Lead Mid-Level Provider​/Nurse Practitioner - Campus at Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center

About the Division

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 Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates facilities and contracts with providers throughout the State. For pre-adjudicated youth, DYS manages Colorado Youth Detention Continuum.

DYS administers juvenile parole services statewide. Learn more at: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./dys

Work Schedule: Sunday-Saturday, flexible shifts, possible weekends; hours TBD during interview and based on facility needs.

Purpose Of This Position: Deliver health care to detained, pre-trial, and committed youth. Primary care is provided by licensed independent practitioners/mid-level providers with responsibility for a continuum of health care including physical, psychiatric, and dental maintenance.

• Functions as the facility responsible health authority (RHA).
• Ensures health screens, appraisals, histories and physicals, and SOAP notes reflect accurate assessments and appropriate treatments and referrals.
• Supervises health screens, appraisals, and physical exams of youth admitted to the facility; ensures timely detection of communicable diseases and appropriate action to prevent spread; reports as required to CDC/State Health Department.
• Leads emergency medical decision making; approves and monitors plans and adjusts them as needed.
• Oversees accuracy of pharmacy orders; coordinates medical, dental, and mental health care with outside providers; coordinates prior authorizations for specialized care.
• Acts as primary medical liaison with the DYS Medical Director; determines staffing and workload; provides budget oversight for the medical clinic.
• Maintains communication with facility staff, families, supervisors, and administration to ensure ongoing quality care.
• Represents medical on relevant committees and coordinates with other clinics for coverage.

• Leads as the medical liaison with the mental health team; supervises and trains clinic staff on evaluating mental health conditions; ensures appropriate referrals and interventions.
• Collaborates with psychiatrists, psychologists, and supervisors to determine needs for further evaluation or intervention; facilitates referrals and potential transfers; coordinates with psychiatric services to ensure ongoing care including psychotropic medications.

• Oversees transportation and coordination of youth to off-campus specialty medical services (e.g., optometry, dental).
• Ensures coordination with the DYS Medical Director and other providers for appropriate referrals and follow-up.

• Provides ongoing supervision of medical clinic staff, including assessment, documentation, medication administration, and adherence to safe and legal protocols.
• Involves hiring, discipline, performance feedback, coaching, and timekeeping; facilitates conflict resolution and staff meetings; orients new staff, students, and interns; serves as RN/NP/PA liaison with local schools.

• Collects and reports monthly statistics for Behavioral Health and Medical Services; reviews policies and procedures; writes/updates facility medical procedures.

• Performs physical exams, orders tests, interprets results, and formulates treatment plans; documents thoroughly in the medical record.
• Prevents communicable diseases via health appraisals and sick calls; participates in health program planning; consults with the DYS Medical Director on referrals and protocol variance.
• Provides health education to youth and staff; coordinates diet and nutrition needs with Food Service; assists in mental health evaluation through interview and observation; administers medications and provides emergency care guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications:
Current, valid licensure as an Advanced Practice Nurse (Colorado Board of Nursing) or Physician Assistant (Colorado Medical Board) with Prescriptive Authority (RXN status as required by DORA).

Substitutions: None

• Two or more years of experience in prescriptive authority (Colorado), adolescent health care, assessment/diagnosis/treatment of acute and chronic illness, and documentation in an EMR; relatable experience as a current or former Colorado state employee.

• Knowledge of preventing spread of communicable disease; ability to diagnose medical problems including emergencies; knowledge of prescribing protocols; evaluating mental health status; strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to supervise medical staff.

• Minimum age 21; full background checks and pre-employment screenings; residency in Colorado at time of application and throughout employment; valid driver’s license for…