Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Colorado
Behavioral Health Specialist jobs in Colorado are concentrated in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora, where health systems like UCHealth, SCL Health, and the Colorado Department of Human Services maintain large behavioral health workforces. Demand is steady across crisis intervention, substance use disorder treatment, and community mental health, with openings at every level from entry-level case support to senior clinical coordination roles. Colorado's robust community mental health center network and growing integrated care model have made it one of the more active markets for this role in the Mountain West. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Description
University of Colorado Anschutz
Department: Pediatrics
Job Title: Associate Director, Behavioral Health Clinical & Operational Excellence
Position #:00680704 – Requisition #:41517
Job Summary:
The Department of Pediatrics seeks an accomplished and experienced professional to serve as Associate Director, Behavioral Health Clinical & Operational Excellence. The Associate Director will support department-wide leadership in the development and implementation of clinical practice strategies designed to improve practice efficiency, scope of practice standardization, revenue cycle optimization, and faculty well-being across amongst behavioral health clinicians.
This role would receive 0.20 to 0.30 FTE (8-15 hours/week) of protected administrative time. Balance of FTE would be expected to comprise clinical/patient care activity in support of the Department’s clinical psychology services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supports department-wide initiatives across the outpatient and inpatient clinical enterprise focused on behavioral health faculty practice optimization using QI/PI methodologies.
- Acts as change agent for the successful implementation of practice optimization efforts including but not limited to influencing key stakeholders to ensure buy-in and engagement, removing significant project barriers and leading communication strategy impacting behavioral health faculty.
- Proactively identify opportunities to improve behavioral health clinical practice models, including scope-of-practice alignment, scheduling and template design, access, productivity, clinical effort expectations, and revenue optimization.
- Serve as an advocate and content expert for behavioral health clinical issues influencing department and hospital strategic conversations focused on practice scope, clinical time expectations, efficiencies, and well-being.
- Serve as a key resource to the DOP clinical excellence team on project action plans and help define and implement project recommendations.
- Participate in Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO), CU Medicine, and School of Medicine leadership committees as appropriate.
- Support the development of behavioral health position requests (STAR) and workforce planning.
- Provide support to the Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs when appropriate in performance or disciplinary matters pertaining to behavioral health faculty.
- Serve as Departmental liaison to the School of Medicine Behavioral Health Executive Committee.
- Support the development and sustainability of postdoctoral psychology training programs within the Department of Pediatrics.
Work Location:
Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.
Why Join Us:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado - that treat more than two million adult and pediatric patients each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by over $762 million in research grants. For more information, visit www.cuanschutz.edu.
Why work for the University?
We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:
- Medical: Multiple plan options
- Dental: Multiple plan options
- Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
- Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
- Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year (based on percentage of time)
- Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
- Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
- Holiday Days: 11/year
- Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
- ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
This is an open rank position and could be categorized as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:
Assistant Professor:
- PhD or PsyD degree from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association.
- Three (3) years of experience practicing clinically in a Behavior Health related field in the Department of Pediatrics.
- Currently licensed as a clinical psychologist and eligible for licensure in the State of Colorado.
- Eligibility for School of Medicine faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor or above.
Associate Professor:
- PhD or PsyD degree from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association.
- Five (5) years of experience practicing clinically in a Behavior Health related field in the Department of Pediatrics.
- Currently licensed as a clinical psychologist and eligible for licensure in the State of Colorado.
- Eligibility for School of Medicine faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or above.
Professor:
- PhD or PsyD degree from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association.
- Ten (10) years of experience practicing clinically in a Behavior Health related field in the Department of Pediatrics.
- Currently licensed as a clinical psychologist and eligible for licensure in the State of Colorado.
- Eligibility for School of Medicine faculty appointment at the rank of Professor or above.
Condition of Employment:
- Must successfully pass a drug test through Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Must be willing and able to pass a national criminal background check
- For questions regarding Children’s Hospital drug testing requirements, please contact Children’s Human Resources at 720-777-8598. Some positions may require testing if access to Children’s Hospital or their systems is needed at any time during employment with the University. If drug testing is required, it will be listed in the job posting.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Five (5) plus years of experience practicing clinically in a Behavior Health related field in a Department of Pediatrics or similar Child Health focused practice.
- Demonstrated experience managing and leading clinical psychology programs, work units or departments of sufficient scope and complexity required.
- Process/Performance/Quality improvement experience and/or training (e.g., Lean certification, IHQSE) preferred.
- Five (5) plus years of experience and familiarity with behavioral health billing, coding (CPT, ICD-10), and behavioral health documentation requirements preferred.
- Leadership experience/training in team building.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of clinic workflows, staff scheduling, multi-site management, and standardizing medical or clinical administration practices.
- Understanding of state and federal healthcare mandates, HIPAA privacy laws, Medicaid/Medicare guidelines, and accreditation standards (e.g., Joint Commission, CARF, CMS).
- Proficiency in Electronic Health Record (EHR) frameworks, clinical technology infrastructures, and data collection tools.
- Knowledge of medical billing, auditing processes, resource allocation, and budget optimization within clinical environments.
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.
Questions should be directed to: Mike Jonen michael.jonen@childrenscolorado.org
Screening of Applications Begins:
Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by December 31, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:
Assistant Professor: $125,000 to $140,000
Associate Professor: $150,000 to $165,000
Professor: $175,000 to $200,000
The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Total Compensation Calculator:
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
ADA Statement:
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
Vaccination Statement:
CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.
Job Category
: FacultyPrimary Location
: AuroraSchedule
: Full-timePosting Date
: Oct 26, 2026Unposting Date
: OngoingDescription
University of Colorado Anschutz
Department: Pediatrics
Job Title: Associate Director, Behavioral Health Clinical & Operational Excellence
Position #:00680704 – Requisition #:41517
Job Summary:
The Department of Pediatrics seeks an accomplished and experienced professional to serve as Associate Director, Behavioral Health Clinical & Operational Excellence. The Associate Director will support department-wide leadership in the development and implementation of clinical practice strategies designed to improve practice efficiency, scope of practice standardization, revenue cycle optimization, and faculty well-being across amongst behavioral health clinicians.
This role would receive 0.20 to 0.30 FTE (8-15 hours/week) of protected administrative time. Balance of FTE would be expected to comprise clinical/patient care activity in support of the Department’s clinical psychology services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supports department-wide initiatives across the outpatient and inpatient clinical enterprise focused on behavioral health faculty practice optimization using QI/PI methodologies.
- Acts as change agent for the successful implementation of practice optimization efforts including but not limited to influencing key stakeholders to ensure buy-in and engagement, removing significant project barriers and leading communication strategy impacting behavioral health faculty.
- Proactively identify opportunities to improve behavioral health clinical practice models, including scope-of-practice alignment, scheduling and template design, access, productivity, clinical effort expectations, and revenue optimization.
- Serve as an advocate and content expert for behavioral health clinical issues influencing department and hospital strategic conversations focused on practice scope, clinical time expectations, efficiencies, and well-being.
- Serve as a key resource to the DOP clinical excellence team on project action plans and help define and implement project recommendations.
- Participate in Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO), CU Medicine, and School of Medicine leadership committees as appropriate.
- Support the development of behavioral health position requests (STAR) and workforce planning.
- Provide support to the Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs when appropriate in performance or disciplinary matters pertaining to behavioral health faculty.
- Serve as Departmental liaison to the School of Medicine Behavioral Health Executive Committee.
- Support the development and sustainability of postdoctoral psychology training programs within the Department of Pediatrics.
Work Location:
Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.
Why Join Us:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado - that treat more than two million adult and pediatric patients each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by over $762 million in research grants. For more information, visit www.cuanschutz.edu.
Why work for the University?
We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:
- Medical: Multiple plan options
- Dental: Multiple plan options
- Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
- Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
- Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year (based on percentage of time)
- Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
- Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
- Holiday Days: 11/year
- Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
- ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
This is an open rank position and could be categorized as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:
Assistant Professor:
- PhD or PsyD degree from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association.
- Three (3) years of experience practicing clinically in a Behavior Health related field in the Department of Pediatrics.
- Currently licensed as a clinical psychologist and eligible for licensure in the State of Colorado.
- Eligibility for School of Medicine faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor or above.
Associate Professor:
- PhD or PsyD degree from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association.
- Five (5) years of experience practicing clinically in a Behavior Health related field in the Department of Pediatrics.
- Currently licensed as a clinical psychologist and eligible for licensure in the State of Colorado.
- Eligibility for School of Medicine faculty appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or above.
Professor:
- PhD or PsyD degree from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association.
- Ten (10) years of experience practicing clinically in a Behavior Health related field in the Department of Pediatrics.
- Currently licensed as a clinical psychologist and eligible for licensure in the State of Colorado.
- Eligibility for School of Medicine faculty appointment at the rank of Professor or above.
Condition of Employment:
- Must successfully pass a drug test through Children’s Hospital Colorado
- Must be willing and able to pass a national criminal background check
- For questions regarding Children’s Hospital drug testing requirements, please contact Children’s Human Resources at 720-777-8598. Some positions may require testing if access to Children’s Hospital or their systems is needed at any time during employment with the University. If drug testing is required, it will be listed in the job posting.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Five (5) plus years of experience practicing clinically in a Behavior Health related field in a Department of Pediatrics or similar Child Health focused practice.
- Demonstrated experience managing and leading clinical psychology programs, work units or departments of sufficient scope and complexity required.
- Process/Performance/Quality improvement experience and/or training (e.g., Lean certification, IHQSE) preferred.
- Five (5) plus years of experience and familiarity with behavioral health billing, coding (CPT, ICD-10), and behavioral health documentation requirements preferred.
- Leadership experience/training in team building.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of clinic workflows, staff scheduling, multi-site management, and standardizing medical or clinical administration practices.
- Understanding of state and federal healthcare mandates, HIPAA privacy laws, Medicaid/Medicare guidelines, and accreditation standards (e.g., Joint Commission, CARF, CMS).
- Proficiency in Electronic Health Record (EHR) frameworks, clinical technology infrastructures, and data collection tools.
- Knowledge of medical billing, auditing processes, resource allocation, and budget optimization within clinical environments.
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.
Questions should be directed to: Mike Jonen michael.jonen@childrenscolorado.org
Screening of Applications Begins:
Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by December 31, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:
Assistant Professor: $125,000 to $140,000
Associate Professor: $150,000 to $165,000
Professor: $175,000 to $200,000
The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Total Compensation Calculator:
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
ADA Statement:
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
Vaccination Statement:
CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.
Job Category
: FacultyPrimary Location
: AuroraSchedule
: Full-timePosting Date
: Oct 26, 2026Unposting Date
: OngoingSee All 87 Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsBehavioral Health Specialist Jobs by City in Colorado
Where Colorado roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Specialist Job Market in Colorado
A snapshot from current Colorado openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Colorado Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health specialist jobs across Colorado.
- Active Colorado DORA behavioral health registration or equivalent licensure recognized by the state
- Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related behavioral health field
- Experience conducting mental health assessments, crisis screenings, or psychosocial evaluations
- Familiarity with evidence-based practices such as CBT, motivational interviewing, or trauma-informed care
- Ability to document clinical services in an electronic health record system accurately and on time
- Valid Colorado driver's license and reliable transportation for community-based or field assignments
Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health specialist in Colorado?
Most behavioral health specialist roles in Colorado require at minimum a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or human services. Colorado's Division of Regulatory Agencies oversees licensure for clinical roles, and many positions require or prefer a Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager credential or enrollment toward a Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker designation. Some employers accept candidates working toward licensure under clinical supervision.
Which companies hire behavioral health specialists in Colorado?
Colorado behavioral health specialist roles are posted by UCHealth, Highlands Behavioral Health System, and Denver Health and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Colorado's strong network of federally qualified health centers and community mental health centers, alongside large integrated systems, keeps hiring consistent throughout the year.
Which Colorado cities have the most behavioral health specialist jobs?
Denver, Colorado Springs, and Highlands Ranch account for the largest share of behavioral health specialist openings in Colorado. Denver drives the highest volume as the state's primary hub for hospital systems, government agencies, and nonprofit behavioral health organizations, while Colorado Springs and Aurora generate steady demand through their own health systems, VA facilities, and community mental health centers serving large and growing populations.
Are there remote behavioral health specialist jobs in Colorado?
Yes, but they're limited. About 32% of behavioral health specialist openings tied to Colorado are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the hands-on, community-facing nature of most positions. The roles most likely to allow remote or telehealth components are care coordination, case management, and crisis line support rather than direct in-person clinical or field-based positions.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health specialist in Colorado with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a behavioral health technician or mental health associate role, which Colorado employers like UCHealth and community mental health centers use to bring in candidates with a relevant degree but limited direct experience. Behavioral health residency and internship programs at Colorado's certified community behavioral health clinics offer structured pathways. Pursuing a Certified Addiction Counselor credential through the Colorado Addiction Counselor Certification Board also strengthens entry-level applications considerably.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs in Colorado?
You can find and apply to behavioral health specialist jobs in Colorado on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings by location or role type, find the positions that fit your background, and apply directly to the ones that match your experience and credentials.
See All 87 Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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