Behavioral Health Specialist, Social Work/Counselor II - Platte Valley Youth Services Center

State of Colorado•Greeley, CO

56d•Onsite

About The Position

This position exists to provide mental health/crisis management services for a caseload of DYS committed youth. DYS committed youth often have behavioral and/or psychiatric problems resulting from trauma-related issues such as neglect, abuse, or severe family problems. This position provides individual, group and family services to this population. This position uses Evidence Based Curricula in working with this population. It provides approved treatment services to youth who have engaged in delinquent behaviors, in a secure state operated treatment facility. This position provides treatment planning, individual, family and group counseling, ongoing assessment, case management, record keeping, and service coordination in conjunction with a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) responsible for the overall treatment, supervision and transition of the youth. These youth often have behavioral and psychiatric issues resulting from trauma related exposure such as neglect, abuse or severe family problems. This position completes an integrated and comprehensive strength-based treatment plan and provides expertise in the area of mental health, co-occurring, special needs and family issues. This position utilizes the Colorado Juvenile Risk Assessment and other validated assessment tools to address criminogenic risk factors and what is driving underlying behavior by using a strength-based approach and a youth's protective factors and resources. This position utilizes a case conceptualization model which gathers the facts about the youth, determines needs, identifies strengths and develops treatment plans. Training and consultation to staff in regard to treatment and milieu interventions specific to juveniles who have complex mental health needs is also a responsibility along with the development and implementation of transition plans in coordination with the multidisciplinary team of client manager, family, youth facility staff and community programs. This position takes a lead role on the clinical team in the unit, assists in conducting in service trainings and communicates youth's needs to milieu staff. Behavioral Health Specialists will utilize Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and the Sanctuary model, in their work with youth and families.

Requirements

Current, valid Colorado or State participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact licensure as a:
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) OR
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC)
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Candidate (LMFTC)
Addiction Counselor Candidate (AC-C)
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. Driver's 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.
Must be 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence
Essential Services Designation: Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare.
Transportation of youth in State vehicles, Travel to assigned trainings and/or alternate work sites.
The Diana Screen, a sexual risk screening tool, is administered to all applicants to the Division of Youth Services (DYS) seeking positions of trust with children and teens to help ensure that ethical boundaries between children and adults are maintained. At the DYS, the safety and protection of the youth who have been entrusted to us is our #1 priority. The results of the Diana Screen will be provided to the Division of Youth Services and may be used as part of the Division's decision on whether a candidate is selected.
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.

Nice To Haves

Relevant years of state experience
CAC III or LAC to support coaching and oversight of Behavioral Health Specialists working towards CAC credentialing

Responsibilities

Assessment and Treatment Planning
Treatment Provision & Documentation
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

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.