Permanency Services - Social Services Specialist IV

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERA Defined Benefit Plan

Medical and dental health plans

Remote work arrangements for eligible

Job summary

State of Colorado is seeking a Division of Child Welfare professional to oversee timeliness of permanency for youth in QRTP/out-of-home care, provide technical assistance, and monitor county performance.

The role involves policy development, training, cross-agency collaboration, and travel across 64 counties to support effective permanency outcomes for children and families. Hybrid work with in-office days is required.

Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in child welfare or related field.
• Combination of related education and/or relevant experience equal to seven (7) years.
• Knowledge of QRTP, PRTF, or related child welfare placements is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance and monitoring of timeliness to permanency.
• Develop rules, policies, procedures, and training curriculum for permanency practice.
• Research and implement best practices for permanency and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with counties, QRTPs, and placement services to improve outcomes for children/youth.

Education

Bachelor's or graduate degree in Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work, Childhood Development, Sociology, or related field

Seven years of relevant experience in child welfare or related field

Job description

This position is open to current Colorado residents only

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

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

Division of Child Welfare: Provider Services Unit

The Division of Child Welfare provides a range of leadership, management, and supervisory functions related to the delivery of public child welfare services to children, youth, and families. The Division provides administrative supervision for all child welfare programs in Colorado’s 64 counties, and delivers technical support, monitoring, program improvement, regulatory oversight, and other quality assurance functions.

This unit works to oversee ongoing child welfare services in the State of Colorado. This unit sets policy and procedures for the 64 county departments of social/human services to practice both in-home and out-of-home, voluntary, and court-involved, ongoing child welfare services. The unit works with county departments to ensure regulatory and statutory compliance and to offer technical assistance when practice is not in line with policy and law. Staff also researches promising practices being utilized throughout the nation and recommends them for consideration or implementation in Colorado.

This position is Hybrid. In-office at 1575 Sherman Street on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change.

About this position:

This position is responsible for identifying barriers and solutions to the timeliness of permanency for the population of children and youth placed in Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP) by county child welfare agencies. Primary duties include providing increased oversight, technical assistance, and support to county departments to improve performance measures and outcomes related to permanency; helping the Department identify and address systemic barriers related to timeliness of permanency; monitoring measures and outcomes for Colorado’s children placed in QRTP or out-of-home treatment experiencing barriers to permanency; and focusing efforts and resources on reducing the impacts of those barriers. Duties include outreach to other stakeholders to address barriers and identify strategies to overcome barriers to sustained permanency. Identification of strategies to address barriers to removing children and/or youth from their home needs to be considered at the individual, county, state, and other systemic levels. This position is expected to travel to all 64 counties to provide technical assistance and oversight of child welfare practice as it relates to utilization of Qualified Residential Treatment Programs and Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) for timely and sustainable permanency. This position makes recommendations for policy and practice improvements to the Ongoing Child Protection Administrator and Permanency Services Unit Manager in matters related to the timeliness of permanency; other areas of permanency; coordinating efforts between the County Department of human/social services and other state agencies or community stakeholders; and opportunities for collaboration with licensed providers (QRTPs, PRTF’s, and child placement agencies) and the placement services unit. This person will need the skills to be able to review multiple documents, including clinical notes, DHS reports, and assessments, to formulate recommendations to guide and inform agencies, county DHS, and other appropriate professionals involved to ensure children and youth are getting the placement and support that best meets their permanency needs. This may include attending staffings, Family Engagement Meetings, placement meetings, and working closely with Provider Services, HCPF, BHA, and the Child and Youth Medical Team. This position will give feedback directly to counties regarding best practice issues identified during reviews and communicate with the counties' assigned County Intermediaries. This position will develop up-to-date training on best practices for submitting QRTP Lifetime Limits referrals as well as rules and expectations for counties that have youth or children in QRTP level of care.

Summary of Job Duties

Provide Technical Assistance and Monitoring of Timely Efforts for Permanency

As Staff Authority, this position researches and assesses promising practices in timeliness of permanency and other areas of permanency for children/youth in child welfare. This position supports the implementation of policies and practices in the 64 county departments of human/social services to improve outcomes for children who enter QRTPs and those experiencing other barriers to permanency. This position implements best practices around reducing the length of stay for children/ youth in out-of-home care. This position serves as the state’s subject matter expert for practices that ensure an increase in the timeliness of permanency and efforts to ensure family engagement in permanency for children in out-of-home treatment settings. This position serves as the state’s subject matter expert for practices that ensure permanency for children experiencing out-of-home treatment, specifically in congregate care settings, and other issues that could impede or delay permanency.

Rule, Policy, Procedure, and Training Curriculum Development

As Staff Authority, this position develops rules, policies, procedures, and guidance related to increasing timeliness to permanency and other permanency-related areas of practice for children/youth in Colorado. This position develops, supports, and assists with the implementation of best practices, policies, procedures, and guides. This position ensures the incorporation of best practices, policies, procedures, and guides into the training provided by the Child Welfare Training System for serving families. This position maintains full knowledge of rules and statutes at the State and Federal levels. This position remains informed and prepared to discuss such information with the Ongoing Child Protection Administrator and Permanency Unit Manager regarding county departments of human/social services. This position coordinates within Child Welfare and other experts to provide a consistent scope of practice and to implement promising practices in a timely manner to permanency. Specifically, this position works with the Child and Youth Medical Team within the Office of Children, Youth, and Families to consider gaps in training or resources across the state of Colorado. This position maintains training materials and opportunities for counties and partnering agencies to ensure sustainability for any new county child welfare and DCW staff. This would include, but not be limited to, creating and distributing memos, presenting at Town Halls, Sub-Pac, and individual county meetings. This position would also support Permanency team members with any other training as needed.

Research and Best Practice development for permanency in child welfare

This position performs research to recommend and implement practice improvements; ensures counties' compliance with program regulations; analyzes trends to evaluate program performance; Ensures consistency of program practices; Researches and investigates national best practices in timeliness to permanency. This position is responsible for the design, programming, and policies for implementation by county departments. Programming selected builds on Colorado's strengths and is operationalized within existing resources. Management l relies on this position to research and recommend a course for the direction the division takes in response to policies for the improvements in timeliness to permanency. Management relies on this position to identify those areas in practice and rule that lack clarity of policy and make recommendations for change in practice that will help promote safety, permanency, and well‑being.

External Stakeholder Collaboration

This position initiates and facilitates relationships between the state, county departments of human/social services, QRTPs, child placement agencies, community stakeholders, and/or other partners. These stakeholders include but are not limited to judicial, the Court Improvement Program, the Office of the Child’s Representative, the Office of Respondent Parent Counsel, Behavioral Health Administration, Health Care Policy and Finance, and Child Placement Agencies. This position tracks compliance and practice needs and assists with stakeholder collaboration to increase timeliness to permanency. This position also facilitates the county department of human/social services and outside stakeholder access to the Child Welfare Training System training and coaching on an as‑needed basis.

Placement Support

This position supports counties with the complex issue of high‑acuity placement by tracking children and/or youth who are in emergency placement settings. This position reports to the co‑lead for a weekly cross‑agency collaboration to review and analyze the needs faced by children & youth. This position supports the summarization of data obtained through a variety of reports (such as the lifetime limits, out‑of‑state placement, long stayers in congregate care settings, and Enhanced Standardized Assessment by placement type) to inform systemic gaps and trends and gaps in resources. Additionally, this position attends local multi‑agency staffings and coordinates with licensed providers and the clinical support team to create movement for youth without placement. This position serves as a placement navigator who coordinates with other division units, county departments, and other agencies in support of securing appropriate treatment and placement for high‑acuity youth.

Other Duties as Assigned

Performs other duties as assigned to support department and division objectives. All other duties as assigned by leadership within the Division of Child Welfare.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only:

Seven (7) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position in

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to seven (7) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work, Childhood Development, Sociology, or a closely related field of study.
• Having clinical experience in a QRTP, PRTF, or RCCF, or treatment facility, or extensive experience working with high‑acuity youth or children
• Preferred candidates will have experience related to working in ABA Clinics or child‑related settings (education, residential, foster care, casework)
• Knowledge of Volume 7 licensing regulations and statutes
• Skills in interpreting and enforcing regulations
• Ability to establish collaborative partnerships and effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external customers and diverse public and private stakeholders.
• Skills in interviewing children and adolescents, including those with complex‑traumatic backgrounds.
• Outstanding skills and abilities in verbal and written communication, and report writing.

Conditions of Employment

• Standard Background Check - ALL CDHS employees (non‑direct contact):
  CBI name check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), and drug screen (commercial Driver’s license)
• Current, valid, and unrestricted Colorado Driver’s License
• Motor Vehicle Check
• Travel: This position is expected to travel based on business needs
• Certification as a child welfare caseworker in the state of Colorado or ability to certify within 6 months of hire as a child welfare caseworker and supervisor certified within 6 months.
• 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, and (3) provide the employee number from the applicant’s 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.

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:

  • 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."

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.

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 that 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 deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:
  • By email ([e-mail]), 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 [phone], 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.

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 [e-mail].

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).

Required Supplemental Questions:

• (Multiple Choice) The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer.
  • Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.
  • This information is available to me, and I have read this information.
  • 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.)
• Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application. Yes/No
• If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997…). Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not provide this information. An incomplete application may not move forward in the Selection process. If you are a former or current state employee, please identify what state agency you work(ed) with and how many years of relevant state service you have related to the position you are applying for. (Ensure this is listed on your application under work experience).
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application.

In the space below, please explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify your application from the current position.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support