Mid-Level Provider​/Nurse Practitioner - Grand Mesa Youth Services Center

Mid-Level Provider / Nurse Practitioner – Grand Mesa Youth Services Center

Join the Colorado Department of Human Services to provide comprehensive health care to detained, pre‑trial, and committed youth in the Grand Mesa Youth Services Center. This mid‑level provider or nurse practitioner will work in a 24/7 facility, delivering primary, mental, and dental care under the direction of the Division of Youth Services (DYS).

The Division of Youth Services (DYS) offers a continuum of residential and non‑residential services for youth ages 10–21, including detention, commitment, and parole. DYS operates fifteen secure facilities and collaborates with private providers across Colorado. For more information visit the DYS website.

Location:

Grand Mesa Youth Services Center, Grand Junction, CO.

Work hours:

Sunday–Saturday with flexible shifts, possible weekends; hours to be determined during interview.

Deliver health care to detained, pre‑trial, and committed youth, providing a continuum of care from initial assessment through ongoing management of physical, psychiatric, and dental health.

• Clinical Management
  :
  Conduct health screens, appraisals, histories, physicals, and SOAP notes; supervise provider duties; manage pharmacy orders; coordinate specialty care and referrals; serve as the lead decision‑maker during emergencies.
• Mental Health
  :
  Evaluate mental status, provide basic interventions, and refer to mental health resources or hospital as needed.
• Documentation and Reporting
  :
  Maintain thorough records, complete medical logs, and provide treatment plans to staff.
• Medical Quality Assurance, Reporting and Compliance
  :
  Lead quality assurance projects and audits, supervise staff compliance, coordinate training, and report required data.
• Health Education
  :
  Deliver individual and group education on health promotion, disease prevention, and safe practices.

• Current, valid licensure as an Advanced Practice Nurse (Colorado Board of Nursing) or Physician Assistant (Colorado Medical Board).
• Prescriptive authority – “RXN status” per DORA.

• Two or more years of experience in prescriptive authority in Colorado.
• Experience in adolescent health care.
• Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic illness.
• Proficient documentation in an electronic medical record.
• State service experience.

• Knowledge of communicable disease prevention.
• Diagnostic and treatment skills for emergencies.
• Prescription medication protocols.
• Assessment of mental status.
• Strong oral and written communication.
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills.
• Clinical staff supervision experience.

• Sunday–Saturday, flexible shifts with possible weekend coverage. Hours TBD during interview.

• Full background check and reference check required.
• Valid, non‑restricted Colorado driver’s license (or U.S. license for out‑of‑state holders required within 30 days).
• Shift work: 24/7 facility; may require evenings and weekends.
• Travel: possible floating to other DYS facilities.
• Minimum age 21; no felony convictions or domestic violence history.
• Completion of DYS Pre‑service Training Academy, Field Training Program (FTO), and mandatory annual training.
• Subject to the Diana Screen® screening tool for all applicants.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply.