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Principal – State Teacher III – Lookout Mountain Youth Service Center
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Principal – State Teacher III – Lookout Mountain Youth Service Center
Salary
$91,320.00 – $146,124.00 Annually
Location
Golden, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IKA 01428 05/01/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OCYF – Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center
Opening Date
05/01/2026
Closing Date
5/8/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
7862 W Mansfield Parkway Lakewood, CO 80235
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
isaac.phelps@state.co.us
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
This position is open only to Colorado state residents .
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies at the locations below.
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
You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.
Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.
Summary of this position:
The Principal creates a school environment in which students learn and make progress across all educational domains while also growing in social emotional regulation and the use of treatment tools to support successful transition back to the community. The Principal is responsible for supervising, planning, and assuring the delivery of daily educational services to students. This includes oversight of the individualization and integration of curriculum to meet diverse student needs while aligning with grade-level expectations, postsecondary and workforce readiness goals, the Division of Youth Services (DYS) district instructional model and curriculum guidelines, special and general education outcomes, assessment requirements, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) and career pathway outcomes. The role ensures coherence in the collection, analysis, and use of data and information across classrooms and the broader facility system, making data accessible and meaningful for all stakeholders, including teachers and students and is responsible for effective education data management, monitoring, and reporting through established systems and structures on a monthly basis and as otherwise directed. This position facilitates ongoing communication and collaboration between the school program and other programs within the facility, while maintaining safety and security and ensuring adherence to all facility policies and procedures; the role ensures compliance with all legally mandated state and federal education requirements, accreditation expectations, and assures timely, accurate communication with Central Office and other stakeholders in accordance with established processes and protocols. The Principal oversees human resource functions within the school program, ensuring that supervision, coaching cycles, performance management, and all state and agency HR processes are implemented with fidelity for all education staff. The role also builds and sustains strong partnerships with parents, families, and community stakeholders. Responsible for maintaining CDE Principal or Administrator licensure.
Primary Job Duties:
Curriculum, Data and Instructional Leadership: Supervises and guides the development and implementation of curriculum and instructional practices across general education, special education and intervention services, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) and career courses while assessing overall effectiveness. Monitors the ongoing completion of unit plans and daily lesson plans and evaluates the quality of those plans, providing feedback and action steps. This includes ensuring fidelity of engagement strategies, clear teacher pedagogical approaches, planning for relevance and career connections, alignment with clear learning goals, state standards and graduation competencies. Observation, coaching, and data will further reflect the classroom and school use of the DYS Education Instructional Model, ratings for accreditation standards, as well as targeted elements of Project Based Learning. Provides a structured plan for ongoing professional development for teachers, both individually and collectively to include instructional coaching, professional learning aligned with DYS initiatives, classroom observations and monitoring growth in instructional or workplace practices, and responding to identified student needs with targeted lessons and data collection/use to guide practice. Collects monthly and ongoing data related to student progress in essential skills, targeted outcomes, and classwork/computer-based work as well as formative and summative assessment performance, ensuring data is systematically tracked and monitored. Provides leadership and establishes expectations for data-driven instruction, including detailed plans to address student needs through comprehensive Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) processes and intervention processes. Assures progress monitoring for both special education and general education is current, accurate, and complete and documents skill monitoring for post-secondary youth. Collects and analyzes data from classroom observations, grades, behavioral incidents, and other sources to assess educational programming effectiveness and student progress and provides a coherent analysis of the data. Utilizes required data and monitoring systems, including Smartsheets, TRAILS, staff supervision tools, classroom observation systems, SIS, and HR tracking mechanisms for both education staff and youth served, within established timelines.
Program Supervision, Strategy, and Communication: Supervises, evaluates, and guides the implementation of academic, Title I, special education, vocational, and postsecondary programming to ensure fidelity to established guidelines, regulatory requirements, and DYS expectations. Establishes and maintains systems to monitor compliance with state and federal laws, DYS education policies, and special education & general education audit standards. Develops, implements, and monitors the annual School Development Plan (SDP) within established timelines and processes, including alignment with QAYS standards and ensures the plan serves as a structured process for the education team and facility leadership to understand data trends, compliance requirements, program progress, and identified needs. Oversees and/or completes all required reporting related to QAYS standards, accreditation requirements, and educational outcomes at designated intervals. Ensures documentation, data collection, and reporting are accurate, timely, and aligned with required standards, including documented student progress and clear communication of school-based issues and successes. Reviews and analyzes student educational records, transcripts, assessment data, and performance information to determine individual academic needs and to create an academic plan for each student and uses this information to inform master scheduling, course offerings, and graduation planning. Develops and/or monitors the academic and post secondary plans and timelines. Ensures school operations, schedules, youth plans and cross-departmental decisions are communicated clearly and effectively to all relevant stakeholders while seeking collaboration from other departments prior to decision implementation. Provides ongoing, accurate, and timely communication to facility leadership, the Facility Director, the Education Office, and the Director of Education which includes expected and standing updates on strategic plan implementation, human resource processes and progress, mandated testing plans and outcomes, supervision processes, youth programming, staffing concerns, compliance matters, and identified action steps. Plans and facilitates structured communication systems for the education team, including weekly team meetings, MTSS meetings, special education coordination meetings, and dissemination of facility leadership information; ensures meetings include structured agendas, documentation of decisions, and clear follow-up action steps. Ensures consistent understanding and use of Education Office processes, forms, and protocols across all education positions. Manages the site education budget in alignment with DYS Education Office guidance and provides monthly financial reports to the Education Director. Models and performs professional communication with youth support networks, including families and external partners.
Supervision, Coaching, and Performance Management Leadership: Supervises education staff through scheduled all-period classroom observations, accreditation-required observations, and monthly documented classroom walkthroughs, as well as observations conducted in other professional settings during the duty day. Provides in-class modeling of lessons, instructional objectives, classroom management strategies, and professional expectations, including modeling reflective practice, effective time management and adherence to deadlines. Evaluates staff performance across core competencies within the Performance Management Program (PMP), assigned duties outlined in position descriptions, and identified professional focus areas aligned to QAYS standards, Cognia accreditation requirements, the DYS Education Instructional Model, and the School Development Plan (SDP). Provides actionable feedback, establishes next steps for improvement, and implements performance improvement plans when staff do not meet established standards, following all applicable HR processes. Completes PMP evaluations in a thorough and timely manner in accordance with required deadlines. Ensures consistent communication of expectations, including creation and review of instructional documents, instructional assignments and course planning, daily schedules, meeting and collaboration expectations, safety norms, work expectations, ongoing duties, and critical deadlines for all education staff. Monitors and reviews classroom management practices, behavioral interventions, and restorative approaches to student behavior and reviews classroom incidents. Approves annual and sick leave in alignment with staffing and operational needs. Facilitates productive staff meetings, supervision meetings, facility information debriefs, and collective student data reviews with documented agendas, clarity and actionable outcomes. Ensures effective implementation of student behavior management practices across educational settings. Leads hiring, onboarding, and training of new staff within established timelines and agency processes and maintains accountability for action plans, agreements, and performance expectations.
Teamwork, Culture, and Climate: Collaborate and communicate with key stakeholders, including clinicians, client managers, facility administration, students, education teams and parents, regarding school program practices, student progress, expected outcomes, student data and goals, and programmatic information. Incorporate student efficacy and recognition in programming and classrooms through the use of student-led conferences, student recognition processes, honor roll, education open houses, and goal sharing and stakeholder communication through parent phone calls, client manager outreach for youth on plans or who have received IRs, staff meetings, professional outreach, small teams and treatment team opportunities. Schedule regular staff roundtables and feedback forums, monitor action items, and addresses identified needs in coordination with facility leadership and supervisors while also serving as an active member of the facility leadership team, meeting the participation expectations, follow-up responsibilities, and established timelines. Maintain communication that is ongoing, consistent, clear, and professional with DYS staff, facility personnel, and the Education Office and that is tailored to the needs of the meeting, stakeholder group, or event. Utilize required structured communication as well as informal communication tools to ensure stakeholders work collaboratively to support student educational needs and facility goals. Participate in monthly DYS Principal meetings, collaborative supervision structures, and cross-facility communication processes that promote teamwork and alignment across the work unit, facility, and DYS system. Communicate directly and consistently with the Director of Education in writing and in meetings regarding human resources, personnel matters, budget, supervision, and programming, providing clear information, problem identification, and solution-oriented recommendations while also sharing plans to address climate needs within the team or facility. Ensure the same information is readily available to the Facility Director and other relevant leadership staff. Engage in efforts to strengthen workplace culture and climate across the facility and within the education program by modeling and implementing Sanctuary tools and language, using trauma-informed practices and restorative processes, and championing the phase and points system as well as providing positive recognition and incorporating the facility systems (e.g., EAC). Design and implement principal-led and education-led programming and special events, student recognition, and school climate initiatives. Ensure positive culture and climate with adherence to and enforcement of workplace policies, Code of Conduct expectations, professional boundaries, and standards of professional behavior, utilizing accountability measures when necessary.
Safety and Security: Evaluate and regulate security and safety of students and staff by exercising security and control practices pursuant to agency standards. Ensure all staff follow required safety and security policies and practices of the facility and that this is appropriately modeled. Regularly evaluate the school physical plant for safety/security issues: broken furniture, damage to walls/windows/doors, cluttered classrooms. Follow policy and expectations while also ensuring classroom teachers are well versed in policy and expectations. Provide ongoing feedback for education staff and work with facility leadership, shift supervisors, and YSS on needs, coaching plans, and communication to create safe practices and school environments. Document all behavioral data and responses to share as necessary to address safety concerns. Use deescalation techniques when needed. Monitor youth activity in hallways, classrooms, recreation time, and on pod as needed. Provide follow up information to relevant stakeholders.
Other duties as assigned:Perform other related assignments as necessary such as, but not limited to, substituting or assisting in classrooms or on pod, attending specific student staffings, entering data into Student Information Systems and Trails, taking on responsibilities due to other absences, problem solving technology, and assisting with special events or opportunities not led by education. Working with facility staff and supporting facility safety ongoingly.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
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PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT AND FOLLOW ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO COMPLETING THE APPLICATION. YOU MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION TO BE GIVEN CREDIT FOR IT. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS ON TIMELINES TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION – ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE UPLOADED AND ALL TRANSCRIPTS MUST HAVE SCHOOL NAME, YOUR NAME, AND ALL PAGES- THIS IS THE FIRST EVALUATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS*
In addtion to the minimum qualifications, applicants must also meet the Special Qualifications listed below
Minimum Qualifications:
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experienceaddition
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to the work assignment
Current, valid Professional Teacher license issued by the Colorado Department of Education
Four (4) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position
Substitutions:
Current, valid Colorado Adult Basic Education Authorization will substitute for the Colorado Professional Teacher license. Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Special Qualifications:
Must have CDE Principal Licensure:
Professional Principal License
Special Education Director License
Professional Administrator License
Preferred Candidates will possess the following qualifications:
Experience working with at-risk or adjudicated youth
Proficient use of assessment data to inform instructional practice
Experience building a program
Relevant years of state service
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Experience with implementing articulated systems and structures with fidelity
Understandings of classroom-based behavioral interventions
Able to build rapport with students while maintaining boundaries
Experience with urban and at-risk populations
Secondary school experience
Education and Training
Interpersonal Skills
Oral Communication
Oral Comprehension
Problem Sensitivity & Solving
Ability to adhere to Safety and Security protocols
Technology enhanced instruction
Highly Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Colorado Academic Standards for K-12 education.
Demonstrated knowledge in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Attention to detail.
Strong decision-making skills and follow through.
Ability to positively and professionally interact with administrators, staff, parents, clients, community members and the judicial system.
Ability to collaboratively problem solve, ask for and use feedback, and create positive culture and climate.
Conditions of Employment:
Full Background – CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference checks, Professional License Verification (if applicable), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services Only), For those with direct contact with children: Trails check – For those with direct contact with adults at the Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers and Veterans Community Living Centers: CAPS.
Must be 21 years old or older.
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
Travel – Must travel to training events and shadowing events and other state DYS facilities
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.
The Diana Screen®, a sexual risk screening tool, is administered to all applicants to the Division of Youth Services (DYS) seeking positions of trust with children and teens to help ensure that ethical boundaries between children and adults are maintained. At the DYS, the safety and protection of the youth who have been entrusted to us is our #1 priority. The results of the Diana Screen will be provided to the Division of Youth Services and may be used as part of the Division’s decision on whether a candidate is selected.
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 may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board (https://spb.colorado.gov/) website.
You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.
You can find the official appeal form here (https://spb.colorado.gov/sites/spb/files/documents/Consolidated%20Appeal%20-%20Form%20-%202025.pdf) .
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 (https://spb.colorado.gov/board-rules) webpage.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#how-to-apply)
The Assessment Process
For additional recruiting questions, please contact Isaac.Phelps@state.co.us
About Us & Benefits
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs) (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS . In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:
Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
Medical (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/medical-benefits) and dental (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/dental-insurance) health plans
Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/disability-insurance)
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/app/home)
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 (https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs) .
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 offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits
Please note that each agency’s contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the “Print” icon.
01
Please list the endorsements on your teaching license, if applicable.
02
Have you attached a copy or listed your credential information of your teacher license as required in the posting?
Yes
No
03
A condition of employment requires applicants to be 21 years of age or older. Do you meet this condition?
Yes
No
04
What is your highest completed level of education?
None
Associates
Bachelor
Master’s
Professional
05
How much teaching experience do you have?
0-1 year
2-4 years
4+ years
06
The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.
This information is available to me and I have read this information
I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)
07
Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application?
Yes
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08
Are you a Veteran requesting Preference? If yes, you must submit a copy of DD214. And Copy of disability letter if Disabled Veteran.
Yes
No
09
If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997…). Your application may be considered incomplete if you do not provide this information. An incomplete application may not move forward in the Selection process. If you are a former or current state employee, please identify what state agency you work(ed) with and how many years of relevant state service you have related to the position you are applying for. (Ensure this is listed on your application under work experience).
10
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify your application from the current position.
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
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the “Printer” icon located above the job title
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