State Of Colorado
posted 4 months ago
About the position
The Social Worker / Counselor I (Behavioral Health Specialist) position at Spring Creek Youth Services is designed for individuals who are passionate about providing mental health services to youth in a secure facility. This role is integral to the Division of Youth Services (DYS), which is responsible for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The DYS operates multiple secure facilities that cater to youth aged 10 to 21, offering a range of residential and non-residential services, including juvenile detention, commitment, and parole. In this position, the selected candidate will deliver supervised clinical services to youths facing complex mental health challenges, trauma, substance abuse, and related issues. The role emphasizes a trauma-informed approach, focusing on individual, family, and group services that align with the DYS strategic plan. The Social Worker / Counselor I will work collaboratively with milieu staff, educational personnel, family members, and community stakeholders to provide evidence-based services tailored to the unique needs of each youth. The position requires a master's degree in mental health, qualifying as a Social Worker, Counselor, or Marriage and Family Therapist. The trainee will be trained to address criminogenic risk factors and family interventions, gaining insights into adolescent behavior and the interplay between mental health and criminal activity. Responsibilities include conducting mental health screenings, developing Individual Growth and Change Plans (IGCP), and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care and successful reintegration of youth into the community. The role is structured to foster learning and application of strength-based perspectives, systems theory, and trauma-informed care, ensuring that the needs of committed or detained youths are met effectively.
Responsibilities
- Conduct mental health screenings upon youth admission to determine eligibility for chronic care services.
- Develop and implement Individual Growth and Change Plans (IGCP) in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- Provide individual, family, and group therapeutic interventions using evidence-based treatment theories.
- Document and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in achieving treatment objectives and goals.
- Collaborate with medical personnel to assess the impact of medical conditions on youth's emotional and psychological well-being.
- Facilitate daily groups and assess progress, barriers to progress, and communicate pertinent information to the treatment team.
- Engage with families and significant others to gather relevant collateral data to enhance understanding of the youth's situation.
- Participate in orientation, educational workshops, and training to maintain competency in evidence-based mental health services.
Requirements
- Master's degree in mental health, qualifying as a Social Worker, Counselor, or Marriage and Family Therapist.
- Four years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
- Valid US Driver's License.
Nice-to-haves
- Enrolled in a Master's program that is license eligible.
Benefits
- Wellness program
- Health savings account
- Paid holidays
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Loan forgiveness
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
