Client Care Aide II, Full Time, Colorado Mental Health Institute in Pueblo

Client Care Aide II, Full Time, Colorado Mental Health Institute in Pueblo

Salary

$22.34 - $31.28 Hourly

Location

Pueblo, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IIB 02175 07/13/26

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

OBH - CMHIP

Opening Date

07/13/2026

Closing Date

7/27/2026 11:59 PM 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

tricia.jepsen@state.co.us

Primary Physical Work Address

Colorado Mental Health Hospital at Pueblo 1600 W. 24th Street Pueblo, CO. 81003

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

RECRUITMENT NOTE- While this announcement will be used to fill multiple Units, should an offer be extended to you, the hiring manager may make you a job offer within the same classification for a different unit within the hospital. These opportunities will be based on vacancies at the time of offer and business needs. All work locations evaluated will remain within CMHHIP.

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CDHSCareers

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

About Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP)

As a cornerstone of the Pueblo community for over a century, Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP) is a leading employer, provider of quality mental health services, and a community partner. CMHHIP is a 24 hour behavioral health acute care facility that is intended to provide a safe, secure, and therapeutic setting for patients with both psychiatric and medical issues. The services provided include evaluation and treatment for patients who are severely mentally ill, and the goal of this facility is to return patients to their optimal level of functioning and assist them in returning to the community as appropriate.

Description of Job

This position exists to deliver nursing care and therapeutic interventions under the supervision of a registered nurse. The Client Care Aide II provides nursing care as assigned (i.e. activities of daily living, self-maintenance, and hygiene). Participates in implementation of the treatment plan and utilizes the plan of care as the basis for the provision of care.

Major responsibilities include patient observation and reporting, assisting with patient care as directed, and unit maintenance and security. Provides security and accountability for client's location and condition. May assist licensed staff in patient transport on or off grounds and monitoring of general client activities on an on-going basis.

Client Care Aides have a fixed schedule and provide essential care across various units. These units range from High Security to Low Security settings, with a diverse patient population including adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients experiencing psychiatric disorders, criminal involvement, or medical complexities. Staff may work in units featuring locked or unlocked doors, depending on the level of security required. Responsibilities include providing care to high-acuity patients in secure environments, such as high-security buildings with Sally Ports, or in lower-security community reintegration settings.

Duties include:

Clinical Skills

• Is responsible to administer nursing care, both psychiatric and medical crisis interventions under the direction and supervision of an RN.
• Monitors the milieu for needed interventions.
• Utilizes therapeutic interventions to manage crisis situations and management of assaultive and disruptive behaviors.
• Promptly responds to patient's psychiatric and/or medical crisis.
• Understands and practices knowledge of when to report changes in patient condition or complaints such as pain or other medical needs to the RN.
• Maintains awareness of all 1:1, special precautions, and medical and psych issues for each patient.
• Responds to duress alarm.
• Assures all assigned duties are complete and documented each shift.
• Follows and maintains Infection control standards and regulations.
• Responsible for CCA duties to possibly include changing linen, obtaining and documenting vital signs, bathing, feeding and other ADL care, lifting/turning/transferring patients.
• Organizes time daily to assure timely completion of assigned tasks.
• Learns, completes and maintains competency in patient care, including taking vital signs, patient hygiene and personal care.

Accountability

• Knows, utilizes and follows CMHIP standards and guidelines: Treatment Plans, Infection Control Manual, and Rainbow book and Emergency Guides.
• Responsible to maintain own certification and not allow it to lapse.
• Follows and maintains infection control standards and regulations.
• Adheres to CMHIP Employee Code of Conduct and CMHIP's Organizational Ethics policies.
• Follows and complies with all nursing competencies related to the CCA II.
• Is aware and utilizes the Nursing chain of command.
• Provide safe/secure transport of patients to yard, gym, visits, administrative conference room, staffing/dispo reviews, court/community reintegration sites.
• Documents towards Nursing Department standards for assigned tasks.
• Knows how to access the nursing drive on the computer and is expected to utilize it.
• Responsible to ensure educational profile is current and up to date.
• Participates in the QA/PI process at the unit level as directed by the Lead Nurse.
• Attends weekly nursing rounds or read/review and understand information in the weekly NEC minutes to be aware of nursing direction, new information, changes in policy/procedure/instructions etc.
• Reports any claims of any type of harassment/work place violence, alerts public safety/charge RN/Lead Nurse/and nursing appointing authority.
• Arrives to work on time and prepared to begin the shift at the scheduled time.
• Clocks in and out for scheduled work hours to prevent any unnecessary unauthorized overtime.
• Follows policies related to use of leave (Addenda C-9 ;Use of Leave), calling off, and scheduling time off.

Communication/Interpersonal Skills/Customer Service

• Effectively communicates by actively listening and sharing relevant information with co-workers, supervisor(s) and customers so as to anticipate problems and ensure the effectiveness of the department.
• Adapts communication methods to respond to different audiences to promote a positive environment.
• Is appropriate in all communications with co-workers and patients.
• Receives cross shift report from the off going RN and is aware of all 1:1, SP II, medical and psych issues for each patient.
• Addresses patient complaints at the unit level.
• Reports abuse allegations immediately to the charge RN/Lead Nurse/nursing appointing authority and refer to public safety.
• Alerts the RN to all exceptions, changes in patient status to include suicidal/homicidal ideation, need for medication or RN intervention.
• Completes and routes paperwork to appropriate area/person (to include incident reports and injury on the job).
• Corrects and reports any hazardous environmental findings to the Charge RN.
• Treats all patients and staff with respect.
• Interactions with all persons are positive, demonstrate tact and diplomacy, and encourage open communication and mutual trust

Other Duties as Assigned

• Responsible for performance of assigned tasks and duties within the scope of practice for this position that do not fall within the realm of duty statements A-C

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 occupational field related to the work assigned to the position

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:

• 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.

• FULL BACKGROUND CHECK: This position will have direct contact with vulnerable persons (as defined by C.R.S.27-90-111: "Direct contact" means providing face-to-face care, training, supervision, counseling, consultation, or medication assistance to vulnerable persons, regardless of the level of supervision of the department employee. "Direct contact" may include positions in which persons have access to or unsupervised time with clients or patients, including but not limited to maintenance personnel, housekeeping staff, kitchen staff, and security personnel.)

• CBI & FBI fingerprint check, Colorado Court Database check, Medicare Fraud Database, TRAILS Database check.

• This position will also provide direct care to vulnerable adults requiring a CAPS check (as defined by C.R.S. 26-3.1-101, position provides services & support care to at-risk/vulnerable adults including case management, clergy, physical or mental health services, safety or welfare services).

• May work various shifts

• Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare

• 2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire

• This position will be paid biweekly

• 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

• Shall not initiate or engage in sexual, social, personal or financial relationships with patients either during or any time after hospitalization, even if the patient requests or initiates such a relationship All relationships with current or former patients must be disclosed on your application

• Successfully pass all modules of the CMHIP New Employee Orientation core curriculum to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics

• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete CTI & CPR

• Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist

• Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled containment to the floor

• Withstand impact on own body using an ASP shield

• Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for using a defensive tactic

• Kneel on one or both knees and stand up again with multiple repetitions

• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety

• Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury

• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently

• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations

• Ability to read and comprehend the English language; effectively and fluently communicates in English, both verbally and in writing

• Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings

• Willing and able to travel.

• Annual influenza vaccination

• 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.

• 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 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 tricia.jepsen@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.

~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.

THE CAMPUS OF THE COLORADO MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE AT PUEBLO IS TOBACCO FREE

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

https://youtu.be/F4a37oAelj8

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

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.

NA

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

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

03

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).

04

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. Otherwise, please enter N/A.

05

Do you currently work for the Colorado Department of Human Services? (This includes the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo).

• Yes
• No

06

How many years of patient and nursing care experience in Behavioral Health, Forensic, Medical or Geriatric patients do you have?

• Less than 1 year of experience.
• 1-3.99 Years or less experience.
• 4-5.99 years of experience.
• 6-7.99 years of experience.
• 8-9.99 years of experience.
• 10+ years of experience.

07

In this scenario, you are walking down the hall and find a patient lying on the floor in their room alone. What are the steps you take? Place the following items in the correct order: A. Check for breathing or if they have a pulse. B. Assist with interventions delegated by the team within scope. C. Remain with the patient and yell for help/medical emergency/code 0. D. Go to the patients side to see if they are responsive.

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

08

You are completing a wellness check and while doing your rounds of a locked unit, you find an egress (exit) door that is supposed to be locked, unlocked. How do you address it? Place the following items in correct order: A. Account for all patients and complete an incident report. B. Notify the charge RN. C. Immediately lock the egress door. D. Send incident report to the appropriate parties.

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

09

You are scheduled to work the 6:00 am to 6:30 pm shift. Your work week is Wednesday through Saturday and every other Sunday. It is 5:27 am on Friday when a family emergency comes up. How would you prioritize your personal situation with your professional responsibilities? Place the following items in the correct order: A. Notify your supervisor. B. No further action is needed. C. Tend to family emergency. D. Report to work if able. E. Ask a co-worker to notify your supervisor that you cannot report to work.

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

10

You are assisting in taking care of a patient on strict I's and O's. The patient drank 8 oz of orange juice during breakfast, 16 oz of water during morning hours, an 8 oz soda for lunch, 32 oz of water during the afternoon hours, and 16 oz of iced tea with dinner. During the day, you documented that the patient had the following urine outputs: 16 oz at 0630, 20 oz at 1500, and 22.5 oz at 1800. Please calculate and choose the correct I's and O's for your 12-hour shift for this patient.

• 56 oz I, 58.5 oz O
• 56 oz I, 261 oz O
• 58.5 oz I, 80 oz O
• 80 oz I, 58.5 oz O
• 80 oz I, 261 oz O
• 72 oz I, 80 oz O

11

You are filling out your patients point sheet for tasks completed during your 12 hour shift between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm. The patient can earn 8 points if they are up and ready for the day by 8:00 am. They can earn 7 points if they go to the dining room for breakfast. They can earn 5 points for each time attending the dining room for either lunch and/or dinner. They can earn 5 points each for keeping their room clean, showering, brushing teeth in the morning, brushing teeth in the evening and doing laundry. Your patient brushed their teeth at 9:07 am, cleaned their room. The night shift reported the patient showered and brushed teeth at 2:00 am. They participated in a group activity and played a game at 3:35 pm. They also went to the dining room for dinner at 5:30 pm. There was a concert in the milieu at 8:00 pm that they attended and received recognition for participation. It was reported by a co-worker that the patient also made it to breakfast at 7:10 am. How many total points could the patient earn and how many points should you record on the patient's point sheet for this shift?

• 40 / 15
• 45 / 22
• 22 / 50
• 50 / 15
• 50 / 22
• 55 / 22

12

Are you a Veteran requesting Preference? If yes, you must submit a copy of DD214

• 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/