Program Assistant I - Jail Based Restoration/Forensic Services Department

Program Assistant I - Jail Based Restoration/Forensic Services Department

Salary

$53,940.00 - $86,280.00 Annually

Location

Denver, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IIB 06040 6/23/2026

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

OBH (Office of Behavioral Health)

Opening Date

06/23/2026

Closing Date

7/7/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

3824 W Princeton Cir, Denver 80236

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Jeru Marshall: jerusalen.marshall@state.co.us

Salary Note

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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, and the Forensic Services Division. CFMH executes the State's federal responsibilities as the State Mental Health Authority and the State Substance Abuse Authority to administer federal block grant funds for mental health and substance abuse.

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.

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 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 require traveling throughout Colorado to meet the needs of the department.

The JBR Program exists to serve as the only program to provide jail-based competency restoration services for individuals found incompetent to proceed by the courts and ordered to undergo restoration treatment for the State of Colorado. In addition, the JBR department provides oversight to contracted private hospital programs. The program additionally provides treatment to those individuals ordered by the courts to undergo an initial evaluation of competency and mental condition/sanity evaluations. The JBR Program serves as the State expert on restoration and competency in a jail-based setting and collaborates with numerous other entities and governmental agencies to ensure best practices in admissions across the State, best practices in competency restoration treatment, and continuity of care and follow up care for individuals discharging from the program. The JBR program oversees all contracts associated with these programs, coordinates admissions, conducts program audits, establishes best practices, and engages in site visits.

Description of Job

Weekly Hybrid Working Arrangements

Minimum 2 days in the office and Maximum 3 days Remote Work

This position will comply with the Forensic Services Departments current

working arrangements.

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

This position assists the Director of Jail-Based Restoration in the coordination and management of various departmental and programmatic responsibilities. With the guidance of the Director, this position collaborates to design, implement, and modify office and administrative operations to ensure effective and efficient processes are in place; assists in the development and maintenance of databases and forms utilizing various computer programs (i.e., Windows Office programs to include Excel, Access, Publisher, and PowerPoint). This position performs administrative and technical support and interprets principles, rules, regulations, and policies. This position will provide support and oversight to department processes. Other duties include:

Program and Office Management:

• Provides support to the director, other department supervisors, and staff as requested or in conjunction with office management duties. This includes coordinating department meetings, agendas, and minutes, and managing various schedules.
• Serves as a point of contact for stakeholders and provides strong customer service on behalf of the unit.
• Reviews, files and/or monitors confidential information and will compose correspondence for the Program Director's signature.
• Responsible for collaborating with the Human Resources Department in all position descriptions, job postings, hiring, interviewing, and termination processes, including the use of the Personnel Action Form (PAF) system.
• Oversees and ensures accuracy within the department's timekeeping reporting and use of the UKG system.
• Responsible for tracking and submissions for staff-related travel requests and reimbursement.
• Oversees all inventory, technology, and related ordering and purchasing through purchase agreements and use of the P-card, as well as associated invoicing, billing, and receiving reports.
• Assists in the oversight and use of the department's budget in collaboration with the director, including contracts.
• Assists the director in compiling the necessary documents for various staff, client, and court-related submissions.
• Implements and maintains detailed and accurate electronic tracking systems to ensure receipt and accountability of all incoming/outgoing correspondence and/or requests, ensuring timely and accurate responses and completion and maintenance of key documents.
• Must ensure Federal and State compliance with record retention, privacy laws, best practices, and departmental policies.
• Identifies workflow issues, proposes solutions, and assists with execution.
• Required to translate project concepts into concrete operations in order to support the JBR and FSDV mission and goals.
• Creates and manages work plans, deadlines, and tracking systems and ensures all JBR deadlines are on track and met.
• Attends appropriate training and meetings to increase and maintain job knowledge and inform JBR practices.
• Required to provide technical assistance on departmental processes and protocols and assist with the development of presentations and materials.

Data Collection and Reporting Projects:

• Engages in daily tracking of various factors related to the program (e.g., court dates, referral table, case dispositions, patient length of stay, reasons for discharge, etc.), extrapolates from that data, and generates reports.
• Assists with reporting to OCFMH and CDHS management about the programs performance and compliance with policies and procedures.
• Assists in analyzing that data, suggests areas for growth, and collaborates with the Director and Clinical Director to problem-solve to increase program efficiency.

Policy and Procedure:

• Provides support to the JBR Director and Quality Assurance Team in the development of department policy and procedure.
• Assist in creating and developing office management, organization, and procedures to determine priorities and develop workload procedures to meet deadlines.
• Provides support to the JBR Director and the Quality Assurance Team in the development of departmental policies and procedures.
• Assists in creating and developing office management, organization, and procedures to determine priorities and develop workload procedures to meet deadlines.

Other Duties As Assigned:

• 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

Experience Only:

Four (4) 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 equal to four (4) years

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preferred Experience in office and program management

• Preferred degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Healthcare Administration, Human Services, Organizational Leadership, Management, Communications, or a closely related field.

• Experience working in a healthcare, behavioral health, human services, criminal justice, or government environment.

• Experience with program coordination, executive support, office management, and project tracking.

• Experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting program data.

• Experience with UKG, HRIS, or similar workforce management systems.

• Experience with budget tracking, purchasing, contracts, and procurement processes.

• Knowledge of HIPAA, records management, and confidentiality requirements.

• Previous State experience

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.

Conditions of Employment:

• Travel: in-State travel between CMHHIP, CMHHFL, and various detention facilities/hospitals
• 2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required, annual influenza vaccination, and other vaccinations as required by the State of Colorado
• Standard Background 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)

• 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.

• 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 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 Directors Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

Supplemental Information

• How to apply to the State of Colorado(Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

• The Assessment Process

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.

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 agencys 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.

01

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.)

02

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

03

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).

04

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 for the current position.

05

Describe your experience providing administrative or program support for a department, program, or executive leader. Include your responsibilities related to scheduling, meeting coordination, records management, purchasing, budgeting, or personnel processes.

06

Provide a specific example of a report, tracking system, database, spreadsheet, or performance metric you maintained or developed. Describe the data collected, the tools used, and how the information was utilized by leadership or stakeholders.

07

Describe a situation where you were responsible for managing multiple competing deadlines involving sensitive or confidential information. What steps did you take to prioritize tasks, ensure accuracy, and meet deadlines?

08

How many years of experience do you have performing administrative duties?

• 0-2 years
• 3-4 years
• 5+ years

09

How would you describe your skill level in Microsoft Office Applications (i.e. Excel, Word, PowerPoint)?

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

10

How would you describe your skill level in Google Suite?

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

Required Question

Employer State of Colorado

Address See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

Website https://careers.colorado.gov/