Employment First Specialist (Health Care Technician III ) - PRC

Employment First Specialist (Health Care Technician III ) - PRC

Salary

$1,867.20 - $1,987.20 Biweekly

Location

Pueblo, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IJD 06283 8/26/26

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

OAADS - Pueblo Regional Center

Opening Date

08/26/2026

Closing Date

9/15/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

Pueblo Regional Center 270 W. John Powell Blvd. Pueblo West, CO 81007

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

araceli.diaz@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.

PUEBLO REGIONAL CENTER (PRC)

The work unit supports the agency in providing services to Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in a HCBS Waiver facility in compliance with state and federal rules and regulations. The agency consists of 9 group homes/facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and provides comprehensive, integrated and coordinated services for up to 72 individuals. These services are provided in compliance with State and Federal Standards to maintain Medicaid funding to support the health and welfare of individuals served by this agency.

This position exists to support acquisition, retention or improvement in self-help, socialization and adaptive skills that take place in a non-residential setting. Activities and environments are designed to foster the acquisition of skills, appropriate behavior, greater independence, and personal choice. This work unit provides behavioral, social, and vocational training services for individuals with developmental disabilities for the purpose of assisting to attain the highest level of independence, with the purpose of Community Integrated Employment (CIE), Specialized Habilitation and Supportive Community Integration. This position is responsible for supporting each individual in their specific goals in order to obtain life skills.

Description of Job

About the Position

This position exists as a collaborative member of the individual Team in the assessment, development, and implementation of the Service Plan (SP) for Employment First support for an assigned group of workers (residents). This may also include those residents who do not wish to work. This can encompass SCC and Specialized Habilitation.

• Collaborates with the Team, in the assessment, development and practical implementation of formal and informal employment plans, and or ISPs in conjunction with the SP.
• Submits individual assessments and ensures the timely maintenance of all data tracking/documentation in support of all services provided during Community Engagement/Job site hours for the assigned group of individuals.
• Implement services for all workers (residents) in the assigned group and is responsible for the safety of the worker (s) at the Job site.
• Implement person-centered opportunities for individuals based for SCC and Spec. Hab.
• Provides job site direction and training to workers (residents).
• Ensures protection from harm for all workers (residents); and protection of rights and quality of life.
• Without onsite supervisory approval, independently applies incidental solutions and alternatives as determined necessary in individual circumstances within established guidelines; judgment is necessary to choose "most correct" of available alternatives within established standards.

Primary Job Duties

Day Hab/ Job Coaching Hybrid. This position is a hybrid position between Day Hab and Job Coaching. Community Integration works with PRC individuals to help them learn job tasks, develop necessary skills, and adapt to the work environment. These duties will include:

• Identify the individuals skills and talents in order to facilitate a job/career of choice (Discovering Personal Genius)
• Assist the jobseeker in identifying interests and overcoming personal barriers, which leads to a job of choice in the community.
• Train and guide workers (residents) to perform and complete work tasks at job sites to employer specifications.
• Transport or train residents to access alternative means of transportation or access public transportation as necessary.
• Write tasks analyses for job tasks to be trained.
• Modify tasks required as needed to meet the residents' abilities.
• Maintain current and accurate documentation required for case records and working files by providing thorough notes in Therap (date, hours, and notes of support provided).
• Communicate with the employer and check in as needed to ensure they are satisfied with the workers ' (residents) work progress.
• Begin to back away and allow workers (residents) to become independent in the tasks required (this is the entire goal of this function, more hours on the front end, less as they gain routine and skills set for the required duties.
• Provide proactive follow along support.

Community Integration works with PRC residents to provide therapeutic and habilitative services and support. These duties will include:

• Provides individual therapeutic and habilitative services and supports an assigned caseload of individuals, and implements and documents Individual Service and Support (ISSP) related objectives as identified by the SP of persons served.
• Develops, organizes, and maintains day hab activities which promote a level of developmental growth in individuals in support of the SP.
• Participates in Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and SP pre-planning process, discussing individuals assessments, needs, goals and ISSP objectives.
• Ensures formulation of accurate information for assessments, team notes and formal reports for inclusion in the team process and ISSPs.
• Assesses individuals ongoing progress, keeps the Team informed of status, and submits written documentation.
• Ensures facilitation of safe transportation of participants to work area, program area, medical appointments and community activities as well as taking an active part in vocational training.
• Transports (drives) individuals to their day hab site, medical appointments, court hearings and/or community activities.
• Provides medication administration and performs physical intervention and redirection techniques (Colorado Approved Intervention Techniques, Verbal Defense and Influence, appropriate lifting techniques).

Employment Support to Individual: This position works with the residents' team members in planning, development, and implementation of the residents plan for employment.

These duties will include:

• Conduct assessments of individuals to determine appropriate vocational services.
• Provide residents with the appropriate, ongoing support necessary for success in a competitive work environment within their community to earn money alongside peers without disabilities
• Apply behavior management principles to individuals.
• Coordinate with all parties involved (workers, guardians, the Employment First Navigator, Residential Coordinator, Service and Support Coordinator, etc.).
• Counsel and provides training in vocational, personal and social skills development.
• Provide ongoing employment support for workers (residents) while remaining in compliance with CDHS policy, HCPF and CDPHE's regulations and applicable Department of Labor regulations.
• Participate in interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and SP pre-planning process, discussing residents' employment assessments, needs, goals and objectives.
• Facilitate and coordinate arrangements/scheduling for workers (residents) to attend medical appointments.
• Provide medication administration and perform physical intervention and redirection techniques (Colorado Approved Intervention Techniques, Verbal Defense and Influence).
• Assist residents with personal care (grooming, eating, hygiene, toileting, etc.) as necessary.
• Attend/participate in training, seminars, etc. to ensure skill level and policy/procedure knowledge is maintained.

Other Duties As Assigned. This position will perform other duties as required for agency and business needs. Some examples are:

• This position performs other duties as assigned.
• Perform special projects as determined by supervisor and/or Appointing Authority.
• During times of extreme and critical staffing issues, provide direct support in the home as determined by supervisor and/or Appointing Authority.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Special Qualifications:

• An LPT, LPN, or QMAP OR earn a QMAP Registration and be checked off by PRC Nursing within 90 days of employment. Licensure/certification. Must be kept valid, current, and unrestricted and remain so throughout employment.

Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• Two (2) years of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position
• Certification or licensure appropriate to the work assigned to the position

Substitutions

Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2 years of field experience and 1 year of supervisory

• Experience as a mentor, trainer, or supervisor over healthcare staff.

• Experience applying person-centered practices.

• Working knowledge of HIPAA rules and regulations.

• Computer proficiency.

• Writing assessments and following Individual service and support plans.

• Team Player

• Excellent Customer Service Skills

• Good Work History

• Relevant years of state service experience.

Conditions of Employment.

• Full Background CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons): CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services),Trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults - Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers).

• 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.

• Shift Work . Primary shift is flexible.

• Travel. Position must transport workers (residents) to remote work sites and must utilize a State vehicle, if available.

• Special Qualifications. An LPT, LPN, or QMAP OR earn a QMAP Registration and be checked off by PRC Nursing within 90 days of employment. Licensure/certification. Must be kept valid, current, and unrestricted and remain so throughout employment.

• Training-Must demonstrate the ability to lift 100 lbs. +, bend, kneel squat, etc., and perform behavioral Interventions proficiently throughout employment.

• 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 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(Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

• 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.

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

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.

05

This position requires you to possess a valid, unrestricted Colorado Driver's License, do you possess a valid, unrestricted Colorado Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have experience as a mentor, work lead, or trainer over health care staff?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have experience in writing assessments and working with Individual Service and Support Plans?

• Yes
• No

08

Describe your experience in writing assessments and working with Individual Service and Support Plans.

09

Describe a time when you ensured that person-centered practices were followed with an individual you served.

10

Describe your experience following the HIPAA rules and regulations in the workplace.

11

Describe your computer experience. Include software used and documents you created.

12

Why is customer service essential in the healthcare / regional center environment?

13

What does being part of a work team mean to you?

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/