Behavioral Health Specialist (Social Work/Counselor IV) - Division of Youth Services, Denver

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides care and supervision of youth committed and detained by the courts, with a mission to build skills and competencies that support healthy development, accountability, and successful reintegration into the community. The Behavioral Health and Medical Services (BHMS) Unit provides statewide leadership, guidance, and oversight for behavioral health, medical, dental, psychological, neuropsychological, substance use, and sex-offense-specific services. The unit ensures that all services align with DYS policy, Colorado law, NCCHC standards, and evidence-based practice expectations. The Behavioral Health Specialist (Social Worker/Counselor IV) ensures consistent delivery of high-quality, evidence-based behavioral health services and strengthens overall client care. This role directly supports client care by ensuring staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide effective, trauma-informed, and individualized services. In addition to training and oversight responsibilities, this position will provide direct youth/client care for critical cases needed to support service continuity, model best practices, and respond to emerging or high-acuity situations. Through ongoing coaching, monitoring, and quality improvement efforts, this position promotes positive client outcomes, reduces risk, and ensures services are delivered safely, consistently, and in alignment with best practices.

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 (LPC) OR Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
Two (2) years of experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact based on the work assigned to the position.
Applicants for supervisory positions must have licensure that meets the legal requirements to perform supervisory responsibilities.
Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence
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 Record (MVR) Check
Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License
Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the DYS Pre-service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO) and mandatory annual training in all subject areas.
Applicants for supervisory positions must have licensure that meets the legal requirements to perform supervisory responsibilities.
Travel to assigned trainings and meetings, will travel to different facilities depending on critical case load.
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

Relatable experience as a current or previous State of Colorado employee.

Responsibilities

Provide advanced, licensed clinical services to youth with complex mental health, substance use, trauma-related, and criminogenic needs within the Division of Youth Services.
Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments; synthesizes collateral information from medical, educational, legal, and family systems; and formulates clinical impressions that inform individualized treatment planning.
Deliver individual, group, and family therapy using evidence-based modalities (e.g., CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing) and apply trauma-informed and Sanctuary-aligned practices.
Develop, implement, and continuously update treatment plans aligned with risk, needs, and protective factors, and coordinate care with multidisciplinary partners.
Evaluates treatment effectiveness, modifies interventions, and ensures continuity of care through transition and discharge planning.
Provide precise, timely, and compliant documentation of all services, assessments, and clinical decisions in accordance with DORA, HIPAA, OCFMH, and DYS standards.
Provide advanced clinical consultation, leadership, and oversight to Behavioral Health Specialists, and interdisciplinary staff.
Review complex cases, provide guidance on treatment approaches, and support staff in implementing effective behavioral interventions and crisis response strategies.
Mentor and coach staff to improve clinical competency, reinforce fidelity to the DYS Treatment Model, and promote consistent application of trauma-informed and evidence-based practices.
Provide indirect supervision, participate in hiring processes, and contribute to performance feedback and staff development.
Develop, coordinate, and deliver behavioral health training and workforce development initiatives.
Design curricula, facilitate training, and providing ongoing coaching and supervision to Behavioral Health Specialists, interns, and other staff.
Ensures staff competency in clinical practices, documentation standards, and program expectations.
Support internship and practicum programs, including recruitment, training, and supervision, and promote professional growth through structured development opportunities.
Communicate policy updates, procedural changes, and clinical expectations to ensure consistent understanding and application across the workforce.
Monitor program fidelity, conduct quality assurance activities, and analyze data trends to identify areas for improvement.
Ensure compliance with DYS policies, NCCHC standards, and other regulatory requirements, and support accreditation and credentialing processes.
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