Lead - Youth Services Center

$7,000 Sign On Incentive* This position will receive a short-staffing temporary pay differential of  8%  from July 1st, 2023 - June 30th 2024. This position has a residency waiver and will be accepting applications from residents and non-residents of Colorado.  Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
About the Division of Youth Services: The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non-residential services that encompass juvenile detention, commitment, and parole. DYS is the agency statutorily mandated to provide for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates numerous secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. The Division also contracts with numerous private residential and non-residential service providers throughout the State. For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of Colorado Youth Detention Continuum, a State-funded, locally administered program that provides services to youth at risk of further progressing into the juvenile justice system. In addition to residential programming, the Division administers juvenile parole services throughout the State which includes but is not limited to parole supervision through case management to ensure community safety.

 
We invite you to explore the DYS website and learn about the services provided to youth, families, and local communities in the State of Colorado at:
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About this Work Unit:
This unit exists to provide a safe, secure and healthy environment for all youth for whom we have accepted physical and/or legal custody. To provide those youth under our care with a meaningful experience, regardless of the nature of the offense they have/or are alleged to have committed Purpose of this Position: Deliver health care to detained, pre-trial, and committed youth. Primary care is provided by independent practitioners/Mid-Level Providers with responsibility for a continuum of health care from initial assessment through development and maintenance of health care including physical, psychiatric, and dental maintenance. The Lead Mid-Level Provider practices as a clinician and has primary oversight and supervision of the clinic.


Job Duties: Clinical Management:  Functions as the facility medical authority (RHA). Ensuring that health screens, health appraisals, histories and physicals, and SOAP notes reflect accurate assessments and appropriate treatments and referrals. Supervising the health screens, health appraisals, and physical exams of all youth admitted to the facility through observation and review of documentation by medical clinic staff. Ensure that communicable diseases are detected in a timely manner and appropriate action is taken to prevent their spread within the facility. Reports to the CDC/State Health Department per requirements in applicable cases. Serves as the facilities' lead decision maker during emergency medical situations. Approve and monitor effectiveness of plans and adjust them as indicated. Responsible to oversee accuracy of pharmacy orders. Communicates pertinent and appropriate health information to facility staff, families, supervisors and administration to ensure ongoing optimal health care for all youth in the facility. Functions in the medical clinic as the first line resource for staff when evaluating case complexity. Determines the need for referrals to other physicians and/or specialists for medical, dental and specialty problems beyond the scope of the facility clinic in a fiscally minded manner. Main contact with the DYS Medical Director for consultation and collaboration on individual cases.
Oversee the general function of the medical clinic to include determining staffing patterns, and assigning workload based on the ongoing needs of the facility. Budget oversight to include ordering and maintaining adequate medical clinic supplies. Responsible for coordinating all medical, dental, and mental health care with outside providers for the youth. Point of contact for prior authorization for specialized medical care. Responsible to track all prior authorization requests to ensure accuracy and follow-through.
Participate or select a candidate to represent medical on a number of committees that may include but is not limited to facility management team, medical leadership team, mental health team, special management program team, Electronic Health Record, EAC, and safety committee. Participates as the primary point of contact with other clinics requesting consultation and/or assistance with coverage.
Serves as the lead medical liaison with the mental health team. Supervises and trains clinic staff on the evaluation of mental status and mental health conditions of youth. Oversees and assure appropriate mental health referrals and interventions are practiced by medical clinic staff. Consults and collaborates with supervisors, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and other mental health clinicians to determine the need for further evaluation or intervention. Initiates and/or assists in the facilitation of referrals for further mental health treatment and potential transfers. Participates in meetings with psychiatric team and DYS or contracted psychiatrists. Coordination between clinic and contracted psychiatric services provided at the facility, to include acquisition of psychotropic medications as ordered.
Oversees and monitors the necessity, coordination and transportation of youth to specialty medical services off campus. Supervises the coordination of appointments for specialty care and recommendations made by providers. Collaborates directly with the DYS Medical Director and/or other providers to determine referrals to other specialty providers in the community and that necessary follow up is completed to ensures ongoing and continuing care of youth with special health care needs Supervision of Staff: Provide ongoing supervision of the assessment skills and diagnostic skills of the medical clinic staff through regular observation of their practice and review of the documentation in electronic health record. Supervise clinic staff on proper documentation, to include but not limited to histories, exams, diagnosis, and treatment in the medical record. Completes and reviews staff documentation on daily medical documents pertinent to the medical department. Supervise clinic staff on safe and legal protocols to prepare and administer medication without error. Supervision of medical clinic staff to include hiring of new staff, disciplining or terminating employees as indicated, ongoing staff performance feedback, through coaching and mentoring, completion of PMAP's, and accountability for timekeeping-through KRONOS system. Facilitates resolution of interpersonal conflicts, investigates and problem solves internal and external complaints and grievances from staff, youth, family, and other customers. Scheduling of clinic staff based on the needs of the clinic and the facility. Approves or denies individual leave. Orient and train new staff to include students and interns. Point of contact for local school programs for NP and PA students. Facilitates regular staff meetings. Data and Reporting:  Collects and reports monthly statistical data for required for Behavioral Health and Medical Services, and the critical incidents related to medical for the facility. Review policies and procedures on a regular basis and collaborates with facility administrators and supervisors in the writing and/or revising facility medical implementing procedures. Completes the medical logs pertinent to medical department. Medical Quality Assurance and Compliance:  Direct and monitor quality assurance projects by reviewing medical documents that may include but not be limited to medication administration records, medication packages, incident reports, pharmacy invoices, Electronic Health Record documentation. Ensures that DYS medical audit standards are met in the medical clinic and respond to yearly audit by formulating and implementing corrective action plans as needed. Supervises clinical staff to ensure compliance with established treatment protocols. Communication with the Medical Operations Coordinator and Medical Authority to plan, make recommendations, strategize, and implement any modifications and improvements for the clinic. Ensures that medical clinic staff under their supervision maintains current licensure, appropriate certification, and mandated annual trainings dictated by DYS policy and Colorado state law. Participates and assists in the coordination of health training and education for staff on the campus. Seeks out educational opportunities that will enhance the medical staffs' skills. Support and coordinate training to include but not limited to CPR, First Aid, QMAP, and the Electronic Health Record. Shares advanced training received at various seminars with clinic and DYS medical staff. Support and coordinate health education groups for youth.
 
Clinical Duties: Performing physical exams, ordering appropriate laboratory tests and other diagnostic tests, interpreting results, formulating treatment plans using established protocol, and documenting thoroughly. Detect and prevent the spread of communicable infectious disease by interviewing youth through the completion of health assessments, sick calls and the obtaining of a complete history. Participate in obtaining data for health program planning. Consulting the DYS Medical Director for necessary referrals to other physicians and specialists for medical, dental and specialty problems beyond the scope of the agency clinic. Consult with the DYS Medical Director regarding variance from established protocols or when protocols are unavailable. Provide health education and training to both juveniles and staff, regarding the health care needs of high risk adolescents in a secure correctional facility. Documents history, exam, diagnosis, treatment in medical records. Provides written guidelines for staff including emergency care. Communicates information to staff, supervisors and administration. This includes Food Service for allergy or other medical purposes. Evaluate mental status, mental health conditions of youth through interview and observation. Use established protocol for prescribing medication and treatment for diagnosed illness. Prepare and administer medication without error. Diagnose medical problems including emergency medical situations by performing physical exams, obtaining lab tests, ordering diagnostic tests, interpreting results, formulating treatment plans, including education. Initiating and monitoring effectiveness of plans and adjusting them as indicated. Communicates information to the appropriate DYS personnel. Other Duties as Assigned Minimum Qualifications: Current, valid licensure as an Advanced Practice Nurse from the Colorado Board of
Nursing; or current, valid licensure as a Physician Assistant from the Colorado Medical
Board.
Substitutions: None

**Note, nothing in these Minimum Qualifications alleviates the criteria to transfer licensing or any requirements by the respective board under the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate will have two or more years experience in the following areas:
Prescriptive Authority in the State of Colorado Adolescent health care Assessing, diagnosing, and treatment of acute and chronic illness Documentation in an electronic medical record HIGHLY DESIRABLE COMPETENCIES: Knowledge to detect and prevent the spread of communicable infectious disease Knowledge to diagnose medical problems including emergency medical situations by performing physical exams, obtaining lab tests, ordering diagnostic tests, interpreting results, formulating treatment plans of the basic principles of supervision, Knowledge to use established protocols for prescribing medication and treating diagnosed illnesses, Knowledge to evaluate the mental status, and the mental health, conditions of youth through interview and observation, Knowledge of Oral and Written Communication Skills, Ability to resolve conflict, Knowledge and ability of Interpersonal Skills, Knowledge and experience clinically supervising medical staff. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT : Must be a resident of Colorado one year from hire date.  Full Background - Name check, TRAILS and Fingerprinting Shift Work : 24/7 facility, may require evenings and weekend coverage Colorado Driver's License Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the DYS Pre-service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO) and mandatory annual training in all subject areas A nurse who is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) can work in Colorado without the need to obtain a license. The eNLC nurse must notify the board within 30 days of their arrival, but can still work without a Colorado license as long they're a member of the eNLC compact.  Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation 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 (), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed ) 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 ; 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. Link to: How to Apply Link to: The Assessment Process For additional recruiting questions, please contact Sign-on incentives: Upon approval, a sign-on incentive based on position, ranging from $2,000 to $7,000 (prorated if a part-time position) , will be given in three payments: within two pay cycles of when the new employee starts at CDHS, 180-day anniversary and 270-day anniversary with CDHS. These incentives will be available to the first 1,000 new employees in select high-need positions . 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 (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 plus 401(k) and 457 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 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 .
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 or call . ~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~