<p>This position is open to current Colorado residents only</p> <p>Please Note: This position is remote based because this position requires extensive travel within the state of Colorado to include overnight stays and the licensing of childcare agencies and facilities during all shifts, 5 days a week. This is due to being a staff in the 'field' and spends anywhere from 3-5 days a week in licensed facilities and agencies performing their job functions. The licensing specialist are required to be in person for PSU team meetings once per month. Typically the work schedule goes past 5 PM and/or require them to travel across the state and stay overnight in other locations to fulfill their job duties.</p> <p>Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.</p> <p>Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!</p> <p>Please Note: This position is remote based because this position requires extensive travel within the state of Colorado to include overnight stays and the licensing of childcare agencies and facilities during all shifts, 5 days a week. This is due to being a staff in the 'field' and spends anywhere from 3-5 days a week in licensed facilities and agencies performing their job functions. The licensing specialist are required to be in person for PSU team meetings once per month. Typically the work schedule goes past 5 PM and/or require them to travel across the state and stay overnight in other locations to fulfill their job duties.</p> <p>Division of Child Welfare: Provider Services Unit</p> <p>The position is located in the Division of Child Welfare, Provider Services Unit. The Division is responsible for the ongoing implementation of child welfare services in Colorado and supervises county departments of human/social services in the administration of Child Welfare programs, as well as privately operated 24-hour care facilities. The Provider Services Unit exists to license, manage, supervise, and provide statewide oversight for privately operated 24-hour childcare facilities and agencies, to include Residential Child Care Facilities, Secure Residential Treatment Centers, Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities, Qualified Residential Treatment Programs, Homeless Youth Shelters, Specialized Group Homes and Centers, Child Placement Agencies, Adoption Agencies, Respite Child Care Centers, and Day Treatment Facilities across the State of Colorado. The goals of the unit are to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the youth served in those facilities. The work unit is responsible for comprehensive integrated (Interagency) licensing and monitoring of the 24-hour childcare facilities and to audit and investigate reports/allegations involving licensing violations, facility or agency culpability, and to ensure the safety of children in out-of-home placements</p> <p>About this position: </p> <p>The position oversees the Licensing Specialist positions responsible for the issuance of the licenses and annual renewals specifically for the child placement agencies that provide adoption services. The position acts as the liaison to the Bureau of Consular Affairs with the Office of Children's Issues with the United States Department of State. This position is responsible for keeping current on all domestic and international requirements for private adoption, researching and providing historical records as allowed and required by law and supervising licensing specialists that oversee Child Placement Agencies conducting private adoption services. This position supervises three Social Services IV - Licensing Specialists within the Provider Development Unit within the Provider Services Unit as well as two Social Services III - Compliance Coordinators within the Provider Development Unit within the Provider Services Unit. The licensing specialists that this supervisor oversees all maintain caseloads that include all of the Child Placement Agencies who specialized in Adoption. This position will be home-based, and travel will be required. This position is designated as remote and is 100% home based.</p> <p>Summary of Job Duties:</p> <p>Supervision of the Licensing Team: </p> <ul> <li>Directly supervises Licensing Specialists in Social Services IV class and oversees the work product of the Licensing Team; meets individually with staff to problem solve issues and discuss progress, and ensures unit processes and program policy development objectives are planned and met. Develops and revises operating procedures and desk manuals. Conducts interim and annual performance evaluations with unit staff and ensures workplace equity and leadership development for staff occurs. Examines licensing and other unit processes to determine if workers are consistent and efficient in implementation, reports to management when concerns are identified, and recommends solutions. Researches processes within the Department or within systems that overlap with the unit in function, i.e. background checks or zoning requirements, collects information, assesses impact to the work of the unit and reports to management. Trains licensing staff on all duties associated with their position and on changing processes. Gathers input and instruction from management and creates memorandums, emails, or policies to communicate operational information internally and externally. </li></ul> <p>Quality Assurance, Technical Assistance, and License Approvals:</p> <ul> <li>Evaluates the quality of  programming, practices and policies, and compliance for providers of out-of-home care; specifically, conducts building and site inspections, ensures staff and care providers are supervised and trained according to their individual needs and the needs of the youth, assesses treatment planning, observes milieu, assesses quality of home study evaluations, assesses behavioral interventions utilized by facilities, examines financial documentation to ensure stability of agencies and facilities and that the needs of the youth are being met, and conducts interviews with staff, foster families, and youth to determine quality of care provided.  </li><li>Provides or researches options for and coordinates delivery of technical assistance to licensed facilities and agencies in order to support quality care of youth and to increase their compliance with State and Federal rules,    with particular focus on child protection and safety. Oversees and directs providers to improve programming to ensure  the safety, care, and well-being of children in placement. This position is a technical assistance expert for the Division of Child Welfare in the areas of licensing, child care/child welfare and treatment planning related to these populations. Serves as the staff authority on child care and child welfare treatment and the protocols necessary to assure resident safety and well-being. </li><li>Evaluates programs through the analysis of policies and procedures, behavior management and discipline, staff qualifications, medication administration, and plans for educational, community, and recreational activities, treatment and services to be provided, and site compliance and quality via inspections and interviews. Ensures that facilities meet mandatory requirements of external entities that also oversee facilities: CDPHE, zoning and planning, and fire departments. Conducts annual review of staff and youth files to ensure compliance with licensing requirements. Completes reports of inspection to identify rule violations. Ensures agency response and timely correction of violations.  </li></ul> <p>Rule Development and Consultation:</p> <ul> <li>This position advises on interpretation of statutes and rules to the Division of Child Welfare and the Office of Children, Youth, and Families. This position is responsible for suggesting adjustments to rules based on changes in policies, practices, and statutes at a statewide level for providers as it relates to licensing or adoption practices. Partners with internal and external stakeholders to identify necessary rule changes to Volume 7 Colorado Code of Regulations.  </li><li>Participates in the development and implementation of rules that are integrated and consistent licensing protocols within the Division of Child Welfare, as well as with other divisions and stakeholders, including Administrative Review Division, Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health, and the Division of Youth Services. Consults as necessary regarding these protocols with county departments of human services, and other government agencies including the Department of Public Health and Environment, the Department of Education, Colorado Department of Public Safety,  Department of Early Childhood, Department of Regulatory Agencies, Health Care Policy and Financing, Behavioral Health Administration and the Office of Management Improvement. Develops, tests, and refines rule review instruments in order to assure that child safety concerns are addressed. Ensures that facility self-assessment tools are developed, treatment standards are detailed in rule, and integrated (interagency) processes are maintained and enhanced. Provides technical consultation and assistance to all Divisions responsible for out-of-home child placements to develop new rules, statutes, or revise rules in order to improve county and provider performance and to assure children's health, safety, and well-being. Initiates Volume 7 rule revisions and updates to reflect current practice and statute changes. Position is relied on to be the expert opinion on how Volume 7 is interpreted and implemented, and when Volume 7 rules need to be modified to reflect changes in evidenced-based practices and research publications. </li></ul> <p>Caseload Carrying:</p> <ul> <li>This position is responsible for carrying a small caseload of licensed agencies/facilities on a regular basis. Caseload carrying in a supervisory role exists to ensure supervisors are staying in touch with the provider community and the direct practice work. This allows supervisors to keep a pulse on issues impacting providers, issues of noncompliance to Volume 7 rules and regulations, and trends in the provider community that can be improved upon through the Provider Services Unit practices, policies, or rules. </li></ul> <p>Other Duties as Assigned. All other duties as assigned from leadership within the Division of Child Welfare.</p> <p>Important Note: Please review your application to ensure completion. For the most equitable applicant experience, CDHS' hiring teams consider only the contents of your application to determine meeting minimum qualifications and for the comparative analysis process. Experience is calculated on a full-time equivalency basis (40/hrs per week), therefore, it is important to accurately notate the hours you averaged per experience section entry. Volunteer work or related type of experience may be used to meet the qualifications, but must be clearly documented. It is paramount that in the experience portion of the application, the applicant describes the extent to which they possess the education, experience, competencies and background as they relate to the duties outlined in the job announcement. </p> <p>Option 1 - Experience:</p> <ul> <li>Eight years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position. </li><li>Please note: This experience must be clearly documented on your application and the supplemental questions must be answered. </li></ul> <p>OR</p> <p>Option 2 - Experience & Education:</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to the work assignment. AND Four years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position. </li><li>OR: A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years. </li></ul> <p>Preferred Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li>Masters Degree in Social Sciences  </li><li>Experience with international adoptions and the Hague Convention  </li><li>Experience in supervising professional staff members  </li><li>Two (2) or more years of work experience related to human services or licensing.  </li><li>Demonstrated knowledge of child welfare policies and practices, residential best practice standards, and licensing regulations and statutes. </li><li>Experience in an advisory or consultative role. </li><li>Proven ability to direct research, analyze, and report on complex issues. </li><li>Outstanding skills and abilities in verbal and written communications; ability to adapt a style to fit audiences of varying technical levels, and at various levels within an organization, in groups and individual settings. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to establish collaborative partnerships and effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external customers and diverse public and private stakeholders. </li><li>Demonstrated proficiency working collaboratively with internal teams; and national, state, and community partners. </li><li>Knowledge of Volume 7 Rules and Regulations. </li><li>Demonstrating knowledge working in CCCLS, TRAILS, I-LINX and multiple databases and scanning systems. </li><li>Applied Behavior Analysis work with children/youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) </li></ul> <p>Conditions of Employment</p> <ul> <li>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). FBI/CBI BIU </li><li>This position currently works 100% percent remotely from home address and will be required to use a personal vehicle for frequent travel to the CDHS office, assigned agencies/facilities, and other identified locations for the purpose of related primary job duties as assigned. This position may be required to complete overnight travel and infrequent extended travel within the State of Colorado. Automobile insurance is required. </li><li>This position is designed as remote; employees must maintain a home office, internet, and possibly phone. </li><li>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. </li></ul> <p>CDHS Selection Process Explanation</p> <p>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. </p> <ul> <li>Preferred Qualifications & Competencies: </li><li>Relevant years of state service experience. </li></ul> <p>Minimum Qualification Screening Process</p> <p>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."</p> <p>You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process.  Part-time work experience will be prorated.</p> <p>Comparative Analysis Process - Structured Application Review</p> <p>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. </p> <p>Your Work Experience/Job Duties</p> <p>Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. </p> <p>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.     </p> <p>Supplemental Questions</p> <p>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).</p> <p>Appeal Rights</p> <p>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.</p> <ul> <li> <p>You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.  </p> </li><li> <p>You can find the official appeal form here. </p> </li><li> <p>You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:</p> </li><li> <p>By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or</p> </li><li> <p>Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or </p> </li><li> <p>Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or</p> </li><li> <p>Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.</p> </li></ul> <p>Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:</p> <ul> <li> <p>At (303) 866-3300, or</p> </li><li> <p> 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.</p> </li></ul> <p>How to Apply</p> <p>The Assessment Process</p> <p>For additional recruiting questions, please contact brennon.watts@state.co.us</p> <p>About Us & Benefits</p> <p>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:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans</p> </li><li> <p>Medical and dental health plans</p> </li><li> <p>Employer supplemented Health Savings Account</p> </li><li> <p>Paid life insurance</p> </li><li> <p>Short- and long-term disability coverage</p> </li><li> <p>11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave</p> </li><li> <p>State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center</p> </li><li> <p>Employee Wellness program</p> </li><li> <p>Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more</p> </li><li> <p>Remote work arrangements for eligible positions</p> </li><li> <p>*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.</p> </li></ul> <p>Our Values</p> <ul> <li> <p>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.</p> </li><li> <p>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.</p> </li><li> <p>We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.</p> </li><li> <p>Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.</p> </li><li> <p>We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.</p> </li><li> <p>Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.</p> </li></ul> <p>ADA Accommodations</p> <p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>EEO Statement</p> <p>The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Additional Support For Your Application</p> <p>Toll Free Applicant Technical Support</p> <p>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.</p> <p>~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~</p> <p>Toll Free Applicant Technical Support</p>