.
This position conducts licensing activity for the full array of ASAM IV substance use disorder treatment services and/or levels of care. The BHA has been designated as the lead authority state agency on drug and alcohol abuse prevention,intervention and treatment issues. This position is responsible for ensuring provision of effective and appropriate intervention services and is responsible for coordinating those services with prevention and treatment services. This position has authority to grant, deny or revoke licenses to substance use treatment specific treatment agencies throughout Colorado. This position also acts on complaints against licensed treatment agencies, examining critical incidents for further investigation and enforcing corrective actions. This position may also be required to oversee compliance for both private/state agencies and youth substance use treatment facilities, substance use disorder treatment licenses and mental health designated facilities.
This position is responsible for the ongoing implementation of regulation and periodic update and re-drafting of regulation when necessary. This position coordinates stakeholder engagement and dissemination of information critical to the implementation of ASAM IV levels of care, and the BHA's regulatory standards for the treatment of substance use disorders statewide in accordance with 2 CCR 502-1 Chapter 10, Services for Criminal Justice-Involved Individuals,inclusive of but not limited to assessment, evaluation, and substance abuse disorder treatment.
Licensing Designation, Inspection and Investigations of SUD and MH Providers:
This position provides the licensing and/or designation for behavioral health agencies wishing to obtain BHA's
endorsement of their service quality and/or capacity within the criminal justice system, Colorado Department of Corrections, and private sector agencies. It compares behavioral health rules, statutes governing behavioral health services, and BHA's policies and procedures in order to make determinations as to whether or not an agency (private and/or state governed) is licensed for substance use disorder services or designated for mental health treatment. This position also conducts provider site visits for the purpose of determining contract or license/designation compliance using a standardized risk-based protocol to look for indicators of quality assurance activities, compliance with BHA rules, and compliance with terms of behavioral health contracts between BHA and service providers. These site visits may be conducted together with other work units within BHA and may happen concurrently with the provision of population-based technical assistance. Fieldwork travel is required
Rule Drafting specific to the BHA Licensing and Designation of SUD and MH Services:
This position is viewed as an Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the purpose of contributing to the writing and promulgation of rules that authorize and implement Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Mental Health (MH) treatment in BHA Licensed and/or Designated facilities that provision ASAM IV services to the criminal justice population across the state of Colorado.
Works with the Policy, Strategy and Communications group to maintain congruence in communication with CDHS/BHA and consults with that group regarding information that could benefit the public through on-line or web-based communication and media messaging.
Provide Technical Assistance in Accordance with BHA Regulatory Standards:
This position provides technical assistance to programs, agencies and stakeholders in order to:
Assist Licensed and Designated agencies to come into compliance with BHA licensing or designation requirements.
Identify evidence-based or best practices that are used to treat individuals with a specific disorder or issue.
Support implementation of continuous quality improvement projects to improve quality of care and outcomes related to the population.
Promote understanding of behavioral health disorders and state of the art knowledge regarding prevention, treatment and recovery models.
Participation in staff development, discipline specific meetings and conferences, and collaborative learning experiences as these are available to further one's own knowledge base evaluating whether treatment modalities, clinical interventions, medication management practices, and recovery support services are appropriate for criminal justice populations and consistent with recognized evidence-based practices and risk-reduction strategies. .
This position exercises significant Staff Authority in the oversight, evaluation, and regulation of mental health and substance use disorder treatment services for criminal justice populations subject to court-ordered evaluation and treatment requirements. The position serves as a recognized subject matter expert in behavioral health treatment programming within correctional and criminal justice settings and is relied upon by management, providers, and stakeholders to interpret and apply complex behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment and licensing regulations. The position independently provides authoritative guidance and technical direction to state-operated and private sector agencies regarding regulatory compliance, evidence-based treatment practices, clinical safety standards, and corrective actions necessary to maintain licensure and program integrity. This position regularly develops and delivers onsite training and technical assistance to providers, correctional agencies, and community stakeholders regarding evolving federal and state requirements, including guidance issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration. A comprehensive working knowledge of behavioral health regulations, criminal justice treatment models, federal guidelines, and BHA policy is essential, as the recommendations and determinations made by this position directly influence licensing outcomes, corrective action decisions, program operations, and the safe delivery of treatment services across the criminal justice system.
Other Duties as Assigned:
This position may be called upon to perform tasks or undertake special assignments or projects deemed necessary by BHA, but not specifically referenced in the above duties
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST IV (HIG4XX)Experience Only:
Seven (7) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position- Substance use disorder treatment, Government Oversight & Compliance, Healthcare/Health facility.
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to seven (7) years.
Degree Areas: Behavioral Health, Social Work, Psychology, Public Administration, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, or related fields.
Substitutions:
Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Government Oversight & Compliance: Background navigating regulatory compliance, government oversight processes, quality assurance, or policy enforcement.
Experience working in licensed Health/Healthcare facility: Practical experience working within behavioral health, mental health, or broader healthcare settings.
Inclusivity Note: In alignment with a broad approach, related social science or administrative degrees are fully acceptable, and equivalent practical experience in regulatory compliance or behavioral health can substitute for specific degree paths.
Conditions of Employment:
[Standard/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 Check , if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an on-going capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.
Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License or an non-restricted U.S. Drivers License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border
Out-of-State Driver's License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License within 30 days of employment start date.
Other Conditions of Employment specific to Program
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.
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
The Assessment Process
Please Note: As part of the Comparative analysis process, candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be required to take and pass on online skills assessment test. Notifications, as well as instructions will be sent via email so applicants are encouraged to continually check for emails.
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:
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 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.
~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support
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
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.)
02
Please describe your current knowledge of the behavioral health system in Colorado?
03
Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application. Yes/No
04
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).
05
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.
06
Did you specify in detail how you meet the minimum qualifications? Please add to the "Objective Section"
07
Describe your professional experience interpreting and applying state statutes, administrative regulations, or licensing standards governing substance use disorder or mental health treatment services.
08
Describe your experience working with substance use disorder treatment programs serving criminal justice-involved populations, including individuals involved with probation, parole, community corrections, or court-ordered treatment.
09
This position requires independent interpretation of complex regulations and the ability to provide authoritative technical guidance to leadership, licensed providers, and governmental partners. Describe a situation in which you were required to make a significant professional recommendation involving competing priorities, differing interpretations, or potential regulatory consequences. How did you support your recommendation, address differing perspectives, and ensure that the final decision was consistent with applicable requirements?
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/