System of Care Navigator, Term Limited 9/28/2028 Full Time NEW

This position is open to current Colorado residents only within the department.

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

This is a term-limited position up to September 28, 2028.

Opt in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events!

CDHSCareers

Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!

Description Of Job

About This Position:

From SAMHSA Notice Of Funding Opportunity (NOFO):

This position is most often filled by a parent or other family member of a child or adolescent with serious emotional disturbance (SED), who has received or is currently receiving services from the mental health service system. The position is responsible for either setting up a new organization or working with an existing, family-run organization that represents the cultural and linguistic background of the population of focus. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, working in partnership with the awardee staff at all levels of decision-making, including the development, implementation, and evaluation of the SOC, and providing support services for families receiving services through the grant. The total effort must be at least a 0.75 full-time equivalent (FTE). This position is 1.0 FTE. This position MUST have personal or professional experience with navigating, securing, and linkage to, mental health services for children, youth, and families.

Description Of Job:

Understanding the basic funding mechanisms for mental health and related services

This position assists in determining ways Federal grant funding can be braided with Medicaid funding to expand behavioral health treatment, and l implements braided funding when appropriate. This position l works internally and with other state departments to collaborate on statewide provider network adequacy and areas that require provider growth, incorporating provider and community feedback. This position provides technical assistance to Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations (BHASOS) in creating budgets utilizing funding streams to contract with providers to create an adequate provider network; this position also works internally and with other state entities to determine quality standards, certification standards, fidelity standards, and tracking for these standards for providers, incorporating community and provider feedback. This position assists with tracking what services are funded by various funding streams in order to assist with reporting out, on an as-needed basis, which services are highly utilized, which services are underfunded by insurance, and the usage rate (encounter numbers) for Medicaid services within the system of care and care continuum. This position assists with tracking the requirements of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) grant to ensure provider adherence to these standards, to provide technical assistance when providers are not utilizing funds appropriately, and ensures collaboration between the BHASO and the Regional Accountable Entity (RAE) regarding system of care and care continuum implementation.

Assist in the creation of a statewide system of care

This Position Supports The Ongoing Implementation Of Colorado’s System Of Care (CO-SOC) For Serving Children With Serious Behavioral Health Issues. This Position Works In Partnership With The Awardee Staff At All Levels Of Decision-making, Including The Development, Implementation, And Evaluation Of The SOC, To Include Collaboration With Other State Departments In The Creation Of a Statewide System Of Care. This Work Spans Across Numerous Child-serving Agencies In The State, Such As The Office Of Children, Youth And Families, Judicial Department, Department Of Healthcare Policy And Financing, Department Of Education, And Others. This Position Represents The System Of Care Approach To Serving Children With Serious Behavioral Health Issues Across The State. This Position Serves As Support To The Senior Authority In The Area Of Community Collaboration Networks And Cross-system Reform. This Position Supports The Oversight Of Numerous Subcontracts And Scopes Of Work. The Following Duties Are Included In This Position:

• Assists with oversight and responsibility for all contracts and subcontracts developed under the SAMHSA System of Care grant, CO-SOC, and SB19-195.
• Assists in the oversight and technical assistance of the work of all system of care contractors and subcontractors.
• Works with the BHA Finance, BHASO, and Contract staff to ensure contractual and administrative elements are properly implemented and monitored.
• Staffs other assigned work groups. Organizes and sets agendas, and obtains resources necessary for the meetings, such as information, subject matter experts, and technology, e.g., conference calls, video conferences, and webinars.
• The position assists in the oversight of the work of the subcontractors by visiting communities, monitoring work products and establishing regular communication with communities. This communication informs the project and is a means to identify and address system barriers.

Program application and administration

As appropriate to program administration, this position participates in site visits, contract monitoring, technical assistance, and stakeholder/committee participation. This position assists in providing direct guidance, decision-making, and technical assistance in setting up or partnering with an existing family-run organization to represent the cultural and linguistic needs of the population of focus in order to provide support to families and youth seeking mental health services within their communities, in direct accordance with the terms of the SAMHSA System of Care grant. This position assists families, as appropriate, in finding behavioral health services for children, youth, and families, regardless of their funding. This position gathers data regarding children, youth, and families they link to services, in order to understand and advocate for system reform for families in need of behavioral health services.

Assisting the CYF SOC team with Grant Administration, including Contract Monitoring, Contract and Statement of Work Development, Program Expansion, Data Gathering and Reporting, and Budget Management in accordance with the terms of the SAMHSA grant

This position assists the SOC team with designing guidelines, policy, and standards that are applied to statewide system of care implementation; analyzes service delivery data, and provides technical guidance to service providers and other organizations. The position assists with consultation regarding programmatic aspects of the State’s contracts with the BHA-funded providers. In scheduled periodic visits to Colorado’s providers, this position assists with reviewing contracts to ensure programmatic and fiscal contract compliance through examination of program operating policies/procedures, inspection of administrative and programmatic records, interviews with executives, managers, and/or staff to document areas of compliance and deficiency, and subsequently assists with identifying technical assistance needs. In situations where warranted, this position assists with imposing and enforcing corrective actions on contractors. This position assists with recommending whether to cancel or modify a contractor’s contract with the State due to non-compliance. This position assists with the review of quarterly evaluation data reports to determine contractors’ adherence to the contract requirements. This position assists with the monitoring and provision of guidance and resources for funded community systems of care programs and technical assistance providers. This position assists with ensuring the System of Care cooperative agreement is administered in accordance with SAMHSA’s guidelines and procedures. The position takes the lead role in preparing sections of quarterly and annual reports for their grant requirements as outlined by SAMHSA. The position assists with staffing work and task groups as assigned. The position travels to community sites and local meetings as needed.

Other Duties As Assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience Only: Six (6) years of professional, relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position, such as family advocacy, mental health system navigation, human services coordination, or public administration.
• Education and Experience: A combination of related education (from an accredited institution) and relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned, such as family advocacy, mental health system navigation, human services coordination, or public administration, equal to six (6) years.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, high school diploma with work experience is acceptable.

Mandatory Special Requirements:

• Lived Experience: Must have personal or professional experience with navigating, securing, and linkage to mental health services for children, youth, and families.
• Meeting Leadership: At least two (2) years of experience organizing and leading multidisciplinary meetings, learning collaboratives, or similar groups. (One year of active participation in such meetings can be substituted for one year of leading them).
• Service Coordination: At least two (2) years of experience specifically linking children, youth, and families to mental health services.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strategic Collaboration: Experience working with state agencies (such as HCPF, CDHS, or Behavioral Health entities) on “Collective Impact” frameworks or statewide System of Care (SOC) initiatives.
• Programmatic Expertise: Deep knowledge of High-Fidelity Wraparound (HFW) models, best practices in child/youth mental health, and culturally/linguistically appropriate service delivery.
• Grant & Fiscal Literacy: Experience with grant management or an understanding of “braiding and blending” funding streams (e.g., integrating Federal grant dollars with Medicaid or private insurance).
• Organizational Development: Experience standing up or leading a family-run organization or a non-profit entity.
• Communication & Advocacy: Proven ability to draft formal reports for executive-level leadership and facilitate meetings that influence statewide policy and legislation.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong skills in Google Suite (Sheets, Docs, Drive) and experience with remote collaboration tools.
• Growth Mindset: A willingness to engage in reflective supervision and a commitment to a “learning culture” that emphasizes continuous skill development.

Conditions Of Employment:

• Standard 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 Check, if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an ongoing capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties, or on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.
• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or a non-restricted U.S. Driver’s License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border
• Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.
• Term-limited position through September 28, 2028.
• 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/hours 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. 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 a review and rating of all the information you submit.

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 website.

• 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.

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

• How to apply to the State of Colorado (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

• The Assessment Process
• For Statewide Hiring Freeze NON-EXEMPTED position ONLY :
• This job offer is contingent upon funding availability from all sources, including state and federal (if applicable), to start or continue.
• For additional recruiting questions, please contact Stacy.Chinea@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 (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 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.

Required Supplemental Questions:

• (Multiple Choice) 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.)
• Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application. Yes/No
• 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).
• 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.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support