SOCIAL WORK/COUNSELOR I - CMHHIP

SOCIAL WORK/COUNSELOR I - CMHHIP

Salary

$33.01 - $46.21 Hourly

Location

Pueblo, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IIB 01317 07/15/26

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

OBH - CMHIP

Opening Date

07/15/2026

Closing Date

8/4/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

Ellie Cassio, ellie.cassio@state.co.us

Primary Physical Work Address

In person position not eligible for remote work reporting to: Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo, 1600 W. 24th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003

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.

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

Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP)

Social Work/ Counselor I

Full Time

CMHHIP units provide comprehensive psychiatric and psycho-social evaluation and treatment by a multidisciplinary treatment team. This includes: 24 hour nursing care and assessment; psychiatric intervention and evaluation; psychological services; psycho-social services; occupational therapy, educational and vocational rehabilitation services and recreational therapy. Patients are admitted from throughout the state from correctional, court, mental health, and other community facilities for long and short term treatment under court authority, as well as transfers from within CMHHIP and other units. Legal statuses of patients include 27-65 civil commitments (M-1, M-3, Short and Long Term certifications); Incompetent to Proceed (ITP); Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity or Impaired Mental Condition (NGRI or NGR-IMC); court ordered evaluations for Sanity, Sex Offender issues, Competency.

Description of Job

You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.

This position is full time, scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on-site at CMHHIP.

Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change.

About the Position:

This position exists to provide, under an LCSW, therapeutic interventions including psychosocial therapies, individual, family and group treatment to severely emotionally disturbed/cognitively impaired patients and their families. This position completes assessments and disposition planning, interagency communication with residential care facilities, social services, community mental centers, etc., to ensure continued appropriate level services following discharge. Individualizes psychosocial therapy approaches to meet the specific needs of the patient population and provides training and consultation to other professional staff. Duties in this position include:

Assessments:

Under the supervision of a LCSW the Social Worker:

• Completes psychosocial assessments by interviewing, collaborating, analyzing, and assimilating social histories that demonstrate the relationship among current behavior problems, environmental resources, and support systems. This assessment generates a clinical summary and treatment recommendations that predictably affects treatment and continuity of care in the community.
• Provides documentation as required
• If the patient has been in the hospital for over 1 year the social worker completes an annual psychosocial assessment

Community Reintegration:

Under the supervision of an LCSW, the social worker:

• Coordinates discharge planning, through evaluation and assessment of the patient's needs as they relate to available community resources, and exploring and mobilizing those resources
• Is the liaison between the hospital and the community agencies. Identifies and chooses appropriate community placements and treatment programs
• Provides case management by making appropriate referrals to community agencies, networking and directing reciprocal relationships with community agencies, Social Security, Social Services, Court system, jails, DOC, probation, parole, DYC, attorneys, CMHC, CCB, nursing, boarding, and group homes, individuals and families
• Attends meetings with the agencies mentioned above

Treatment Planning:

Under the Supervision of an LCSW, the Social Worker:

• Participates in the direction and formulation of treatment plans and reviews.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary treatment team by recommending and designing treatment interventions, which meet patient and family education and therapeutic needs
• Provides required documentation

Treatment:

Under the supervision of an LCSW, the Social Worker:

• Provides individual, family, group therapy and system interventions utilizing social work theoretical framework and methods with consideration of ethnic, cultural, religious and sexual diversity
• Provides necessary documentation regarding treatment

Professional Development:

• Keeps updated to the state of the art theories for assessment and treatment of the psychiatrically impaired patient, and as

appropriate, for the patient dually diagnosed with dementia, developmental disability or substance-related disorder.

• Works with other team members to gather appropriate outcome data to assess the effectiveness of treatment.
• Provides necessary documentation

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications:

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:

• Masters in Social Work (MSW)

• Knowledge of casework methods, techniques, and their applications to work problems

• Knowledge of the principles of human growth and behavior, basic sociological and psychological treatment and therapy practices

• Knowledge of interviewing skills and techniques

• Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing

• Ability to use interviewing skills and techniques effectively

• Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions

Conditions of Employment:

• Full Background check and Reference Check required

• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position

• Motor Vehicle Check , if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an on-going capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.

• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License or an non-restricted U.S. Drivers License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border

• Out-of-State Driver's License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License within 30 days of employment start date.

• Other Conditions of Employment specific to Program

• 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.

• Shall not initiate or engage in sexual, social, personal or financial relationships with patients either during or any time after hospitalization, even if the patient requests or initiates such a relationship All relationships with current or former patients must be disclosed on your application

• Successfully pass all modules of the CMHIP New Employee Orientation core curriculum to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics

• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete hospital required physical intervention training, MANDT, and CPR

• Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist

• Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled containment to the floor

• Withstand impact on own body using an ASP shield

• Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for using a defensive tactic

• Kneel on one or both knees and stand up again with multiple repetitions

• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety

• Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury

• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently

• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations

• Ability to read and comprehend the English language; effectively and fluently communicates in English, both verbally and in writing

• Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings

• Willing and able to travel

• 2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire

• Annual influenza vaccination

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

For additional recruiting questions, please contact ellie.cassio@state.co.us

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 provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.

05

Please describe your experience as a Social Worker conducting Biopsychosocial assessments, to include formulation and treatment recommendations.

06

Explain how your documentation meets regulatory, legal and accreditation requirements (e.g., Joint Commission. CMS).

07

Please explain how you oversee discharge planning operations to support patient discharge, reduce length of stay and remove barriers to discharge.

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/