Social Worker / Counselor I (Behavioral Health Specialist) - Prairie Vista Youth Services

Colorado; Brighton (CO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Colorado Department of Human Services as a mental health professional, providing essential services to youth facing mental health challenges. This role involves assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions, requiring a master's degree in mental health and relevant experience. Enjoy competitive benefits and professional growth opportunities while making a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families.

Benefits

Great benefit package

Professional growth opportunities

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Four years of relevant experience or a combination of education and experience totaling four years.
• Enrolled in a master's program that is license eligible is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mental health screenings and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Provide individual, group, and family counseling using CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing.
• Maintain accurate records of all services, assessments, and interventions.

Skills

Counseling

Therapeutic Interventions

Collaboration

Education

Master's degree in mental health

Job description

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

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 - Prairie Vista Youth Services Center

About the Division of Youth Services: The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides juvenile detention, commitment, and parole services through secure facilities and community programs. It serves youth aged 10 to 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed, and contracts with private providers across Colorado. For more information, visit: https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/dys

Summary of Work Unit:

This unit provides onsite mental health services to youth in secure facilities, supporting trauma-informed care, risk mitigation, and community reintegration through collaboration with staff, families, and stakeholders.

Summary of the Position:

The role requires a master's degree in mental health (e.g., Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy) and involves delivering supervised clinical services to youth facing mental health, trauma, and substance abuse challenges. The trainee will learn to address criminogenic risks and family interventions, using evidence-based, trauma-informed, and strength-based approaches, with a focus on adolescent behavior and mental health.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Assessment and Treatment Planning: Conduct mental health screenings, develop individualized treatment plans, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address youth needs, including risk factors, trauma, and substance use.
2. Therapeutic Interventions: Provide individual, group, and family counseling using techniques like CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing, documenting progress and adjusting plans as needed.
3. Collaboration and Coordination: Work with medical, educational, and community partners to ensure comprehensive care and smooth transition planning.
4. Training and Consultation: Support staff training, participate in team meetings, and provide clinical consultation to enhance service delivery.
5. Documentation: Maintain accurate records of all services, assessments, and interventions in accordance with regulations and standards.

Qualifications:

• Four years of relevant experience or a combination of education and experience totaling four years.
• Enrolled in a master's program that is license eligible is preferred.

Conditions of Employment:

• Background checks, licensing verification, drug screening, and other employment conditions apply.
• Valid US Driver’s License and willingness to transport youth as needed.
• Shift work and travel may be required.

Additional Information:

For application assistance, contact [e-mail].

Join the Colorado Department of Human Services to make a difference in the lives of youth and families, with competitive benefits, professional growth opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.