CDOC - Social Work/Counselor IV - Social Emotional Learning Specialist (COLORADO SPRINGS)

State of Colorado • Colorado Springs, CO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Work/Counselor IV supports students’ emotional growth, designs school-wide wellness programs, and coaches teachers on inclusive practices. The role participates in IEP and 504 meetings; recommends and supports behavioral interventions; provides educational case management and social-emotional learning services; assists with conflict resolution and social skill development; and develops educational programs for students. Positions are located at CDOC Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The posting may be used to fill future vacancies at this location.

The position conducts in-person and virtual meetings with students and service providers to facilitate IEP goal development, service delivery, and plan evaluation. It administers, scores, and interprets social work assessments; provides short-term counseling and consultation; monitors student progress; and contributes professional knowledge to developing and drafting IEPs, including learning goals, objectives, and outcomes. The role analyzes multiple data sources, collaborates with colleagues in professional learning communities, and may assist non-staffed students upon formal request through the Prison Programs Special Education Unit. It also supports Special Education and Prison Programs operations, including annual Colorado Department of Education student counts, Frontline data entry, and assistance to the Child Find Coordinator and YOS education.

Applicants must hold an active Colorado license as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Psychologist, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and have two years of licensed or license-candidacy experience with the mental health and/or sex offender population. The position requires maintaining licensure and meeting CDOC conditions of employment, including background, medical, drug-screening, training, and physical ability requirements. Applicants must be Colorado residents. The role requires willingness and ability to travel and to work various shifts, including rotating schedules.

Requirements

• Active, valid Colorado license as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Psychologist, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
• Two years of licensed or license-candidacy experience with the mental health and/or sex offender population; qualifying candidacy licenses listed include Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker Candidate (SWC), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate.
• Advanced knowledge and thorough understanding of mental health standards and guidelines.
• Ability to expand clinical knowledge through continuing education, innovative techniques, and research.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across facility programs and with external agencies.
• Strong leadership and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to read, comprehend, and communicate fluently in English.
• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content following plain-language guidelines.
• Ability to provide direct patient care to offenders.
• Must maintain required licensure.
• Colorado state residency.
• Must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid driver’s license, and have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must have no felony convictions as specified in the posting and meet CDOC eligibility requirements for positions involving offender contact.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States and successfully pass a background investigation and required drug test.
• Must successfully pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, including reading comprehension, competency assessments, and written and practical exams.
• Must meet the stated physical capabilities for defensive tactics and offender safety, including strength, agility, mobility, and ability to control or restrain people.
• Must be willing and able to travel and work various shifts, including days, afternoons, nights, and rotating schedules.
• Must complete tuberculosis screening upon hire and meet medical screening requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Supervisory experience over professional behavioral health staff, including decisions affecting subordinate employees’ pay, status, and tenure.
• Clinical supervision or instruction of employees or interns, including guidance on diagnostic assessments, treatment plan review, and measurement of treatment goals.
• Experience providing mental health treatment and discharge planning for people with severe mental illness and developmental disabilities.
• Experience leading and overseeing a mental health program.
• Extensive licensed experience providing mental health treatment.
• Experience working as a School Social Worker in public education.
• Colorado Department of Education School Social Worker licensure.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-person and virtual meetings with students and service providers to facilitate IEP goal development, service delivery, and plan evaluation.
• Administer, score, and interpret social work assessments.
• Provide short-term counseling and consultation services and monitor student progress to support timely educational decisions.
• Serve as an integral IEP team member and develop and draft IEPs with specific learning goals, objectives, and outcomes.
• Analyze multiple data sources to inform instructional decisions and collaborate with colleagues in professional learning communities.
• Provide case-by-case assistance to non-staffed students upon formal request through the Prison Programs Special Education Unit.
• Consult with classroom teachers and recommend ways to improve students’ learning opportunities.
• Support Special Education and Prison Programs operations, including annual Colorado Department of Education student counts and data entry into the Frontline system.
• Assist the Child Find Coordinator and YOS education.
• Support students’ emotional growth, design school-wide wellness programs, coach teachers on inclusive practices, support behavioral interventions, provide educational case management and SEL services, assist with conflict resolution and social skill development, and develop educational programs for students.

Benefits

• PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401K and 457 plans.
• Medical and dental health plans.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid life insurance.
• 11 paid holidays per year, plus vacation and sick leave.
• Wellness program.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Training opportunities.
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the state system.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED