Behavioral Health Program Coordinator (Clinical Team Leader) - Division of Youth Services

 
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.


 Division of Youth Services:

About the Division of Youth Services:  The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non-residential services that encompass juvenile detention, commitment, and parole. DYS is the agency statutorily mandated to provide for the care and supervision of youth committed and detained by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates fifteen secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. The Division also contracts with numerous private residential and non-residential service providers throughout the State.  For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of Colorado Youth Detention Continuum, a State-funded, locally administered program that provides services to youth at risk of further progressing into the juvenile justice system. In addition to residential programming, the Division administers juvenile parole services throughout the State.
We invite you to explore the DYS website and learn about the services provided to youth, families, and local communities in the State of Colorado at: https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/dys

The Behavioral Health & Medical Services work unit exists to ensure that appropriate and comprehensive assessment, medical, psychiatry, dental, mental health, psychological, neuropsychological, substance use and sex offense specific services are provided to the Division of Youth Services’ (DYS) detained and committed youth. The unit ensures the health needs of youth involved in DYS are addressed.  

The DYS Director’s Office provides global administration of the operations of all State-operated institutions, privately contracted residential and non-residential program services and centrally managed programming.  The Director’s Office allocates resources consisting of DYS Central Administration, Behavioral Health and Medical Services, Education Services, Training and Staff Development, Food Services, Research and Evaluation, Quality Assurance, Contract Management, Bed Management, Colorado Detention Youth Continuum (Alternatives to Incarceration) and Information Technology Services.  Primary administrative functions of the Director’s Office include: crafting and executing short-term and long-term planning initiatives to address Division-wide current and future resource needs, sustaining communication with the Governor’s Office, Legislature, Legislative Staff, Courts and other State Departments, conducting reviews to establish and monitor standards for provision of service and care, developing policies and procedures, generating and for program development, collaborating with internal and external service agencies and stakeholders and providing system support to DYS associated programs and centrally managed programming.


The purpose of this position:
The Behavioral Health Program Coordinator supports statewide efforts to strengthen the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of behavioral health services across Division of Youth Services facilities by developing, refining, and implementing behavioral health practices, training materials, and communication tools aligned with DYS policy, NCCHC standards, the Colorado Children’s Code, and evidence-informed approaches. In carrying out this responsibility, the Coordinator is relied upon by management to assign work, prioritize work activities, and establish annual and monthly work plans that ensure assigned deliverables are completed despite routine or shifting deadlines. The position analyzes areas where existing processes may create inefficiencies and makes operational decisions to amend or redesign workflows to improve program implementation and staff performance. The Coordinator collaborates with facility leadership and the BHMS Central Office to promote program fidelity, support workforce competency, and ensure consistent use of the electronic health record, applying analytical judgment to tailor guidelines to specific circumstances. While the role independently adjusts processes and work plans to meet operational needs, new or system-wide changes require approval from higher-level leadership.

You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.

Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.

Job Duties:

Supervision and Leadership:

The Behavioral Health Program Coordinator provides supervisory leadership to Behavioral Health and Medical Services staff by establishing work schedules, monitoring workflow, assigning workloads, and ensuring employees receive necessary training to support consistent, evidence-informed service delivery. The position ensures the quality and quantity of performance meet program objectives and works with staff to resolve practice challenges, strengthen competencies, and promote alignment with DYS policy, NCCHC standards, the Colorado Children’s Code, and trauma-responsive principles. The Coordinator develops and reviews performance plans, evaluates employee performance, and addresses performance issues, disputes, and informal grievances, initiating corrective actions when appropriate. The role manages personnel processes by reviewing and approving leave and timekeeping (KRONOS), recommending promotions, signing personnel action forms, and leading the hiring process—including providing subject-matter expertise during comparative analysis, interviewing applicants, and making hire decisions. The Coordinator maintains current knowledge of Department and statewide policies to ensure supervisory decisions support program fidelity, workforce competency, and the effective implementation of behavioral health practices across the Division

Program Development and Implementation:

The Behavioral Health Program Coordinator ensures that behavioral health programming, policies, and procedures across state-operated facilities align with DYS standards, NCCHC requirements, and the DYS Treatment Model. The role coordinates clinical and operational processes, supports interdisciplinary teams, and promotes consistent use of the electronic health record. The position makes operational decisions within established professional standards, available resources, and program objectives set by higher management. Responsibilities require analyzing complex clinical and operational issues and applying established theories, principles, and models to design or adapt processes that meet facility needs. The Coordinator exercises analytical judgment to tailor guidelines to specific circumstances, while new or system-wide processes require approval from higher-level leadership.

Live Observation and Fidelity Monitoring:

The Behavioral Health Program Coordinator conducts live observations of behavioral health services to assess fidelity to the DYS Treatment Model and ensure consistency in service delivery across youth centers. Observations of individual and group sessions, treatment team meetings, and other interventions are used to evaluate adherence to evidence-informed practices, documentation expectations, and professional standards. The position makes operational-level decisions by identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and training needs, and by providing structured feedback to Behavioral Health Specialists and facility leadership. Observational findings inform program-level decisions that support program fidelity, statewide training priorities, and alignment with DYS policy, NCCHC standards, and trauma-informed care principles. The Manager applies analytical judgment to tailor recommendations to facility needs and contribute to continuous quality improvement across the Division.

Other Duties As Assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only:

• Eleven (11) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

`OR`
Education and Experience:

• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to eleven (11) years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree and licensed as an LPC, LCSW, or LMFT 
• Doctorate in Psychology and be licensed as a Psychologist in the state of Colorado.  
• Management skills required for a diverse organizational structure.  
• Extensive knowledge of the mental health system and the juvenile justice system. 
• Experience with formal training associated with assessment and treatment of youth with juvenile justice involvement and neuropsychological impairment. 
• In-depth knowledge of state regulatory policies and procedures associated with mental health and assessment
• Relatable experience as a current or previous State of Colorado employee.

Conditions of Employment:

• Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence
• Full background check and reference check required
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) 
• Must possess a current valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License
• Travel – The work requires travel to oversee the unit's auditing and monitoring functions or liaison with community partners and facilities; travel may occur any day of the week.
• Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of theDYS Pre-service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO) and mandatory annual training in all subject areas.
• 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.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation

• Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.
  
  
  

Minimum Qualification Screening Process 

• A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.  You must complete the official State of Colorado online application.  Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

• You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process.  Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review 

• After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

• Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. 

• If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.   

Supplemental Questions 

• Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers  based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights: 

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated.  You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.  

• You can find the official appeal form here. 

• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

  • By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or

  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or 

  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

  • Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

•  Refer to the  Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

How to apply to the State of Colorado

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact Isaac.Phelps@state.co.us

About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• 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.

Our Values

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations

• CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment. 

• This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to cdhs_ada@state.co.us.

EEO Statement: The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

• We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.  The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application: Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

• If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.