Clinical Safety Specialist I - CMHHIP Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/newprint/5094463) Apply  Clinical Safety Specialist I - CMHHIP Salary $27.65 - $38.70 Hourly Location Pueblo, CO Job Type Full Time Job Number IIB 06124 9/26/25 Department Colorado Department of Human Services Division AS - Division of Human Resources Opening Date 09/26/2025 Closing Date 10/10/2025 12:00 PM Mountain FLSA Determined by Position Type of Announcement This position is open only to Colorado state residents. Primary Physical Work Address 1600 W. 24th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003 FLSA Status Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation. Department Contact Information tricia.jepson@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 Colorado state residents only. Please note: While this announcement lists a specific unit, should an offer be extended to you, the hiring manager may make you a job offer within the same classification for a different unit within the hospital. These opportunities will be based on vacancies at the time of offer and business needs. All work locations evaluated will remain within CMHHIP. Opt in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events! CDHSCareers Description of Job This position is required to report to the assigned duty location, no remote option will be available About the Position : This position exists to ensure a safe work environment through application of and adherence to CMHIP/CDHS policies, Joint Commission standards, Life Safety Codes, and Colorado Revised Statutes. The position responds to crisis situations (i.e, physical or verbal assaults against persons or property, suicidal behavior) following hospital policies and procedures, assists with documenting incidents related to safety violations in patient-care areas, works with the treatment teams, and assists nursing and clinical staff to ensure a safe and therapeutic environment. This position will assist with environmental safety checks and on-unit/ on campus transports to treatment programming and meals. Safety/Security: + Work involves providing safety and supervision of adjudicated and/or pre-adjudicated patients in a locked/unlocked setting. + Supervises for safety of appropriate staff, location, mobility, and continual observation of patients. + Provide immediate intervention in crisis situations, to include responding to and assisting in verbally threatening or physically violent patients; providing approved verbal de-escalating and physical interventions, monitoring for escape of and maintaining contact with unit staff. + Exercise sound judgment and emotional control when evaluating possible risk-taking taking into consideration the physical and mental well-being of all patients and staff. + Participate in defusing and debriefing of all incidents. + Actively use effective communication skills, MANDT skills when interacting with patients and staff in a positive and respectful manner. + Monitor the movement of patients in the unit or throughout the building. + Escort and transport to internal activities or appointments (e.g., Admissions, medical appointments, court, CMHIP, etc.) and external appointments if needed and approved by the Chief Nursing Officer. + Conduct unit and room searches to include property and areas according to schedule or as needed. Check windows, doors, and all aspects of locking mechanisms on the unit and treatment areas to minimize escape risk. Performs monthly safety inspections of clinical units as assigned. Identify safety violations and safety hazards, and work with the treatment team to take necessary actions to correct the problem. Complete safety searches and inspections as scheduled. Programming: + To provide for and promote a safer, more therapeutic environment by meeting expectations to provide both a deterrent to assaults as well as an additional resource to manage actual assaults and crisis situations. + Actively and with positive engagement, follow policies and program procedures. + Use prevailing techniques to establish rapport with patients, overcome resistance to change, communicate more effectively in stable circumstances as well as unsettled circumstances. + Support CMHIP initiatives and strategies as it relates to patient programming and crisis intervention. + Objectively and fairly monitor, record patient behaviors, and intervene according to program standards related to privileges and consequences. + Monitor visitation by ensuring visitors and patients adhere to hospital policies and procedures. + Follow daily program schedules based on standards. Recognize, implement, monitor, observe, and document in patients’ medical records as trained in accordance with a written program/behavior plan. + Recommend any modifications or programs to supervisory and/or clinical staff. + Facilitate, monitor the cleanup of pod/rooms, and inspect, according to the daily schedule. + Escort patients to recreation, treatment groups, canteen, library, and meals according to standards, patients’ condition, and daily program schedule. + Meet with the treatment team to discuss programming issues. + Provide safety presence in common areas, providing a safer and more therapeutic environment. + Respond to crisis situations and assist staff in gaining control of hostile situations. + Assist with daily unit functions such as wellness checks, shower checks, escorting patients, implementing behavior plans as directed by the clinical team, responding to incidents identified on other units as needed, maintaining milieu safety, and providing safety of the unit using clinical interventions before hands-on response. + Provide and assist with 1:1 coverage as needed. Documentation: + Document observations of patient behavior and response to treatment. + Document all unit activities and relevant information according to policy, procedures, and protocols. + Ensures validity and continuity in the CMHIP electronic patient records system by accurately reporting all pertinent security information and by obtaining and preserving all essential patient information. + Report and complete an incident report of all known or suspected incidents of abuse as mandatory reporters pursuant to the prevailing statute. Organizational Accountability: + Through all communications and behaviors, employee will demonstrate, support, and contribute to a healthy, positive, and respectful cultural climate throughout the facility. + Communicates with internal/external customers, residents, subordinate staff, and co-workers in a professional manner; ensuring to communicate with respect and dignity. + Adhere to the CDHS Code of Conduct and all CMHIP and nursing policies and procedures. + Be aware of and adhere to prevailing legal standards, CDHS Policy, and implementing procedures. + Adhere to CDHS, CMHIP Procedures regarding work schedule, timekeeping, and leave practices. + Perform continuous clinical safety and security of the units and complete all duties assigned. Training: + Attend and actively participate in all assigned CMHIP/CDHS training and successfully complete any/all testing or other requirements for such training. + Successful completion may be known or recorded by score or demonstration of skill. + Meet and keep current with all mandatory training pursuant to prevailing CDHS/CMHIP Policy. + Participate in monthly drills. Other Duties as Assigned: + Any other duties that may arise while completing the tasks of this position to meet the needs of the unit and Department. + Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for quality patient care and safety. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED). Substitution: None Preferred Qualifications: + college education (preferably 2 years or more) in behavioral health and/or juvenile justice-related field + experience facilitating psychoeducational groups; education/experience working with patients who have trauma + experience working with patients in positive leadership roles, such as mentoring and coaching + experience utilizing verbal de-escalation and motivational techniques. + experience working in a high-security locked environment + experience working with patients who suffer from mental illness Conditions of Employment: + Full background check CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons): CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services), Trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults – Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers) + Possess and maintain a valid U.S. driver's license + Shift work – may get pulled to other shifts to cover minimum Officer management + Travel – transportation of patients in State vehicles; Travel to assigned training and/or alternate work sites + Former state employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination, or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS Appeal Rights: If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail 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. For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov ; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules. Supplemental Information How to Apply (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#how-to-apply) The Assessment Process For additional recruiting questions, please contact Tricia.Jepsen.state .co.us About Us: If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs) (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. 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 www.copera.org 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 + BenefitHub state employee discount program + Employee Wellness program MotivateMe + 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. For more information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs . Our Values: We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans . 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. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities. ADAA Accommodations: CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of 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, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform 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 our ADAAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at cdhs_ada@state.co.us or call 1-800-929-0791. ~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~   Toll Free Applicant Technical Support (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#technical-support) 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. 01 If you are a current or previous state employee, please provide the following information for each state job worked: department, job title, dates worked. This will allow us to determine transfer, demotion, promotional, or reinstatement status. (This information will be verified.) 02 If you area a former State of Colorado employee, please provide your EID (employee identification number will start with 99....), if not applicable type N/A. 03 Former State employees who were disciplinary terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. If you are a former state employee who was disciplinary terminated or resigned in lieu of termination please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position. 04 Please tell us what level of education you have completed and the associated major based on the selections below. + Master's degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or a similar field. + Bachelor's degree with a major in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or a similar field. + Associate's degree with a major in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or a similar field. + Completed college Degree in an unrelated field OR incomplete degree in related field. 05 Please select which statement best describes your experience working with at risk patients in a secure/staff secure setting or at risk population. + 2+ years of direct experience working with at risk patients in secure/staff secure type program. + 1-2 years of direct experience working with at risk patients secure/staff secure type program. + Six months to one year of experience working with an at risk population. + Less than six months of experience working with an at risk population. + No experience working with an at risk population. 06 Please select the statement which best describes your experience in the health and human services field and/or criminal justice field. + 2+ years of experience + 1-2 years of experience + six months to 1 year of experience + less than six months of experience + no experience 07 What languages do you speak? + Spanish + Other languages + English only 08 Please describe your experience working in residential treatment, mental health, law enforcement, and/or secure settings. Please check all that apply. + Youth + Adult + Detention + Treatment + Residential Programs + Mental Health Facilities + Law Enforcement + Military + Social Work + Parole and Probation 09 Please indicate the other verbal de-escalation experiences you bring to the table. Please check all that apply. + Mentoring + Coaching + Educational Setting + Behavioral Intervention Programs + Restitution / Commitment Programs + Faith-Based Programs + Other 10 Please select the situations listed below where physically managing a patient would be necessary. Please select all that apply. + Swearing at another patient + Swearing at an adult or authority figure + Failing to comply + Passive resistance + Threatening behavior + Damaging property + Hurting themselves or others + Other 11 Please describe why you would physically manage a patient in the situations above, and the other inventions you would use first or concurrently. If you marked "other" in the list above, please tell us about those situations as well. 12 If you are a Veteran, and you are requesting Veteran's preference, you MUST upload your DD-214 or VA letter to your application. + I am not a Veteran + I am a Veteran and I have uploaded my DD-214 or VA letter. + I am a Veteran, but I am not requesting Veteran's preference. 13 By clicking below, you acknowledge that your name will be removed from the eligibility list should you decline to interview or decline an offer. + I acknowledge that my name will be removed from the eligibility list should I decline to interview or decline an offer. 14 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.) 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/ Apply Please verify your email addressVerify Email