Social Worker Counselor I (Behavioral Health Specialist) Grand Mesa Youth Services

Grand Junction, CO - USA

Hourly Salary: USD 32 - 32

Posted on: 23-09-2025

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Department Information

The primary duties of this position are located within 30 miles of the state border; therefore this position is exempt from the residency requirements. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies at the locations below.

Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!

Division of Youth Services - Grand MesaYouth Services Center

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 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 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: of Job

Summary of Work Unit:
This work unit exists to provide supervised onsite mental health services to committed and detained youth in a secure facility. It provides individual family or group services in support of and in alignment with the Division of Youth Services (DYS) strategic plan and DYS treatment model within a trauma informed environment. This work unit identifies youth needs and develops interventions to mitigate risk and enhance protective factors to ensure successful reintegration into the community. It works collaboratively with milieu staff education family client management and community stakeholders to provide evidence-based services to youth with complex mental health needs. This position is designed to provide onsite services and is not approved to provide remote services to youth unless approved by the Director of Behavioral Health and Medical Services (BHMS) or designee.

Summary of the position:
The trainee role requires a masters degree in mental health qualifying as a Social Worker Counselor or Marriage and Family Therapist. The roles purpose is to deliver supervised clinical services to youths facing complex mental health challenges trauma substance abuse and related issues within the facility. Additionally the trainee will be trained to address criminogenic risk factors and family interventions in the adolescent demographic. The trainee will gain an understanding of criminal behavior in adolescents aiming to reduce criminogenic risks and enhance protective factors while also tackling the interplay between mental health and criminal activity. The role is structured to foster learning and application of strength-based perspectives systems theory and trauma-informed care. The trainee will also be expected to learn about and cater to the needs of committed or detained youths who exhibit behavioral and psychiatric problems stemming from traumatic experiences such as abuse or significant family distress.

This role conducts a mental health screening in line with DYS policy upon a youths admission when applicable. It determines whether a youth qualifies for chronic care services or has special needs affecting their experience in a DYS facility. Additionally this role refers youth to psychiatric services when suitable. It collaborates with medical personnel to assess if medical conditions affect the youths emotional and psychological well-being. Utilizing the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument (YASI) and other validated tools this position addresses criminogenic risk factors influencing underlying behavior through a strengths-based method and consideration of a youths protective factors.
This role will employ a case conceptualization model to collect facts about the youth assess needs recognize strengths and devise treatment/intervention strategies. Under supervision this position is accountable for creating and executing Individual Growth and Change Plan (IGCP) and chronic care plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team which may include the client manager family facility staff for youth and the community stakeholder team when suitable.
Services are rendered in accordance with DORA regulations and mental health training encompassing clinical assessment service planning individual and group counseling record-keeping and coordination with a multidisciplinary team. The position is tailored for on-site service delivery and does not permit remote services unless sanctioned by the Associate Director of Behavioral Health and Medical Services (BHMS) or the Director of Behavioral Health Operations or their designee.

The role involves providing direct services to youth including individual family and group sessions as well as learning daily behavioral health services ensuring that transition planning and service continuity post-discharge are executed. The professional in this position understands adolescent behavior and is capable of treating youth by reducing risks enhancing protective factors and addressing the interplay between substance abuse and behavior. Utilizing a strength-based approach systems theory trauma-informed care and behavioral strategies this position as a Social Worker/Counselor I also supports other Behavioral Health Specialists peers and Clinical Interns.

Job Duties:

Assessment and Treatment Planning.

When applicable this position completes mental health screening according to DYS policy when a youth is admitted to a DYS Youth Center. This position will thoroughly assess a youths mental health needs by reviewing the youths main and medical files and making initial and collateral contacts as appropriate. Maintains a caseload and will provide behavioral health care to each youth. Conducts individual group and family therapeutic interventions using evidence-based treatment theories and curricula. Provides counseling in accordance with training and expertise gained through specific training and knowledge of DORA standards and the Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health (OCFMH) expectations. Therapeutic intervention service needs include substance use psychoeducation mental health issues trauma histories cognitive limitations sensory integration and offense specific services youth who have committed sexual offense along with youth who are abusive or violent youth. Detention mental health services are - relevant to the needs of the youth. This role involves identifying pertinent individual needs and protective factors considering age ethnicity culture religion and sexual identity which influence behavior change and the mitigation of complex concurrent needs and risks to the community as well as symptoms in the individual and family during detention. Treatments and interventions for youth are delivered using a strengths-based approach and in a holistic manner.

This role will utilize appropriate behavioral interventions sensory integration and methods like DBT CBT and Motivational Interviewing techniques with youth when necessary. It is responsible for interpreting treatment issues needs expectations and behavioral changes for residents and their families. Additionally it will document and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in achieving the objectives and goals outlined in the treatment plan.

Treatment - incorporates and addresses the youths risk needs and protective factors and how criminal conduct trauma histories substance abuse and mental health issues are related. Collaborate with the medical team and psychiatrist regarding psychotropic medication use in treatment and collaborate with primary BHS on assessing needs for medication if appropriate. Collaborate with client manager and primary BHS to assist in developing wrap-around transition and aftercare services for the youth nearing parole / discharge to support sobriety. Collaborate with educational/vocational systems to ensure appropriate academic services are provided and work with the school Behavioral Health Specialist in ensuring consistent behavior interventions for youth who may be struggling in the school environment. Seek out additional resources as necessary to ensure the best approach to treatment with the youth based on their developmental and neurocognitive ability. Therapeutic interventions are provided in a manner that is consistent with the youths ability considering any necessary modification needed because of trauma substance abuse brain injury and mental health disorders. This position supports agency services of individualized services using cognitive behavioral based interventions sensory modulation Motivational Interviewing Sanctuary model and the DYS Treatment Model.

Facilitation of daily groups (as necessary) assessment of progress barriers to progress collaboration with multidisciplinary team members communication of pertinent information to primary BHS milieu staff and education and documentation of all case management and therapeutic services in the electronic record system by the end of next business day. Documents summary of progress in monthly treatment plans for youth on caseload. Documents all assessments sessions court reports transition plans community passes and staffing sessions. Communicates effectively in verbal and written formats that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in working with juveniles who have substance abuse issues. Can elaborate on needs protective factors progress and barriers to progress in a manner that is understandable to all audiences and partners to include family client management education staff parole boards private providers courts etc. Conducts all mental health services in accordance with DORA and OCFMH standards to mitigate risk and improve overall health. Services provided are at an advanced level based on licensing and experience in the substance abuse field relevant to current research and best practice principles.

Treatment. This position utilizes and presents a case conceptualization model of youth on caseload upon entering the facility and discusses this with supervisor and present to Department chairs for collaboration and decision making around appropriate services. Duties include:

Within the first 30 days of a youths arrival this position thoroughly assesses youths treatment needs by reviewing the youths DYS Assessment report and medical record and making initial and collateral contacts as appropriate. When applicable completes a Mental Health screening of all youth who are being detained.
Collaborate and coordinate treatment needs of youth with DYS client manager and assessment services to match treatment with estimated length of stay and client need within 30 days of admission.
Interview the resident ensuring that the assessment data is as reliable as possible that the resident is engaged in a supportive and educative manner that confidentiality is maximized and that problematic symptoms and behaviors are thoroughly evaluated and handled in a sensitive and safe manner.
Contact/engage parents/family members significant others guardians and referring agents to interview and obtain relevant collateral and supportive data to enhance the understanding and dynamics of the youths situation.
Collaborate with and coordinate with direct staff education client manager youth and other pertinent treatment team members in the development of a treatment service plan.
Provide oversight to the treatment plans and identify goals and measurable objectives interventions and those responsible for providing them frequency of interventions and responsibility of the youth.
Treatment plan objectives will include skills that youth is working on in addition to individual and group session objectives.
A multi-disciplinary integrated and comprehensive approach will be applied to treatment planning involving the youth and family members as well as professionals utilizing best practice strength-based approach.
This position utilizes a case conceptualization model in gathering facts about the youth determining needs identifying protective factors and developing treatment needs this will be presented to supervisor and discussed with a multidisciplinary team.
This position places an emphasis on facilitating a review making recommendations and developing alternative interventions to be implemented by team staff and client for cases that represent a negative or no change response to treatment.
Treatment planning will be cognizant of gender cultural religious or spiritual and sexual identity issues to affect behavior change and reduction of symptoms in the adolescent and family. This position guides transition planning and services to aid in successful youth reintegration into the community.
Collaborate with client manager and MDT in recommending transition and aftercare programming as appropriate.
Participate in the assessment of safety and intervention/and monitoring plans for suicidal youth with the direct supervision of a licensed behavioral health specialist only for youth on their caseload.

Training Consultation. Participates and supports orientation educational workshops mental health co-occurring disorders and family department meetings and training to assure and maintain competency in the provision of evidence-based mental health services. Serve as clinical support to unit managers and other clinical providers regarding the delivery of clinical services milieu services and interventions. Provide consultation to milieu staff to assist in the implementation of youth treatment goals and objectives. Participates in family department meetings and training to assure and maintain competence. Supports and promotes Division and agency initiatives. Is knowledgeable of and in compliance with all DYS policies and audit standards. Is responsible for maintaining all professional certifications. Actively participates in own professional growth and continued training research and CEUs. Participates in clinical supervision with the clinical director. Participate in team meetings and shift briefings.

Documentation. Document in approved electronic database for all individual and group sessions in approved DYS format. Group documentations must be individualized reflecting how each particular youth participated in each group session. Document incident reports as indicated ensure follow-up for DHS reports on a timely basis. Ensure all intern notes are entered into the approved electronic database when responsible for supervising the intern. Document calls to guardians and client managers. All documentation shall be reviewed and signed off on by the Clinical Clinical or their designee.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Substitutions Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Experience Only:

Four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to four (4) years.

Preferred qualifications:

Enrolled in a Masters program that is license eligible.

Conditions of Employment:

Must be 21 years of age with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence
Full Background - CBI name check and fingerprint check ICON Colorado court database Medicare fraud database Reference checks Professional License Verification Drug Screen PREA Trails check.
Current/valid and unrestricted US Drivers License
Travel. Transportation of youth in state vehicles travel to assigned trainings and/or alternate work sites.
Shift Work- Subject to assigned shifts.
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
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 applicants 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.
The Diana Screen a sexual risk screening tool is administered to all applicants to the Division of Youth Services (DYS) seeking positions of trust with children and teens to help ensure that ethical boundaries between children and adults are maintained. At the DYS the safety and protection of the youth who have been entrusted to us is our #1 priority. The results of the Diana Screen will be provided to the Division of Youth Services and may be used as part of the Divisions decision on whether a candidate is selected.

Appeal Rights:
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email () postmarked in US Mail 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 departments action.

For more information about the appeals process the official appeal form and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to ; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at ; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1 State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures Chapter 8 Resolution of Appeals and Disputes at under Rules.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply

Need help with your application Click here.

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions please contact

About Us:

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference consider joining the dedicated people of theColorado 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 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
BenefitHub state employee discount program
Employee Wellness program MotivateMe
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. For more
information go to Values:

We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized inspired and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.

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.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

ADAA Accommodations:CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of 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 including completing the application process interviewing completing any pre-employment testing participating in the employee selection process and/or to perform 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 our ADAAA Coordinator Nancy Schmelzer at or call 1-.

THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

Department InformationThe primary duties of this position are located within 30 miles of the state border; therefore this position is exempt from the residency requirements. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill...