Regional Community Engagement Specialist

Full job description Department Information This position is open to current Colorado residents only. Please note: This recruitment will be used to fill multiple vacancies.
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Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!
About this Unit:
The Engagement Specialist reports to the Manager of Regional Engagement and is located within the Behavioral Health Administration's (BHA) Division of Intergovernmental and Community Engagement, which leads and promotes the State's behavioral health priorities, ensures that behavioral health services respond to the changing needs of communities, monitors State and local data, and continuously evaluates State efforts. In collaboration with other state agencies and the people of Colorado, the BHA is accountable for the delivery of behavioral health services in Colorado. It bestows a streamlined and efficient government approach to support quality care while minimizing the burden to providers so that they can focus on service delivery. The BHA is responsible for behavioral health policy development and effective collaboration with cross-sector partners and Colorado communities working in and around the behavioral health system and along the continuum from prevention to treatment and recovery. The BHA works in partnership with State agencies to reduce bureaucracy and fragmentation.


The Intergovernmental and Community Engagement Division serves as an open door between the Behavioral Health Administration and all Colorado communities. This approach to community engagement consists of a team of regionally based engagement specialists that focus on all underserved communities within their assigned region. This approach creates a direct line of communication between the community and the Behavioral Health Administration Description of Job About this Position:
The purpose of the Regional Engagement Specialist position is to be the staff authority for the region they are assigned. The person in this position has specialized and unique knowledge of the needs within their region and is the BHA's liaison and resource to ensure that all underserved communities within this region are included in stakeholder engagement and that their voices are heard across all BHA divisions and incorporated into BHA initiatives. This includes subject matter expertise on evidence-based and community-informed practices in Colorado. The person in this position must possess an expert level of knowledge about community outreach strategies, systems change strategies, as well as content expertise and experience related to community engagement inclusion. This position represents the Behavioral Health Administration's interagency and community engagement efforts aimed at improving access to behavioral health services for all people of Colorado. This position ensures that the efforts of the BHA to bring whole-person health to all people of Colorado are accessible, effective, and aligned with the needs identified in the BHA strategic plan. This position will identify the needs of the communities within their designated region and focus on underserved populations


The position is one of four liaison roles and is tasked with community engagement throughout the assigned region, which includes traveling within their region to attend in-person engagement and strategic engagement with all Behavioral Health Administration Service Organizations (BHASO) that serve their assigned region. This position leads/hosts community engagement activities such as stakeholding both virtually and in person. This position represents the Behavioral Health Administration's interagency and community engagement efforts aimed at improving access to behavioral health services for all people of Colorado. This position ensures that the efforts of the BHA to bring whole-person health to all people of Colorado are accessible, effective, and aligned with the needs identified in the BHA strategic plan. This position identifies the needs of the communities within their designated region and focuses on underserved populations, per ******** (b) "including but not limited to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness; children and youth at risk of out-of-home placement and their parents; people involved with the criminal or juvenile justice system; people of color; American Indians; Alaska natives; veterans; people who are pregnant; people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer or questioning; and individuals with disabilities as defined by the federal "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990", 42 U.S.C. sec. 12101 et seq., as amended". This position is knowledgeable about Federal, State, and community efforts to reform systems, break down system silos, and supports the provision of prevention services. This position manages technical assistance provision, communications, cross-departmental coordination, and policy support for behavioral health practices.

Important Note: We are looking to hire three positions from this recruitment based on service area territories. This position is designated remote based with the expectation of frequent travel throughout the designated region. Please see below for the regions. We are looking to hire someone with knowledge and experience of the region they are looking to represent. Summary of Job Duties: External community engagement and stakeholder work : Develops and implements an organized engagement structure to ensure outreach to all underserved communities in assigned regions.
Lead engagement activities and stakeholder opportunities that allow Coloradans to inform and provide feedback to the BHA.
Share timely stakeholder feedback with pertinent staff in addition to a monthly report of stakeholder feedback that can be disseminated to staff across the BHA to be incorporated into all BHA initiatives and systems.
Attends continuous training to expand engagement skill set. Tailors engagement approach to meet the needs of the community and underserved populations..
Establishing community relationships within the assigned region, and travel as needed throughout the assigned region, to participate in in-person engagement.
Provides information and connection to community resources and public benefits, as well as, assists in resource development and messaging.
Contributes to the design and implementation of innovative campaigns to reach individuals from BHA priority populations.
Designs and completes an environmental scan and audit of current efforts specific to statewide efforts.
Develops recommendations and technical assistance to support stakeholders while providing high-quality behavioral health access to priority populations.
Determines the need for training and education and collaborates with program staff to develop curriculum for BHA staff and providers as needed.
Evaluate the Client Experience and Improve the Customer-Centric Culture : As Staff authority, this position improves the way the BHA collects, aggregates, understands, integrates and considers the client experience through participating in the Family Voice Council and Behavioral Health Administration Advisory Council (BHAAC) meetings. By gathering information from the Family Voice Council and BHAAC members and other community engagement efforts, this position develops ways to improve policy, programming, infrastructure, and technology systems that benefit all Coloradans.
Collaborates with BHA's Communications Team to help develop communication strategies for plain language and accessible notifications and communications. Works across programs to gather customer insights to further map out the client's behavioral health services experience and develop innovative solutions for a customer-centric culture that exhibits accountability and ownership at all levels of the organization. Participates in cross-division meetings and assists with client service initiatives when applicable. Works to analyze and present customer-centric data and research to BHA staff to achieve buy-in for the whole person, whole family, and whole community initiatives and projects. BHA Family Voice Council Collaboration and Support : As Staff authority this position collaborates with the BHA EDI Director and the Regional Engagement Team to design, develop and implement all strategies and activities outlined in the BHA Community Engagement Plan including, but not limited to, family and community engagement training for BHA staff and counties, working with family advisors to improve client communications, attend the Family Voice Council, collaborate and plan for community conversations, finalize guidance for increasing stakeholder engagement in the rulemaking process and train staff on how to compensate community members appropriately. Management depends on the expertise of this position to take family and community engagement research and concepts along with the Governor's Executive Order and universal policies to develop BHA-specific guidelines to advance family and community engagement efforts internally and externally. Works with the Manager of Regional Engagement to track progress in completion of the plan and work to identify areas for improvement, advancement and innovation. Manages data collection and dashboard visualization for their assigned region and co-create presentations with their peers to senior leadership with real time progress reports. Work internally at the BHA to grow staff understanding of the behavioral health continuum : Reviews federal rules and regulations for compliance from BHA, local government, and community partners related to behavioral health services.
Participate in funding and grant management activities related to behavioral health services.
Monitors and manages the BHA's participation and involvement in the Governor's Bold 4 Priorities.
Accurately utilize appropriate databases and platforms in accordance with programmatic and departmental policies and procedures.
Other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights Option 1 (Minimum Qualifications) Seven (7) years of professional experience working directly with community members and/or human services partner organizations Please note: Your application is the main document reviewed for meeting minimum qualifications and utilized during the comparative analysis to determine who moves to interview. This experience must be clearly documented on your application and the supplemental questions must be answered. Supplemental documents are not made available to the hiring manager until interview.
Option 2 (Substitutions) Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to the work assignment AND three (3) years of professional experience working directly with community members and/or human services partner organizations Appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Preferred Qualifications: Lived experience with/being a recipient of behavioral health related benefits Ability to build meaningful and lasting relationships with various stakeholders Excellent ability to communicate verbally and in writing Strategic planning and organization skills Demonstrated passion for improving engagement efforts for underserved communities Experience and comfort working with senior executive leadership of large organizations Experience facilitating meetings, trainings, and events Experience building reports for stakeholders, leadership, and community Experience analyzing qualitative and quantitative data Experience tracking formal and informal project initiatives based on family/community input Ability to be flexible and adaptable based on business/stakeholder needs Excellent customer/client service skills Ability to act autonomously and make decisions on behalf of the organization that align with leadership's vision, mission, and goals Comfort with virtual and in-person meetings Knowledge of various virtual platforms and the ability to troubleshoot basic technical issues Conditions of Employment: This position is delegated as a remote position with the expectation of frequent travel within the assigned territory mentioned above. Employees must maintain a home office, internet, and possibly phone to complete required job duties or report to the office when needed.
Standard Background – Name check, TRAILS, CMS and JBITS 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.


A standard appeal form is available at: If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: . Phone: . The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Supplemental Information How to Apply
The Assessment Process
For additional recruiting questions, please contact Amber.Holcomb @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 (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 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

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~