Behavioral Health Specialist, Social Work/counselor II - Platte Valley Youth Services Center

Behavioral Health Specialist

This position exists to provide mental health/crisis management services for a caseload of DYS committed youth. The work unit provides clinical mental health services to committed treatment level youth and their families, in a secure facility. The position provides individual, family and group services in support of and in alignment with the Division of Youth Services (DYS) strategic plan and within a trauma informed environment. This work unit identifies youth needs and develops interventions to mitigate risk and enhance protective factors to ensure successful reintegration into the community. It works collaboratively with milieu staff, education, family, client management, and community stakeholders to provide evidence-based services to complex youth.

This position provides treatment planning, individual, family and group counseling, ongoing assessment, case management, record keeping, and service coordination in conjunction with a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) responsible for the overall treatment, supervision and transition of the youth. This position completes an integrated and comprehensive strength-based treatment plan and provides expertise in the area of mental health, co-occurring, special needs and family issues. This position utilizes the Colorado Juvenile Risk Assessment and other validated assessment tools to address criminogenic risk factors and what is driving underlying behavior by using a strength-based approach and a youth's protective factors and resources.

This position takes a lead role on the clinical team in the unit, assists in conducting in service trainings and communicates youth's needs to milieu staff. Behavioral Health Specialists will utilize Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and the Sanctuary model, in their work with youth and families.

Minimum qualifications include a current, valid Colorado or State participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact licensure as a: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) OR Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) OR Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Candidate (LMFTC) OR Addiction Counselor Candidate (AC-C). Preferred qualifications include relevant years of state experience. Conditions of employment include a full background check and reference check required, State of Colorado residency, and a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver's License.

The Colorado Department of Human Services offers strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits, medical and dental health plans, paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave, and remote work arrangements for eligible positions. 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.