Forensic Case Manager - Forensic Support Team

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

29d•Remote

About The Position

The Forensic Support Team (FST) is seeking a detail-oriented, collaborative, and client-focused Forensic Case Manager to support individuals involved in legal competency proceedings who are currently incarcerated in county jails across Colorado. In this role, you will bridge the gap between correctional facilities, behavioral health providers, and community services-helping to ensure that clients receive timely, coordinated, and effective support. You will work closely with Forensic Navigators, Jail Mental Health Services, legal partners, and other stakeholders to assess needs, develop resource connections, and facilitate smooth transitions from jail to the community. This position will work closely with various internal and external stakeholders. This position serves as an intermediary between the healthcare and behavioral health systems, social assistance programs, county jails, and the community, facilitating access to services in support of community transitions. With the support of supervisors, the case manager may engage as a liaison for judges, attorneys, guardians, attorneys general, and others affiliated with the criminal justice system. This involves fielding questions and concerns via email, telephone, meetings, and training. This also includes testimony when so required on behalf of the Forensic Services Division. There may also be times when this position is required to contact law enforcement. When engaging in any such activities, this position is required to maintain professional boundaries, scope of practice associated with the position, and represent the department.

Requirements

Six (6) years of experience in case management, behavioral health, social work or related field with forensic or justice-involved populations.
A combination of education in social work, psychology, human services, counseling or closely related field and/or relevant experience in case management, behavioral health, social work or related field with forensic or justice-involved populations equal to six (6) years.
Full background check and reference check required.
This position requires frequent county jail visitation; this position must be able to pass a jail background check, attend and participate in any mandatory training required by the jail, and adhere to all rules and regulations as outlined by the respective county jail.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. Driver's License.
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 live within 50 miles of the Denver Metro area.
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must (1) disclose that information on the application (2) provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position, (3) provide the employee number from the applicant's 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 service experience
Degree in criminal justice, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, sociology, human services or related field
Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing
Other certifications or Master's in specialty counseling beneficial
Two or more years of direct case management experience
Demonstrated ability to understand and apply treatment modalities to provide adequate patient care.
Demonstrated ability to understand treatment plans and provide appropriate interventions
Previous experience working with forensic populations and mental health
Knowledge of mental illness, violence risk assessment and management, legal statutes, and forensic psychiatry

Responsibilities

Conduct assessments on individuals within the jail setting to identify treatment, support, and service needs.
Provide referrals to behavioral health, medical, legal, and social services.
Assist clients in applying for benefits (e.g., Medicaid, SSI, housing assistance).
Maintain consistent communication with Forensic Navigators on client progress.
Support discharge planning for clients transitioning from inpatient restoration or jail settings.
Document all client interactions, collateral contacts, assessments, and service updates in the centralized data system.
Prepare and submit professional reports for court, stakeholders and partners.
Serve as a connection point for behavioral healthcare providers, justice system stakeholders, and community agencies.
Testify in court when required and maintain professionalism in all stakeholder interactions.

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.