Mental Health Clinician III - Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan (Denver)

About the Department

This position is open to current Colorado residents only

Please note: This posting will be used to fill multiple postings. Position shifts available for: Days, Nights, Weekend, and Float.

 
About Us
The Colorado Mental Health Institute in Fort Logan (CMHHFL) is one of two state hospitals serving our community. The vision of CMHHFL is to provide the highest quality mental health services to persons with complex, serious, and persistent mental illness within the resources available. Our mission is to support those individuals in achieving their recovery goals and reaching their full potential. CMHHIFL provides inpatient treatment to adult patients, generally between the ages of 18-59. The hospital currently has 138 adult inpatient beds and over six treatment milieus serving civil and forensic individuals. Medical services, occupational therapy, neuropsychological-rehabilitation services, and trauma-informed care services are available for all patients throughout the hospital.

Through our core values listed below, CMHHFL staff is committed to:
Individual dignity and respect

• Person-centered, evidence-based care
• Trauma-informed recovery
• Multidisciplinary collaboration
• Diversity and inclusion
• Strong family and community partnerships

The Clinical Mental Health Clinician III works in the 24-hour state psychiatric hospital with individuals voluntarily and involuntarily committed for treatment. Patients receiving treatment at CMHHIFL have severe and persistent mental illness and may have traumatic brain injury, trauma disorders, and other complex dynamics.  Each treatment team is multidisciplinary, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, addiction specialists, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, creative arts therapists, nurses, physicians, and mental health clinicians. In addition, the hospital offers dietary, peer, and chaplain services.

Position Duties

Primary Job Duties:

Provide Therapeutic Patient Care:  

Under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse, engage with patients to establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship which supports the patient’s psychiatric recovery and mental health. Model and maintain professional boundaries with patients and their families. Assist patients in developing insight into their mental illness while exploring symptoms and ways of decreasing, coping with, or eliminating distress while eliciting ways to live a more productive, satisfying life. Engage in one-on-one interactions with patients regularly and guides therapeutic psycho-educational groups and activities with a focus on assisting patients to build interpersonal and life management skills.  Facilitates psychoeducational groups, utilizing principles of group facilitation with a focus on assisting patients to build interpersonal relationships and life management skills. Evaluate planned strategies continuously and exercise judgment about whether strategy remains appropriate or requires adjustment.

Act as patient advocate and provides patient and their family with support and education on patient’s rights. Address and resolve patient issues when possible and refer issues to the hospital Patient’s Rights Specialist, as indicated.  Model solution-focused problem-solving strategies. 

Supports patient in accomplishing activities of daily living (ADLs) through monitoring, teaching, supporting and assisting as needed. This includes such activities as personal hygiene, shaving, brushing teeth, care of personal items, laundry, toileting, and showers, as needed, based on the patient’s ability and current status.  Assures that patient is treated with dignity and respect, maintaining patient’s privacy. 

Escort patients to activities and appointments on grounds and in the community, including driving patients to appointments.   Assumes responsibility for paperwork, assuring confidentiality.  Communicates patient’s whereabouts to charge nurse and treatment team though sign-out/sign-in systems on the unit. Communicate to provide or exchange information while keeping registered nurse and other staff informed of patient status and patient issues. Documents patient care and patient response to treatment as required by hospital policy. 

Other duties as assigned for this position.

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Milieu Management: 

Assure a safe and therapeutic treatment environment through effective Milieu Management. Closely monitor and maintain surveillance of the unit to assure a safe milieu. Model professional interactions with patients, families and staff.  Facilitate solution oriented problem-solving strategies, and encourage patient input and self-determination, whenever possible. Monitor, identify and address safety violations in patient care areas. Using therapeutic clinical skills, anticipate and initiate intervention at an appropriate level in crisis situations (i.e., physical or verbal assault against a person or property, suicidal behavior, etc.) by adhering to nursing standards and hospital policies and procedures in order to provide a safe and therapeutic environment. 

Monitor the milieu, conduct safety checks and monitors for unsafe items and/or unsafe conditions, and act promptly to secure unsafe items and correct unsafe conditions. Utilize appropriate techniques from Verbal Defense and Influence (VDI) and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) to manage aggressive patient behavior, and de-escalates situation whenever possible, reducing the potential for physically aggressive behavior or injury. During episodes of patient physically aggressive behavior, minimize risk of injury to patient and staff by utilizing CPI approved methods. Initiates interventions at the appropriate level in a crisis situation by adhering to Nursing and Hospital Policies and Procedures. 

Engage patients in unit activities, including impromptu groups, discussions, and games that support patient’s well-being and build appropriate interpersonal skills. Monitors patient’s needs for structure and/or downtime and works in collaboration with unit staff to intervene as indicated.  Monitors patients during meals including monitoring for issues with swallowing/choking, food intake, and interactions with others. Intervene as indicated and communicate any concerns to the registered nurse. 

Other duties as assigned for this position.

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Work as part of the interdisciplinary team and participate in treatment planning and the development of the plan of care for patients.  Contribute information and treatment approaches to support patient health and wellness.  Incorporate information from multiple sources and provides input into treatment planning.   Advocate for patient’s interest and input into their plan of care. Supports Mental Health Clinician I staff in further development of their skills in working with patients and managing the milieu. Other duties as assigned for this position.

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Recommends new strategies and interventions to the team and contributes input into their effectiveness.

Maintains and updates skills, knowledge, abilities and competencies:

Maintain updated skills, knowledge, abilities, and competencies necessary to the position through continuing education, clinical supervision, literature review, and participating in discipline and team development.  Responsible for utilizing supervision with supervisor to apply learning to direct practice. Actively participates in team meetings utilizing a solution-focused approach. Learns, completes, and maintains competency in patient care, including taking vital signs, patient hygiene, and personal care. Shares own learning and ideas with others and supports.

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Individual Intervention:
The Clinical MHC III will be responsible for assisting with the creation of support and behavior plans, which consists of research, consultation, drafting interventions, plan-related documents, assist with training staff members, and assist with refresher training and data collection for plan maintenance. These plans are the responsibility of the licensed psychologist and the Clinical MHC III will work under that supervision to support the process, as opposed to lead the process. There may also be times when an individual intervention is approved by the licensed psychologist to be facilitated by the Clinical MHC III after adequate training is received (i.e., cognitive remediation).

•  Determines select materials for support and behavior plan creation, initiation, training, and maintenance
• Determines real-time needs when facilitating an individual intervention

Documentation:
The Clinical MHC III is responsible for documenting all patient contact interactions, including group and individual intervention. Documentation is also required for other clinically relevant interactions, collateral engagement, team meetings, and training or consultations. All documentation is completed in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and should adhere to HIPAA requirements and privacy laws. Documentation is expected to be neutral, unbiased, and based on FAIR charting principles. 

• Determines when and how to complete documentation in the EHR
• Determines how to apply FAIR charting principles

Consultation and Training:
The Clinical MHC III is required to support hospital-wide clinical intervention and treatment needs, including via consultation with individual team members, teams, and departments. Similarly, the Clinical MHC III will support training specific to clinically driven individual and group treatment interventions. This position may accompany the licensed clinician overseeing the intervention or may independently lead consultation or training for an aspect of it.

• Determines what training is needed and how to offer it
• Determines if any support materials may be needed for consultation

Other Duties as Assigned:
Any other duties that aren’t covered in the above duty statements but need to be completed to meet the mission of the division and the department. 

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Determined on a case-by-case basis as other duties are assigned. Any other duties that aren’t covered in the above duty statements but need to be completed to meet the mission of the division and the department. 

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Experience Only:

Six (6) 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 to this position equal to six (6) years

Part-time experience will be pro-rated.

Substitutions:

Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Bachelors Degree
• 1+ years Knowledge and Experience as Mental Health Care Clinician II at a State of Colorado Mental Health Institute.
• Experience providing therapeutic and related services to mental health patients in a mental health setting 
• 1+ years professional inpatient mental health-care experience in a psychiatric locked/secure setting,
• Experience developing and running treatment groups
• Knowledge and experience with Trauma Informed Care and Recovery Principles and practices
• Outpatient mental health experience running groups, case management etc., and
• College or university education in nursing, psychology, sociology, human services, or education.

Highly Desirable Competencies:

• Knowledge of oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge and professional inpatient mental health-care experience
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting departmental and institutional policies and procedures,
•  Ability to work with and communicate with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner and committed to quality service,
• Ability to perform with a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently,
• Ability to encourage and facilitate cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity,
• Ability to foster commitment and team spirit.
• Ability to express information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information,
• Ability to listen to others and respond appropriately,
• Ability to problem solve,
• Ability to execute decisions, Integrity, and Accountability

Conditions of employment:

• [Standard/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.

• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or an non-restricted U.S. Driver's 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 (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, (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:

  • 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 ([email protected]), 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 Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

Other Qualifications

How to apply to the State of Colorado

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 [email protected].

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.

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. 

Benefits

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 agency's 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.
 

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of ColoradoAddress See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, -- Website https://careers.colorado.gov/