Mental Health Clinician III - Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan (Denver)

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Mental Health Clinician III is an unlicensed member of Nursing Services at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan, a 24-hour state psychiatric hospital serving adults with severe and persistent mental illness and complex needs. The role works under the supervision of a registered nurse and a licensed clinical psychologist and/or other licensed clinical professional, supporting patients who may be voluntarily or involuntarily committed. The position establishes therapeutic rapport and assists with evidence-based care, psychoeducational treatment groups, clinical group activities, support and behavior plans, documentation, and patient safety. It contributes to multidisciplinary treatment planning and may support training, consultation, and approved individual interventions. The position is onsite in Denver. Available shifts include days, nights, weekends, and float assignments; shift differentials are offered for nights and weekends.

Requirements

Six years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work, or a combination of related education and relevant experience totaling six years.
Experience and qualifications must be clearly documented in the official application; part-time experience is prorated.
A valid, non-restricted Colorado driver’s license or non-restricted U.S. driver’s license is required for positions within 30 miles of the Colorado state border. Out-of-state license holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of starting employment.
Must be a Colorado resident at application and remain a Colorado resident throughout employment.
Must complete a standard/full background check and reference check.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing, listen and respond appropriately, and work courteously and cooperatively with internal and external clients.
Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying policies and procedures, solve problems, make decisions, and demonstrate initiative, integrity, and accountability.
Ability to encourage cooperation, trust, group identity, and team spirit.
Ability to work in inpatient mental health care and contribute to therapeutic patient care, safety, and treatment planning.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
At least one year of knowledge and experience as a Mental Health Care Clinician II at a State of Colorado Mental Health Institute.
Experience providing therapeutic and related services to mental health patients in a mental health setting.
At least one year of professional inpatient mental health-care experience in a locked or secure psychiatric setting.
Experience developing and facilitating treatment groups.
Knowledge and experience with Trauma-Informed Care and recovery principles and practices.
Outpatient mental health experience, including groups or case management.
College or university education in nursing, psychology, sociology, human services, or education.
Relevant years of state service experience.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients and support their psychiatric recovery under registered-nurse supervision.
Maintain professional boundaries and help patients develop insight, cope with symptoms, and pursue more productive and satisfying lives.
Engage patients in individual interactions and facilitate psychoeducational groups and activities that build interpersonal and life-management skills.
Evaluate treatment strategies and adjust or refer concerns as appropriate; advocate for patients and educate patients and families about patient rights.
Support patients with activities of daily living, including hygiene, laundry, toileting, and showers, as needed.
Escort patients to activities and appointments on hospital grounds and in the community, including driving patients to appointments.
Maintain patient confidentiality, communicate patient whereabouts and status to nursing and treatment-team staff, and document care and patient responses according to hospital policy.
Monitor the unit and patient care areas to maintain a safe, therapeutic milieu; conduct safety checks and address unsafe items or conditions.
Use therapeutic interventions, including Verbal Defense and Influence and Crisis Prevention Intervention techniques, to de-escalate crises and help prevent injury.
Engage patients in unit activities and monitor their needs for structure, downtime, and support; monitor patients during meals and report concerns to the registered nurse.
Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning and contribute information and approaches to patients’ plans of care.
Support Mental Health Clinician I staff in developing patient-care and milieu-management skills.
Help create and maintain support and behavior plans under the supervision of a licensed psychologist, including researching, consulting, drafting materials, training staff, and collecting maintenance data.
Facilitate approved individual interventions after receiving appropriate training, when authorized by the licensed psychologist.
Document patient contacts, groups, individual interventions, clinically relevant interactions, collateral engagement, meetings, training, and consultations in the electronic health record in accordance with HIPAA, privacy laws, and FAIR charting principles.
Consult with staff, teams, and departments and support training related to clinical interventions and treatment.
Maintain role competencies through continuing education, clinical supervision, literature review, and team and discipline development; participate in team meetings and use supervision to apply learning to practice.
Complete other duties as assigned to support the division and department mission.

Benefits

PERA defined-benefit or defined-contribution retirement 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
Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
Employee wellness program
Work-life programs, including flexible schedules and training
Shift differentials of 14–20% above base pay for night and weekend shifts
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program