Client Care Aide II - Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan (Denver)

Client Care Aide II - Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan (Denver)

Salary

$1,787.08 - $2,502.46 Biweekly

Location

Denver, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IIC-07368 07/30/26

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

OBH - CMHIFL

Opening Date

07/30/2026

Closing Date

8/14/2026 11:59 AM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

curtis.padilla@state.co.us

Primary Physical Work Address

Colorado Mental Health Hospital at Fort Logan 3520 West Oxford Ave Denver, CO 80236

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 to current Colorado residents only

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies (morning, afternoon, and evening shifts).

This position is on-site only

Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefits package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!

About Fort Logan:

Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan (CMHHFL) is one of two state hospitals serving our community. The vision of CMHHFL is to provide the highest quality mental health services to persons with complex, serious, and persistent mental health illnesses within the resources available. Our mission is to support those individuals in achieving their recovery goals and reaching their full potential. CMHHFL provides inpatient treatment to adult patients, generally between the ages of 18-49. The hospital has 94 adult inpatient beds, and over four treatment units and opened an additional 44 beds (two units) in December 2022, with one unit currently occupied, the other unit awaiting occupancy. These two forensic units will be dedicated to providing psychiatric stabilization and restoration treatment to individuals who opined incompetent to proceed as a result of their mental illness. Medical services, occupational therapy, neuropsychological-rehabilitation services, and trauma-informed care services are available for all patients throughout the hospital.

Opt-in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events!

CDHSCareers

Description of Job

About the Position:

This position works under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse and assists with psychiatric and medical nursing care of mentally ill patients; observes, reports, and documents patients' behavior, physical condition (including vital signs, blood pressure, weights, patient reports of pain, etc.), and reactions to medications and treatment; and provides input into planning patient treatment plans; monitors and intervenes to ensure a safe and therapeutic patient milieu; and provides immediate crisis intervention when indicated. Provides basic hands-on care in a safe, clean, infection-controlled manner, including bathing, dressing, grooming, personal hygiene, skin care, range of motion, positioning, ambulating, transferring, toileting, feeding, transporting, and assistance with patients' laundry, safety checks and documenting all of the above. Duties in this position include:

Provide Therapeutic Patient Care:

• Under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse, engage with patients to establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship that supports the patient's psychiatric recovery and mental health.
• Supports and assists patients in accomplishing activities of daily living (ADLs) through monitoring, teaching, supporting, and direct assistance, when needed. Provides direct patient care including bathing & showering, personal hygiene, shaving, brushing teeth, care of personal items, laundry, toileting, dressing, undressing, assisting in and out of bed, feeding programs, toileting programs, range of motion, transporting, and interacting socially to meet patients' basic needs
• Prepares patients by explaining actions and interventions before providing care, whenever possible
• Assists RN and MHC to complete precaution levels and accountability sheets.
• Documents observations, care provided and patient response on flowsheets or other charting formats as assigned and required by hospital policy
• Maintain professional boundaries with patients and their families
• Assures that patient is treated with dignity and respect, maintaining patient's privacy
• Communicates to provide or exchange information while keeping registered nurses and other staff informed of patient status and patient issues
• Escorts patients to appointments on grounds and transports within the community

Milieu and Unit Safety:

• In collaboration with other team members and under the supervision of a registered nurse, supports a safe and therapeutic treatment environment through effective Milieu Management
• Maintains cleanliness and safety of the work environment for patients by disinfecting washing machines, tubs, and showers between use, directing and assisting patients with keeping their room and space clean and free of obstacles. Utilizes Universal Precautions in managing waste personal care items
• Monitor, identify, and address safety violations in patient care areas
• Monitors for unsafe items and/or unsafe conditions, and act promptly to secure unsafe items and correct unsafe conditions
• Utilize appropriate techniques from Verbal Defense and Influence (VDI) and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) as needed, with the support of staff. Engage patients in unit activities intervene as indicated and communicate any concerns to the registered nurse
• Assists with preparing snacks and meals, serving meals, observing for choke risk, supervising and feeding patients (when needed), and documenting intake & output.

Maintains and Updates Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, and Competencies:

• Maintain updated skills, knowledge, abilities, and competencies necessary to the position through staff training, supervision, and participating in team development.
• Responsible for utilizing supervision with the supervisor to apply learning to direct practice
• Actively participates in team meetings utilizing a solution-focused approach. Learns, completes, and maintains competency in patient care, including taking vital signs, patient hygiene, and personal care
• Share own learning and ideas with others and support.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

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:

• 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 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

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.

Toll-Free Applicant Technical Support

NA

01

Do you currently possess an active and valid CNA license from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)? If so, please attach this certification in the attachments section of your application.

• Yes
• No

02

If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Failure to provide this requested information may render your application incomplete, and you may no longer be considered for the position.

03

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 provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.

04

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.)

05

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

06

How many years of experience working in a mental health setting do you have?

• I have no experience
• 6 months- 1 year experience
• 1-2 years experience
• Over two years experience

07

How many years of experience assisting the mentally ill population with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) do you have?

• I have 6months to 1 year experience
• 1- 2 years experience
• 2 - 3 years experience
• Over 3 years

08

Have you ever been terminated and/or counseled for performance issues? If so, please identify the employer(s) and provide additional explanation in the space below.

09

Patient needs consistently change and therefore we need to move staff to other units. Are you willing to be pulled to other units to help maintain quality patient care?

• Yes
• No

10

Answer this scenario based question: You are walking down the hall and find a patient lying on the floor in their room alone. Which of the following steps should you take? Place the following items in the correct order:

• C-B-A-D
• B-C-D-A
• A-B-C-D
• D-C-A-B
• A-D-C-B
• D-A-C-B

11

A small fire is noticed in the trash can of a room within the facility. After removing the patients from the room you should do which of the following?

• Remove oxygen containers and canisters
• Open a window
• Sound the alarm to alert others
• Extinguish the fire
• Notify your supervisor
• Determine what was in the trash

12

You are working on your assigned unit where you have been posted for the past two months. You see an individual dressed in street clothes on the unit that you do not recognize and does not have a visible ID badge. How would you react to this situation?

• Approach the individual and offer a universal greeting by introducing yourself by name, your position and ask if you can assist them?
• Immediately lockdown the unit due to the security breach and call a Code Silver/Security Alert.
• Ignore the individual since they appear to know where they are going and continue to focus on your work duties.
• Report the individual's presence to a more experienced staff member in your unit.
• Report the individual's presence to your supervisor and write an incident report.
• Call the front desk to see if they can verify the person's identity and reason for accessing the unit.

13

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. or 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.)

• Yes
• No

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/