Forensic Support Team Director/Program Management III - Forensic Services Department
State of Colorado
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Job summary
The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) seeks a Program Director to lead the Forensic Support Team (FST) within the Civil and Forensic Mental Health division. You will oversee staff, develop policies, and coordinate workflow across Denver and Pueblo facilities, ensuring high-quality care coordination for in-custody and court-ordered cases.
Minimum qualifications include ten years of relevant experience and licensure in LPC, LCSW, or Psychology; a strong background in leadership, change
Qualifications
- Ten (10) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
- Combination of related education in Mental Health, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work and/or relevant experience equal to ten (10) years.
- Must have one of the licenses below to be considered: LPC or LCSW or Psychologist License by the Colorado Board Examiners.
Responsibilities
- Oversee, direct, and supervise the Forensic Support Team (FST) and staff assignments.
- Manage FST budget, contracts, and reporting including the Consent Decree.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and coordinate with other agencies.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Department Information
This position is open to current Colorado residents only.
Located within the Colorado Department of Human Services, Civil and Forensic Mental Health (CFMH) is responsible for policy development, service provision and coordination, program monitoring and evaluation, and administrative oversight for the public behavioral health system. CFMH funds, supports, and monitors numerous mental health and substance abuse community programs and providers. CFMH also operates the Colorado Mental Health Hospitals at Fort Logan and Pueblo, the Mental Health Transitional Living Homes, the Division of Outpatient Services, and the Forensic Services Division. CFMH executes the States’ federal responsibilities as the State Mental Health Authority and State Substance Abuse Authority for the purposes of administering federal mental health and substance abuse block grant funds.
The Forensic Services Division is responsible for six departments including Forensic Community Based Services (FCBS), Jail Based Evaluation and Restoration (JBR), Outpatient Restoration (OPR), the Forensic Support Team (FST), the Court Services Department, and the Operations Department.
The work unit is responsible for care coordination for in-custody individuals court ordered to the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) care and custody for a competency evaluation and/or restoration the direction of the Forensic Support Team for the State of Colorado. This unit responds to referrals for individuals’ court ordered for competency evaluation or restoration of competency treatment for adults, as mandated by statute to be completed by CDHS. The Forensic Support Team (FST) works closely with other departments within Forensic Services and CFMH, as well as agencies statewide, including the criminal courts, Bridges Program, and detention facilities statewide.
Our teams work within various settings including community agencies, jails, courts, and hospitals. The locations can include locked units and secure facilities and our clients may at times be unpredictable due to their mental health needs. Our team is required to make critical decisions in dynamic and fast-paced environments in order to ensure a high level of accountability for patient care. Our staff are required to maintain updated skills, knowledge, abilities, and competencies necessary to the position through continuing education, clinical supervision, literature review, and discipline and team development. This position may be required to travel throughout Colorado to meet the needs of the department.
Description of Job
A minimum of 2-days in office required, at times more
Presence at both office locations in Denver and Pueblo is required
This arrangement is subject to change at any time
This position serves as the Program Director of the Forensic Support Team for the State of Colorado and is responsible for the oversight and management of the Department, including all staff assigned to the work unit. This position exists to direct, manage, train, and provide supervision and oversight of the staff assigned to FST. This position designs, develops, and directs implementation of FST policies, procedures, and protocols for the delivery of all FST-related services and anticipates future needs based on systemic changes. This position interacts with relevant stakeholders regarding FST programs and practices. The Director also oversees the FST budget, personnel matters, collaborates on legislative requests, consults with stakeholders, and determines position needs, caseloads, and workflows. The position is responsible for all personnel matters, including interviewing, hiring, onboarding, retention, offboarding, and performance issues. The Director supports their team in their collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal service provision. The Director also creates, maintains, and creates reporting for data requirements, including the Consent Decree.
Department Management and Personnel :
- Provides leadership and direction to the daily operations of the work unit, consisting of various staff, and is the direct supervisor to five (5) full-time employees and 22 second‑level employees. In order to provide relevant supervision, this position maintains familiarity with the current status and progress of clients being served by FST, relevant statutes, clinical knowledge, and community resources to assist in problem‑solving, and ensures all clients are receiving appropriate care coordination.
- Required to respond to emergencies directly and in support of team members and also accompanies team members to staffing’s and/or care coordination‑related meetings with stakeholders when requested or required.
- Ensures consistent implementation and compliance with relevant standards and procedures and must have good working knowledge of statutory regulations and sound clinical skills.
- Ensures effective services are being provided by developing, implementing, and monitoring staff and client engagement and quality of services and work products.
- Monitors staff productivity and efficiency and oversees compliance of staff with specific requirements.
- Should there be a need for quality improvement, the Director is responsible for identifying those needs and developing a corrective plan of action.
- Creates work unit protocols, tracking mechanisms, and audit tools.
- Performs all functions and responsibilities of an Appointing Authority as related to personnel and establishes work assignments, schedules, approval of leave, performance planning, corrective and disciplinary actions, and separation of employment.
- As appointing authority powers by Rule or may be delegated appointing authority powers by written delegation.
- Performs all functions and responsibilities of an appointing authority related to accomplishing the goals and objectives of the organization using allocated resources in the most efficient manner.
- Responsible for all recruitment, hiring, onboarding, offboarding, and staff training. Staff training will require flexible and creative learning platforms given the team is primarily remote and statewide.
- Makes efforts to develop and maintain student training opportunities when possible, which requires familiarity with discipline‑specific educational requirements and relationships with educational institutions.
- Provides strategic planning, projections, and creative innovation.
- Responsible for responding in a timely to all Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) requests.
- Responsible for the oversight of all contracts, memorandums, and statements of work associated with FST stakeholder services. This includes identification of such needs, identification of underused services, identification of increased service needs, contractual editing, ensuring contractual compliance, and serving as a primary point of contact for the contract holder. Should there be an identified deficiency with a contractor, this shall be communicated to leadership, and the Director shall create a corrective plan of action.
- Oversees all finances and expenditures associated with the FST department, including internal tracking systems, invoices, receiving reports, p‑card purchases, and overall budget, as well as policy and procedure associated with successful adherence to established budgets and fiscal rules.
- Monitors trends associated with budgets to identify best use of resource allocation and forecast future departmental needs. There are contracts and internal policies and procedures in place that have implications not only for the Forensic Services Division but also for the mental health hospitals, the Behavioral Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Human Services, and the Department of Health Care Policy and Finance, which require the Director to maintain strong relationships across agencies to support and ensure adherence.
- Collaborates with agencies and programs that interact with the FST program and/or clients. This may include proactive outreach to establish shared communications and processes and/or supportive problem‑solving and conflict resolution on behalf of/in partnership with the team’s supervisors.
- Creates and facilitates stakeholder training specific to FST, may participate in legislative workgroups upon request, and may be asked to represent the department during court hearings either via subpoena or leadership.
- Expected to serve as a subject matter expert on behalf of FCBS when required. Additionally, the FST team has reporting and communication requirements regarding the Consent Decree
- Maintains statistical tracking and monitoring of a variety of client‑specific and outcome‑specific variables associated with FST.
- Prepares and presents current data on a monthly basis, serves as the subject matter expert on said data, and may be asked to collect and present additional data as needed.
- Continuously analyzes the data gathered in order to identify trends, anticipate needs, and propose solutions.
- This position may be called upon to perform tasks or undertake special assignments or projects deemed necessary by CFMH but not specifically referenced in the above duties.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Ten (10) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
A combination of related education in Mental Health, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned, equal to ten (10) years
- LPC or
- LCSW or
- Psychologist License by the Colorado Board Examiners
- Previous State Experience
- Specialized supervisory and/or leadership training
- Demonstrated background in managing personnel matters
- Demonstrated experience in leadership, change management, and organizational culture
- Significant experience working with individuals who have a severe and persistent mental illness.
- Significant experience working in secure settings such as inpatient psychiatric hospitals, jails, prisons, etc.
- Experience identifying individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, providing recommendations for safety management, and assessing clinical acuity.
- Experience providing clinical and administrative supervision to other professionals
- Experience navigating multiple systems, agencies, and processes involved with the intersection of mental health and criminal justice: Medicaid, Medicare, Home and Community‑Based Services (HCBS) waivers, guardianship, community mental health centers, housing programs, nursing home/assisted living, etc.
- Travel – Explain: Must travel throughout the State and has staff statewide
- 2-Step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required
- Annual Influenza vaccination and other vaccinations as required by the State of Colorado.
- Must be reachable by staff and stakeholders for after‑hours emergencies
- Full Background CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons): CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services),Trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults – Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers)
- Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
- Disclose that information on the application.
- 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.
- Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
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.
- Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
- Relevant years of state service experience.
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 all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.
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.
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).
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 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.
- 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(YouTube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)
- The Assessment Process
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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:
- Ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files.
- Close the document before you attempt to upload (attach).
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
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- I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)
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If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997…)
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application.
Please share how your work experience is relevant to this position; specifically, how your past roles required clinical expertise, leadership, and engagement of multi‑system agencies designed to support individuals with severe and persistent mental health needs
Please describe your experience providing clinical supervision
Please describe your experience providing administrative supervision
- Required Question
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