| Location | Denver, CO |
| Salary | $66,733–$78,000 Per Year |
Dropout Prevention Support Specialist- Non-Classified
Salary
$66,733.00 - $78,000.00 Annually
Location
Denver Metro, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
02077-SnrCnslt-PPP-0926
Department
Department of Education
Division
Deputy Commissioner
Opening Date
10/23/2026
Closing Date
10/30/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
HR@cde.state.co.us
Type of Announcement
This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
Primary Physical Work Address
Downtown/Denver Metro/Eligible for a hybrid (office/remote) work environment. Required to report to the work location.
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
This position is not part of the classified personnel system; applications will be accepted from Residents and Non-Residents of Colorado.
Incumbent will be required to live in and complete work for CDE within Colorado.
Colorado Department of Education - What We Do
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and accountability to the states 178 school districts, 1,888 schools, over 53,000 teachers, and over 3,200 administrators to help them build capacity to meet the needs of the states approximately 905,000 public school students. In addition, CDE provides structural and administrative support to the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and the Charter School Institute.
As the administrative arm of the State Board of Education, CDE is responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, holding schools and districts accountable for performance, licensing all educators, and providing public transparency of performance and financial data.
CDE is a values-based agency that serves students, parents, and the general public by protecting public trust through ensuring adherence to laws, strong stewardship of public funds, and accountability for student performance.
CDE strives to incorporate five core values that we uphold in our work internally and externally. If you come to CDE, be prepared to incorporate Integrity, Equity, Accountability, Trust, and commitment to Service in what you do.
Why Work For CDE
The work we do is rewarding and impacts the students, families, educators, and communities across Colorado. Our leadership also promotes a culture that puts families and self-care as a priority. Along with meaningful work and an environment that puts employees first, the state also offers rich benefits that intend to make us an Employer of Choice!
The following is a summary of the benefits we offer:
A wide salary range is posted for this position, and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority relative to others performing substantially similar work. While most salary offers are made within the posted range, occasionally an offer is made below or above the posted range based upon this salary analysis.
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
Description of Job
Work Environment:
This position is full-time, state funded (funding is contingent upon availability and may end at any time) and is eligible for a hybrid work environment.
Extended hours during the evening or the weekend may be required by business needs.
10% of travel is required within the State of Colorado for meetings/trainings, and consultations.
Overnight travel (one to two nights of travel) will be required per year.
Commuting to the CDE buildings is required.
A Remote (Home) office is required. If you choose to work in the office, a cubicle/space will be provided to you from the department.
Required to report to the work location per business needs.
Essential Functions (ADAAA)
LIGHT/Office environment:
Required to sit, view a computer screen, and utilize a keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time.
May be required to lift and move up to 10 lbs of force frequently or 20 lbs occasionally.
Required lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, walking, etc.
Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
DL Not Required: Required to independently obtain and determine means to complete travel requirements.
Make a Difference in the Lives of Colorado Students!
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is seeking a passionate and motivated Dropout Prevention Support Specialist to support statewide initiatives focused on dropout prevention, student engagement, and justice-engaged youth. In this role, you will collaborate with CDE staff, school districts, state agencies, and community partners to coordinate projects, develop resources, and provide trainings that promote student success.
If you are passionate about education, support for youth, and making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply!
Position Summary:
The Dropout Prevention Support Specialist helps the team lead ongoing projects, build and manage monitoring processes, and develop resources. The individual will support staff members on the team and work directly with school district and agency staff working on these projects. The Support Specialist is housed in the Dropout Prevention and Student Re-engagement office and will collaborate with individuals in the Student Pathways and Engagement Division.
The final salary is anticipated to fall within the posted salary range, however could be higher or lower depending on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other qualifications of the preferred candidate while considering internal equity.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Dropout Prevention Project leadership (50%)
Manage and support discipline and behavior related trainings:
Manage the monitoring process for required expulsion Hearing Officer training including:
Respond to requests for confirmation and information
Create summaries that can be shared in reporting and presentations
Collect and monitor feedback on trainings
Coordinate with Dropout Prevention Specialist to develop and post the Annual Expulsion Hearing Officer Refresher training.
Compile and share information across CDE and partner organizations to ensure communication and coordination on school safety efforts.
Collaborate with the Improvement and Innovation Unit to implement the Alternative Education Campus and Online school Diagnostic Review process.
Organize and facilitate stakeholder feedback meetings.
Support other projects in the Dropout Prevention Office that may include trainings, webinars, and collaboration opportunities.
Justice Engaged Youth lead (50%)
Serve as the team's point person for projects related to implementation of Justice Engaged Youth projects that are driven by 2024 legislation (HB24-1216).
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
AND
QUALIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS:
Qualifications for Success in the Position:
Three (3) to five (5) years of demonstrated leadership skills in project management including organizing groups and tasks.
Demonstrated experience in youth-focused programming within schools or other organization.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Successful experience working with multiple teams and coordinating work in an informal leadership role.
Two (2) to four (4) years of demonstrated experience in presentations and trainings for adults
Strong attention to detail (proofing work, spelling, grammar, formatting, etc.).
Demonstrated ability to effectively balance quality of work and productivity expectations.
Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external customers (e.g. school districts, other CDE units).
Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize work to accommodate and meet the changing needs of the department and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and exhibit a proactive approach to work.
Demonstrated ability to identify problems and recommend solutions prior to the standard being jeopardized.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as on a team.
Preferred Qualifications (Preferred/Not Required):
Content knowledge related to dropout prevention efforts (student engagement and success, discipline and behavior systems, programs to support justice-engaged youth).
Content knowledge related to state government and/or education policy.
Colorado teaching, counseling, or administrative license.
Conditions of Employment (Required):
Supplemental Information
Notes:
Only completed applications received by the deadline will be considered for review. Following the close of the posting, all applications will be reviewed, and selected candidates will be contacted to participate in the interview process.
HR does not use AI to scan for MQs.
Complete Applications must include:
College Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or a foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school and that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Failure to provide a transcript or foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.
Failure to submit a complete application as defined above by the announcement close may result in your application being removed from consideration.
Transcript Note:
You may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation from any application materials, such as transcripts or certificates, submitted with your application
Resumes and Cover Letters WILL NOT be reviewed for minimum qualification screening.
FOR CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE OF COLORADO:
Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024, any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification's pay range based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30. All current and former State employees must ensure that your entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is indicated in your application so that your time-in-series can be calculated accurately.
Email Address:
All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time-sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam-filtered email.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive 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, a 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 Colorado Department of Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or 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 hr@cde.state.co.us.
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
Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application. Resumes, Cover Letters, or other required Supplemental Documentation will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement. Have you uploaded and attached your resume, cover letter, and other required documentation to this application?
02
Please indicate your understanding that failure to submit all items listed under "Complete Applications" at the time of application may remove your application from consideration. If have not uploaded the required items, you can go back now and upload those documents before submission of this application.
03
If you are a current or previous State of Colorado employee (including public Institutions of higher education), please provide your Employee Identification Number (EID) in order to verify your current or previous employment. If you indicated that you are a current State of Colorado employee, please list all State of Colorado Departments or institutions of Higher Education for which you have worked for and your Employee ID (if known): Your EID begins with 997 and is nine digits long. Please do not enter your Social Security Number. If not applicable, please state "N/A".
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 provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position. If this does not apply to you, please put "N/A".
05
This position is eligible for a Hybrid flex work place; the incumbent is required to maintain a home office within Colorado and report to the office as needed to complete the job duties of this position. Please indicate your understanding and acceptance of this requirement.
06
The salary range listed is the departments good faith range expected to be offered. Are you willing to accept an offer in the range listed in this announcement?
07
If you responded Maybe to Question 6, (Salary offer within Posted Range), please list the preferred or special qualifications from the job posting that you meet.
08
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 first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it.
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/