Mental Health Clinician - Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan

About This Position

This position exists to provide therapeutic work in the psychiatric care and treatment of adults with acute and chronic exacerbation of a mental illness. Primary responsibilities include establishing a therapeutic relationship with patients and providing safe and effective patient care. Mental Health Clinicians utilize psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery principles in all aspects of their duties and work under the supervision of a registered nurse to assist with nursing care, document patient behavior, participate in treatment plan development, maintain a safe milieu, and provide crisis intervention.

• Act as patient advocate and provide support and education to patients and families regarding patient rights.
• Assist with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, toileting, and showers, ensuring patient dignity and privacy.
• Escort patients to activities and appointments, including driving where necessary.
• Maintain paperwork confidentiality and communicate patient whereabouts to the charge nurse through sign‑out/sign‑in systems.
• Document patient care and responses to treatment as required by hospital policy.
• Help patients develop a list of positive supports such as family, friends, agencies, and staff.

• Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment through effective milieu management and surveillance.
• Facilitate solution‑oriented problem‑solving and encourage patient input and self‑determination.
• Monitor the milieu, conduct safety checks, and address unsafe items or conditions promptly.
• Use Verbal Defense and Influence (VDI) and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) techniques to manage aggressive behavior.
• Engage patients in unit activities, groups, and meals, monitoring for safety and swallowing concerns.

• Work as part of the interdisciplinary team for treatment planning and care implementation.
• Contribute information and approaches to support patient health and wellness.
• Advocate for patient interests and input into their care plan.

• Complete any other duties necessary to support the mission of the division and department.

• Three (3) years of relevant experience in customer service or in a hospital or mental health setting.
• OR a combination of related education in psychology, sociology, human services or biology plus experience equal to three (3) years.

• Must be at least 21 years of age due to the juvenile population served.

• 1+ years as a Mental Health Care Clinician I at the State of Colorado Mental Health Institute.
• 1+ years of professional inpatient mental health–care experience in a psychiatric locked/secure setting.
• Experience developing and running treatment groups.
• Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care and Recovery Principles.
• Outpatient mental health experience running groups, case management, etc.
• College or university education in nursing, psychology, sociology, human services, or education.

• Full background and reference checks.
• Shift work – days, evenings, or nights.
• Essential Services designation – must report without delay for essential or emergency services.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license.
• Must be at least 21 years of age or older.
• May be exposed to bodily fluids or caustic chemicals.
• Former state employees who were disciplined or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information and provide an explanation; in most cases such prior termination disqualifies future state employment.

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. Submit the appeal within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of notice.

Click the link above to submit your application and complete the assessment process.

We design and deliver high‑quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well‑being of Colorado ans. We offer a competitive benefits package, flexible schedules, training, and potential remote work arrangements for eligible positions.

• We believe in a people‑first approach.
• Balance creates quality of life.
• We hold ourselves accountable.
• Transparency matters.
• We are ethical.
• Collaboration helps us rise together.
• We promote diversity and inclusion.

CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of qualified individuals with disabilities. Contact the ADA Coordinator for reasonable accommodations during application or interview stages.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~