Remote Social Services Assistant Jobs

Department Information

The position is located in the Office of Children, Aging and Community Services(OCACS), Division of Child Welfare (DCW), Provider Services Unit (PSU), and Provider Performance Unit. The Division of Child Welfare Services provides a range of leadership, management, and supervisory functions related to the delivery of public child welfare services to children, youth, and families. The Division is responsible for the ongoing implementation of child welfare services in Colorado and supervises county departments of human/social services in the administration of Child Welfare programs, and privately operated agencies and facilities licensed and monitored by the Division of Child Welfare.

The Provider Services Unit (PSU) exists to license, monitor, supervise, train, and provide statewide oversight for privately operated childcare facilities and agencies, including residential child care facilities (RCCF), qualified residential treatment programs (QRTP), secure residential treatment centers (SRTC), psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF), homeless youth shelters (HYS), shelter care, specialized group facilities (group homes and group centers) (SGF), child placement agencies (CPA), foster homes (FH), therapeutic foster care (CPA-THRFC), treatment foster care (TX-FH), adoption agencies (CPAAD), respite child care centers (RCCC), day treatment facilities (DT), and Applied Behavior Analysis Clinics (ABA) across the State of Colorado. The goals of the unit are to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the children and youth served in those facilities. The work unit is responsible for comprehensive integrated (interagency) licensing and monitoring of the 24-hour childcare facilities, auditing and investigating reports/allegations involving licensing violations, determining facility or agency culpability, evaluating the integration of trauma-informed principles and practices, monitoring the quality of care, providing support and education, and ensuring the safety of children placed or receiving services with providers.

Description of Job

This position is recognized as a staff authority and subject matter expert specific to the ABA Investigative Monitoring Team, with a focus on early intervention and the treatment and services for children under 5 years of age being served within ABA facilities licensed by the Provider Services Unit within the Division of Child Welfare. This position is a pacesetter in the field who has a unique level of technical expertise in creating the landscape for the creation of interagency collaboration with the Colorado Department of Early Care & Learning (CDEC), Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), and related ABA treatment experts, and the design of related policies, procedures, and regulations impacting requirements in ABA Clinic settings. Agency management routinely relies on the expertise and essential consultation of this position to remain informed about the latest research and data, ensuring the best strategies are implemented with ABA licensure as it relates specifically to early intervention and the treatment and services for children under 5 years of age being served within ABA facilities. This role also plays a critical part in driving conversations, policies, procedures, and statutory recommendations with stakeholders, legislators, and those involved in the Child Welfare system related to early intervention and the treatment and services for children under 5 years of age being served within ABA facilities. This includes researching and staying up- to date with early interventions, effective treatment, and quality services for children under the age of 5 years being utilized by the ABA facilities. This position will be the point of contact to consult with regard to early interventions, effective treatment, and quality services for children under the age of 5 years to ensure that the ABA Investigative The monitoring team is holding ABA facilities accountable to the ethical and legal requirements. This includes researching and staying up-to-date on policies, procedures, statutes, and requirements related to early interventions, effective treatment, and quality services for children under the age of 5 years, including collaborating with Colorado Department of Early Care & Learning (CDEC), Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), and related ABA treatment experts to best align requirements with regulation and practices when possible. This position also implements the Division’s monitoring process to include critical incident report reviews, Stage II investigations, Complaint Investigations, technical assistance and training, issuing reports of inspection, issuing fines, and recommending adverse action against a facility, agency, or clinic. This position determines whether the agencies are operating in compliance with applicable internal guidelines, rules, policies, regulations, and standards. This position identifies and recommends opportunities for improving standards of practice for programs to meet minimum operational expectations. This position is responsible for gathering information across entities and subject matter experts related to early interventions, effective treatment, and quality services for children under the age of 5 years being served in the ABA facilities and providing support to other Monitoring Specialists and other staff within the Division of Child Welfare as it relates to licensed ABA clinics. This position also ensures that youth are receiving safe and adequate care and treatment by evaluating the safety, care, and well-being of the youth in care, including treatment planning, staff and care provider qualifications, training received, supervision being provided, as well as financial stability. This is completed through file reviews, interviews with youth in care, interviews with staff, and ensuring required compliance with the minimum standards and related statutes. This position is also responsible for handling and safeguarding confidential information regarding youth in care.



Summary of Job Duties:

Investigates Compliance of ABA Clinics/Facilities and Provides Technical Assistance
This position will carry a caseload consisting of ABA licensed clinics/ facilities, as well as supervise the Investigative Monitoring Specialists who also conduct agency and facility investigations. This position is assigned a caseload of licensed ABA providers for whom they are responsible for monitoring and overseeing their compliance. Equipped with extensive expertise in Volume 7 regulations (12 CCR 2509-8) and Titles 24 and 26 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, this position is responsible for assessing compliance, providing interpretations, and ensuring regulatory enforcement. This position investigates and ensures ongoing compliance with regulations and statutes related to licensed ABA clinics/ facilities that provide ABA Services; however, this position is cross-trained to monitor all licensed agencies and facilities that provide out-of-home care, day treatment, and/ or educational services through Stage II investigations, Complaints Investigations, and the ongoing review of critical incident reports submitted by providers in accordance with Volume 7 regulations. This position is ultimately tasked with determining agency/facility culpability as it relates to incidents that have occurred within the agency, facility, or foster home. Using their knowledge base, this position will specifically assess content received through various means, such as critical incident reporting, policies and procedures created by the provider, staff files, children/youth files, foster parent files, hotline referrals, referral assessments, and all other related documentation that is accessible to the Department, to determine if there are compliance issues related to the information being reported and observed. Other means used during investigations include, but are not limited to, interviewing foster parents, agency/facility staff, placing authorities, county personnel, guardians ad litem, legal guardians, parents, youth, children, and others who may be related to the case and/or incident. This position is responsible for investigating, interviewing, and evaluating programs on topics such as (but not limited to): policies and procedures, board notes, restraints/seclusions, behavior management and discipline, client rights, medication administration, educational activities, community activities, recreational activities, treatment, and services to be or are being provided to youth and their families, as well as site compliance. Additionally, this position is responsible for ensuring compliance by determining if care providers are supervised and trained according to the needs of the youth and their individual learning needs, assessing treatment planning, observing the milieu, assessing the quality of home study evaluations, assessing behavioral interventions utilized by facilities, and examining financial documentation to ensure the stability of agencies and facilities and that the basic needs of the youth are being met. This position is relied upon to be the regulatory authority for interpreting Volume 7 regulations while monitoring and investigating their assigned providers. This position may be asked to assist other Licensing and/or Investigative Monitoring Specialists on scheduled licensing or monitoring visits. This position is responsible for collaborating with and partnering with the assigned Licensing Specialist when there is an opportunity to work together with the agency/facility. Provides or researches options for and coordinates delivery of technical assistance to licensed facilities and agencies in order to support quality care of youth and to increase their compliance with State and Federal rules, with particular focus on child protection, safety, and children’s rights. Oversees and directs providers to improve programming to ensure the safety, care, and well-being of children and youth in placement. This position provides technical assistance to assist providers with coming into compliance with the minimum standards and related statutes.

This position is recognized as a staff authority and subject matter expert specific to the ABA Investigative Monitoring Team with a focus on early intervention and the treatment and services for children under 5 years of age being served within ABA facilities licensed by the Provider Services Unit within the Division of Child Welfare. This position is responsible for remaining informed about the latest research and data, ensuring the best strategies are implemented with ABA licensure as it relates specifically to early intervention and the treatment and services for children under 5 years of age being served within ABA facilities. This includes researching and staying up-to-date on policies, procedures, statutes, and requirements related to early interventions, effective treatment, and quality services for children under the age of 5 years, including collaborating with the Colorado Department of Early Care & Learning (CDEC), Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), and related ABA treatment experts to best align requirements with regulation and practices when possible. This position identifies and recommends opportunities for improving standards of practice for programs to meet minimum operational expectations. This position is responsible for gathering information across entities and subject matter experts related to early interventions, effective treatment, and quality services for children under the age of 5 years being served in the ABA facilities and providing support to other Monitoring Specialists and other staff within the Division of Child Welfare as it relates to licensed ABA clinics.

Completes Reports of Inspection for Investigations
This position is responsible for regularly conducting Stage II Investigations, Complaint Investigations, Critical Incident Report Investigations, and other relevant investigations to determine agency/facility culpability and compliance with Volume 7 regulations and related statutes for providers assigned to their caseload. Once the investigation is complete, this position is responsible for completing a timely Report of Inspection (ROI) for all visits, in person, while out at the facility, to include the technical assistance being provided.. The ROI contains information related to the allegations, a narrative of the visit, the technical assistance that was provided to ensure compliance, and whether the allegations were confirmed/unconfirmed (for Complaints) or founded/unfounded (for Stage II’s). This position is responsible for ensuring that the ROI addresses whether there is identified agency/facility culpability (violations), and if not, the Specialist is responsible for explaining how they came to their conclusion that there were no identified violations. This position must provide information about the specific technical assistance that was provided throughout the visit and afterward if follow-up is required. This position is also responsible for documenting that the violations were communicated and reviewed with the agency/facility staff, so they have an understanding of how they need to come into compliance with the related regulations and/or statute violations. This position is responsible for reviewing responses to ensure the agency/facility has come into compliance with the violations identified. If this position determines the response is unacceptable to the Department’s standards, this position is responsible for reissuing the ROI and providing additional technical assistance until the agency/ facility comes into compliance with the identified violation(s).

Stakeholder Involvement
This position will work closely with other Government entities and stakeholders associated with the Placement Services Unit for consistency and to offer the most appropriate and quality services to the providers, families, and children/ youth served. Participates in the development and implementation of integrated and consistent Monitoring protocols within the Division of Child Welfare as well as with other divisions and stakeholders, including the Administrative Review Division, Office of Behavioral Health, Division of Youth Services, and Colorado Department of Early Care and Learning. Consult as necessary regarding these protocols with county departments of human services and other Government agencies, including the Department of Public Health and Environment, the Department of Education, the Colorado Department of Public Safety, the Department of Regulatory Agencies, Health Care Policy and Finance, and the Behavioral Health Administration. and the Office of Management Improvement. Provides technical consultation and assistance to all units and divisions responsible for out-of-home child placements and ABA and Day Treatment Services to develop new rules, statutes, or to assist in the revision of rules to improve provider performance and to assure children’s health, safety, and well-being. Recommends Volume 7 rule revisions and updates to reflect current practice and statute changes, if necessary. The position is relied on to be the expert opinion on how Volume 7 is interpreted and implemented by ABA Investigative Monitoring Specialists and makes necessary recommendations for when Volume 7 rules need to be modified to reflect changes in evidence-based practices and research publications.

Corrective Action
This position will compile and interpret data on patterns of provider deficiencies or gross incidents of non-compliance with Volume 7 and related statutes in order to determine when adverse monitoring actions are warranted. Makes recommendations to PSU Provider Performance Management when it is determined that the Department may need to take adverse action against a license. Provides documentation and testimony in summary suspension situations and other adverse action cases, such as appeals, revocations, etc. Issues expert opinions, as authorized by the Division of Child Welfare, on child protection and safety that occur within agencies and facilities to prompt further action taken by the Department. Recommends to management action steps necessary to rectify ongoing concerns and violations at the agency and when adverse action is indicated. This position will partner with the assigned Licensing Specialist to collaborate, provide follow-up to the provider, and increase on-site monthly monitoring visits (and sometimes more frequent) until the provider's deficiencies are resolved and abuse/neglect or other safety concerns are alleviated.

Other Duties as Assigned - All other duties as assigned by leadership within the Division of Child Welfare.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Experience Only:

• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position in

~OR~

Education and Experience:

• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to seven (7) years.

  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work, Childhood Development, Sociology, or a closely related field of study.
• RBT, BCABA and BCBA credentialing
• Preferred candidates will have experience related to working in ABA Clinics or child related settings (educations, residientail, foster care, casework)
• Knowledge of Volume 7 licensing regulations and statutes
• Skills with interpreting and enforcing regulations
• Ability to establish collaborative partnerships and effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external customers and diverse public and private stakeholders.
• Experience in completing investigations
• Skills in interviewing children and adolescents, including those with complex-traumatic backgrounds.
• Outstanding skills and abilities in verbal and written communication, and report writing.
• Strong knowledge base on early intervention and the quality of treatment and services needed for children under 5 years of age.

Conditions of Employment

• Full Background CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons): CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services), TRAILS check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults – Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers)
• Travel – This position currently works 100% remotely from home and will be required to use a personal vehicle for frequent travel to the CDHS office, assigned agencies/facilities, and other identified locations for the purpose of related primary job duties as assigned. This position may be required to complete overnight travel and infrequent extended travel within the State of Colorado. Auto insurance is also required.This position requires extensive travel within the state of Colorado, including overnight stays and the licensing of childcare agencies and facilities during all shifts, 5 days a week.
• Current, valid, and unrestricted Colorado Driver’s License
• Motor Vehicle Check
• Other – This position is designated as 100% remote. Employees must maintain a home office, internet, and possibly phone service.
• 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 that 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.
• You must 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.

• 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

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.
  
  

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~