Clinical Social Work Jobs in Colorado
Clinical Social Work jobs in Colorado are in strong and sustained demand, concentrated in behavioral health centers, community mental health organizations, hospital systems, and school-based programs, with openings at every level from entry-level associate positions to licensed clinical directors. Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder are the state's busiest hiring metros, home to major employers such as UCHealth, Children's Hospital Colorado, and Centura Health. The most consistently sought specialties in Colorado are substance use disorder treatment, trauma-informed care, and child and family services. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Clinical Social Work JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 7+ Clinical Social Work jobs
Department Information
This announcement is open to potential candidates who are legal residents of the United States. All legal residents of the United States are eligible to apply and compete. If appointed to a position, applicants from outside of Colorado will be required to relocate to Colorado prior to their start date, at their own expense.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Division of Youth Services - Platte Valley Youth Services Center
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 fifteen 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.
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: https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/dys
Description of Job
Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time
Summary of Work Unit:
It is the mission of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) to effectively build skills and competencies of youth to become responsible citizens. The Social Work series and other identified Behavioral Health Specialists employed by the facility are responsible for providing evidenced based and research supported therapeutic intervention services to youth committed and detained with the Division of Youth Services. Behavioral Health Specialists are expected to provide for the therapeutic care of and support opportunities for growth and change for youth and their caregivers, to ensure healthy and successful reintegration back into our communities. These positions maintain and support the DYS treatment model and Sanctuary principles with transition staff, client management, mental health services, medical, special education, security staff and administration as needed. As a Behavioral Health Specialist within our facility, they are expected to remain current on literature and research in the field, especially as relates to emerging practices with complex mental health populations and behavioral and sensory interventions.
Summary of the position:
This position functions as a mental health counselor. This position provides mental health and case management services to committed and detained youth in the Division of Youth Services. Services to be provided include: clinical assessment (recognizing signs and symptoms of specific DSM-5 diagnosis, identifying youth in need of additional assessment interventions such as neurological testing and medication evaluation), monitoring medication effectiveness in conjunction with the facility psychiatrist, individual, group, family and milieu therapies, suicide risk assessment and monitoring, report writing, and mental health service coordination with a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) of experts.
This position exists to provide mental health/crisis management services for a DYS detained / committed youth. DYS youth often have behavioral and/or psychiatric problems resulting from trauma-related issues such as neglect, abuse, or severe family problems. This position provides individual, group and if applicable family services to this population. This position uses the approved DYS approved Evidence Based Curricula in working with this population
Job Duties:
Provide Treatment
Maintains a caseload and conducts individual, group, and family therapy sessions using evidence-based treatment theories in mental health treatment for adolescents.
- Maintains a clear understanding of adolescent development, appropriate interventions for this population, and developmental needs.
- Uses theories relevant to the needs of the youth and their individual history, considering their age, ethnic, cultural, religious and sexual issues to affect behavior change. Interpret treatment issues, problems, expectation, and changes in behavior for residents and families.
- Document and assess the effectiveness of specific interventions toward program progression and youth stabilization.
- Therapy needs may include substance abuse, mental health issues, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, and specific services for sexually abusive or violent youth. Clinical services are relevant to the needs of the youth and the individual needs and protective factors, when identified, considering their age, ethnic, cultural, religious, and sexual issues to affect behavior change and the reduction of substance abuse activity and symptoms in the individual and family.
- Provides therapeutic services using a strength-based approach and holistic manner.
- Collaborate with the medical team and psychiatrist regarding psychotropic medication assessment or continuation to aid in youth stability.
- Collaborate with educational/vocational systems to ensure appropriate academic services are provided.
- Seek out additional resources as necessary to ensure the best approach to treating the youth based on their developmental and neurocognitive ability.
- Provide therapy in a manner that is consistent with the youth’s ability, taking into account any necessary modification needed as a result of trauma, substance abuse, brain injury, and mental health disorders.
- Support agency services of cognitive behavioral-based interventions, social learning theory, and motivational interviewing.
- Position actively engages family/caregivers in the process of stabilizing and transitioning youth to placement.
- Assess progress, and barriers to progress, and document all case management and therapeutic services in the Fusion Electronic Health Record system.
- Follows Sanctuary/ROCK Program.
- Facilitate Community Review Teams as needed for Individual Growth and Change Plans and other interventions as they are developed.
Assessment and Treatment Planning
This position addresses mental health and other needs identified, taking into consideration the estimated length of stay.
- Review assessment data, when completed, and recommendations with youth, gather additional historical information from youth, develop therapeutic rapport, ensure the youth is engaged in a supportive and educative manner, that confidentiality is maximized and problematic symptoms are thoroughly evaluated and handled in a sensitive and safe manner.
- Engage parents/family members, significant others, guardians and referring agents to interview and obtain relevant collateral and supportive data to enhance the understanding and dynamics of the youth’s situation.
- This position recognizes signs and symptoms of serious mental illness (per DSM-5) standards), exacerbation of symptoms, decompensation or improvement of mental health status is imperative for monitoring each youth’s progress.
- An ability to complete a brief mental health status exam is expected.
- This position places an emphasis on, making recommendations, and developing alternate interventions for youth not responding positively to programming. Knowledge of suicide risk indicators is required, with ability to offer on-going suicide risk assessments of youth.
- Providing input in conjunction with other transition specialists to transition planning and services to aid in successful reintegration of youth into the community. Coordination with YSSIII, Client Managers and milieu staff in the implementation of milieu interventions in order to achieve program success. Collaborate with client manager and MDT initial MDT staffing when needed. Refer to psychiatrists as needed.
- Determine appropriate, strengths-based treatment goals and objectives for youth.
Determine appropriate individuals to provide treatment and other services to youth per treatment plan.
Training and Consultation
This position has a thorough knowledge of the federal confidentiality regulations 42 C.F.R. Part 2 and HIPAA, and all Colorado Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division Rules for treatment practice.
- Takes responsibility for being current on literature and emerging research in the best practices of treating juvenile mental health, substance abuse issues and co-occurring disorders with a complex population.
- Trains others in the facility in best practice treatment delivery approaches.
- Participates in orientation, educational workshops, mental health, co-occurring disorders, and substance abuse discipline meetings, and trainings to assure and maintain competency in the provision of evidence-based substance abuse treatment services.
- This position guides staff by modeling interventions, recommending practices and resident assignments that may be implemented.
- Participates in initial case reviews of all new youth, assists in group placement, and assists in case consultation.
- Provides trainings and consultation on a local/agency level. Is responsible for maintaining all professional certifications and licensure.
- Actively participates in own professional growth and continued trainings, research and CEU’s.
- Participates in clinical supervision with the clinical director.
- Participates in supervision to remain in good standing for license renewals. Participates in treatment team meetings and briefings.
- Provide input on decisions around milieu programming.
- Provide input on implementation of treatment goals and objectives within the milieu.
Provide input in the development of additional treatment program options.
Documentation and Communication
Document in approved EHR a treatment note for all individual and group sessions in DAP format.
- Group documentations must be individualized, reflecting how each particular youth participated in each group session.
- Identifying appropriate information to be recorded and the appropriate place to record it.
Identifying appropriate parties to receive information on youth treatment and most appropriate mode of communication.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed below to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience must be specifically documented on your application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application.
Mininum Qualifications:
License and Experience:
Current, valid Colorado or State participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact licensure as a:
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW) OR
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) OR
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
`AND`
One (1) year of experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact based on the work assigned to the position.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Relatable experience as a current or previous State of Colorado employee.
Conditions of Employment:
- Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence
- Full background check and reference check required
- This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
- Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check
- Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License
- Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.
- 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.
-
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
- Disclose that information on the application.
- Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
- Provide your employee number from your 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.
CDHS Selection Process Explanation:
- 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.
Minimum Qualification Screening Process
- 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."
- You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review
- 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.
Your Work Experience/Job Duties
- Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.
- 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.
Supplemental Questions
- 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).
Appeal Rights
You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.- You can find the official appeal form here (Download PDF reader).
- You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:
- By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or
- Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or
- Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or
- Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.
Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:
- At (303) 866-3300, or
- 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.
Supplemental Information
The Assessment Process
About Us & Benefits
- 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
- State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
- Employee Wellness 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.
Our Values
- 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.
- 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.
ADA Accommodations
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.
- 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.
EEO Statement: The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer
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.
Additional Support For Your Application: Toll Free Applicant Technical Support
- 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.
Department Information
This announcement is open to potential candidates who are legal residents of the United States. All legal residents of the United States are eligible to apply and compete. If appointed to a position, applicants from outside of Colorado will be required to relocate to Colorado prior to their start date, at their own expense.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Division of Youth Services - Platte Valley Youth Services Center
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 fifteen 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.
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: https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/dys
Description of Job
Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time
Summary of Work Unit:
It is the mission of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) to effectively build skills and competencies of youth to become responsible citizens. The Social Work series and other identified Behavioral Health Specialists employed by the facility are responsible for providing evidenced based and research supported therapeutic intervention services to youth committed and detained with the Division of Youth Services. Behavioral Health Specialists are expected to provide for the therapeutic care of and support opportunities for growth and change for youth and their caregivers, to ensure healthy and successful reintegration back into our communities. These positions maintain and support the DYS treatment model and Sanctuary principles with transition staff, client management, mental health services, medical, special education, security staff and administration as needed. As a Behavioral Health Specialist within our facility, they are expected to remain current on literature and research in the field, especially as relates to emerging practices with complex mental health populations and behavioral and sensory interventions.
Summary of the position:
This position functions as a mental health counselor. This position provides mental health and case management services to committed and detained youth in the Division of Youth Services. Services to be provided include: clinical assessment (recognizing signs and symptoms of specific DSM-5 diagnosis, identifying youth in need of additional assessment interventions such as neurological testing and medication evaluation), monitoring medication effectiveness in conjunction with the facility psychiatrist, individual, group, family and milieu therapies, suicide risk assessment and monitoring, report writing, and mental health service coordination with a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) of experts.
This position exists to provide mental health/crisis management services for a DYS detained / committed youth. DYS youth often have behavioral and/or psychiatric problems resulting from trauma-related issues such as neglect, abuse, or severe family problems. This position provides individual, group and if applicable family services to this population. This position uses the approved DYS approved Evidence Based Curricula in working with this population
Job Duties:
Provide Treatment
Maintains a caseload and conducts individual, group, and family therapy sessions using evidence-based treatment theories in mental health treatment for adolescents.
- Maintains a clear understanding of adolescent development, appropriate interventions for this population, and developmental needs.
- Uses theories relevant to the needs of the youth and their individual history, considering their age, ethnic, cultural, religious and sexual issues to affect behavior change. Interpret treatment issues, problems, expectation, and changes in behavior for residents and families.
- Document and assess the effectiveness of specific interventions toward program progression and youth stabilization.
- Therapy needs may include substance abuse, mental health issues, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, and specific services for sexually abusive or violent youth. Clinical services are relevant to the needs of the youth and the individual needs and protective factors, when identified, considering their age, ethnic, cultural, religious, and sexual issues to affect behavior change and the reduction of substance abuse activity and symptoms in the individual and family.
- Provides therapeutic services using a strength-based approach and holistic manner.
- Collaborate with the medical team and psychiatrist regarding psychotropic medication assessment or continuation to aid in youth stability.
- Collaborate with educational/vocational systems to ensure appropriate academic services are provided.
- Seek out additional resources as necessary to ensure the best approach to treating the youth based on their developmental and neurocognitive ability.
- Provide therapy in a manner that is consistent with the youth’s ability, taking into account any necessary modification needed as a result of trauma, substance abuse, brain injury, and mental health disorders.
- Support agency services of cognitive behavioral-based interventions, social learning theory, and motivational interviewing.
- Position actively engages family/caregivers in the process of stabilizing and transitioning youth to placement.
- Assess progress, and barriers to progress, and document all case management and therapeutic services in the Fusion Electronic Health Record system.
- Follows Sanctuary/ROCK Program.
- Facilitate Community Review Teams as needed for Individual Growth and Change Plans and other interventions as they are developed.
Assessment and Treatment Planning
This position addresses mental health and other needs identified, taking into consideration the estimated length of stay.
- Review assessment data, when completed, and recommendations with youth, gather additional historical information from youth, develop therapeutic rapport, ensure the youth is engaged in a supportive and educative manner, that confidentiality is maximized and problematic symptoms are thoroughly evaluated and handled in a sensitive and safe manner.
- Engage parents/family members, significant others, guardians and referring agents to interview and obtain relevant collateral and supportive data to enhance the understanding and dynamics of the youth’s situation.
- This position recognizes signs and symptoms of serious mental illness (per DSM-5) standards), exacerbation of symptoms, decompensation or improvement of mental health status is imperative for monitoring each youth’s progress.
- An ability to complete a brief mental health status exam is expected.
- This position places an emphasis on, making recommendations, and developing alternate interventions for youth not responding positively to programming. Knowledge of suicide risk indicators is required, with ability to offer on-going suicide risk assessments of youth.
- Providing input in conjunction with other transition specialists to transition planning and services to aid in successful reintegration of youth into the community. Coordination with YSSIII, Client Managers and milieu staff in the implementation of milieu interventions in order to achieve program success. Collaborate with client manager and MDT initial MDT staffing when needed. Refer to psychiatrists as needed.
- Determine appropriate, strengths-based treatment goals and objectives for youth.
Determine appropriate individuals to provide treatment and other services to youth per treatment plan.
Training and Consultation
This position has a thorough knowledge of the federal confidentiality regulations 42 C.F.R. Part 2 and HIPAA, and all Colorado Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division Rules for treatment practice.
- Takes responsibility for being current on literature and emerging research in the best practices of treating juvenile mental health, substance abuse issues and co-occurring disorders with a complex population.
- Trains others in the facility in best practice treatment delivery approaches.
- Participates in orientation, educational workshops, mental health, co-occurring disorders, and substance abuse discipline meetings, and trainings to assure and maintain competency in the provision of evidence-based substance abuse treatment services.
- This position guides staff by modeling interventions, recommending practices and resident assignments that may be implemented.
- Participates in initial case reviews of all new youth, assists in group placement, and assists in case consultation.
- Provides trainings and consultation on a local/agency level. Is responsible for maintaining all professional certifications and licensure.
- Actively participates in own professional growth and continued trainings, research and CEU’s.
- Participates in clinical supervision with the clinical director.
- Participates in supervision to remain in good standing for license renewals. Participates in treatment team meetings and briefings.
- Provide input on decisions around milieu programming.
- Provide input on implementation of treatment goals and objectives within the milieu.
Provide input in the development of additional treatment program options.
Documentation and Communication
Document in approved EHR a treatment note for all individual and group sessions in DAP format.
- Group documentations must be individualized, reflecting how each particular youth participated in each group session.
- Identifying appropriate information to be recorded and the appropriate place to record it.
Identifying appropriate parties to receive information on youth treatment and most appropriate mode of communication.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed below to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience must be specifically documented on your application. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached" statements on your application.
Mininum Qualifications:
License and Experience:
Current, valid Colorado or State participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact licensure as a:
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW) OR
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) OR
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
`AND`
One (1) year of experience with current, valid licensure from a state participating in the Social Work Licensure Compact based on the work assigned to the position.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Relatable experience as a current or previous State of Colorado employee.
Conditions of Employment:
- Be a minimum of 21 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence
- Full background check and reference check required
- This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
- Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check
- Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License
- Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.
- 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.
-
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
- Disclose that information on the application.
- Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
- Provide your employee number from your 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.
CDHS Selection Process Explanation:
- 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.
Minimum Qualification Screening Process
- 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."
- You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review
- 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.
Your Work Experience/Job Duties
- Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.
- 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.
Supplemental Questions
- 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).
Appeal Rights
You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.- You can find the official appeal form here (Download PDF reader).
- You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:
- By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or
- Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or
- Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or
- Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.
Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:
- At (303) 866-3300, or
- 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.
Supplemental Information
The Assessment Process
About Us & Benefits
- 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
- State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
- Employee Wellness 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.
Our Values
- 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.
- 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.
ADA Accommodations
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.
- 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.
EEO Statement: The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer
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.
Additional Support For Your Application: Toll Free Applicant Technical Support
- 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.
See All 7 Clinical Social Work Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Social Work JobsClinical Social Work Jobs by City in Colorado
Where Colorado roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Social Work Job Market in Colorado
A snapshot from current Colorado openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Colorado Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical social work jobs across Colorado.
- Active Colorado LCSW license issued by the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners
- Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited graduate program
- Clinical experience providing individual, group, or family therapy in a licensed setting
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems such as Epic or Cerner
- Knowledge of Colorado Medicaid billing requirements and managed care documentation standards
- Bilingual English and Spanish communication skills preferred for community and school-based roles
Clinical Social Work Jobs in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical social work in Colorado?
You become a licensed clinical social worker in Colorado by earning a master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program, then applying through the Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners for a Licensed Social Worker credential while you complete supervised clinical hours, and finally passing the ASWB Clinical exam to obtain your LCSW. Colorado requires a set number of supervised post-master's clinical hours before licensure at the independent clinical level, so most new graduates begin in supervised associate or clinical social worker roles at community mental health centers or hospital systems while accumulating those hours.
Which companies hire clinical social works in Colorado?
Employers hiring clinical social works in Colorado right now include State of Colorado, Intermountain Health, and Third Space, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Colorado's extensive network of community mental health centers, integrated care systems, and Medicaid-funded behavioral health organizations means consistent volume across both urban and rural parts of the state.
Which Colorado cities have the most clinical social work jobs?
Denver, Colorado, and Greeley have the most clinical social work openings in Colorado. Denver dominates because it is home to the state's largest hospital systems, behavioral health networks, and county human services offices, while Colorado Springs and Boulder draw consistent demand from military family support programs, university counseling centers, and regional community mental health centers serving their surrounding populations.
Are there remote clinical social work jobs in Colorado?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields because many clinical social work roles involve in-person therapy, crisis intervention, and direct client contact in facilities. About 67% of clinical social work openings tied to Colorado are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and telehealth therapy positions account for most of those, particularly in outpatient behavioral health and employee assistance programs.
How can I get hired as a clinical social work in Colorado with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a supervised clinical social worker or social work associate position at a community mental health center while you complete the post-master's hours required for LCSW licensure in Colorado. Large employers such as UCHealth and Centura Health run graduate training and field placement programs that often convert to paid roles, and county human services departments in Jefferson, Arapahoe, and Denver counties regularly hire MSW graduates into child welfare and case management positions that count toward licensure hours. Holding a Colorado LSW credential and any relevant practicum experience in a specific population, such as youth, veterans, or substance use, gives candidates a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to clinical social work jobs in Colorado?
You can find and apply to clinical social work jobs in Colorado on Migrate Mate, which lists current Colorado openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find the roles that match your license level, specialty, and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 7 Clinical Social Work Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Social Work Jobs