Clinical Safety Specialist - CMHHIP

Clinical Safety Specialist I – Full Time, Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP). This position exists to ensure a safe work environment through application of and adherence to CMHHIP/CDHS policies, Joint Commission standards, Life Safety Codes and Colorado Revised Statutes.

Position is open to Colorado state residents only. The role may be assigned to different units within the hospital based on vacancies.

• Respond to crisis situations (physical or verbal assaults, suicidal or self‑harm behaviors) following hospital policies and procedures.
• Document incidents related to safety violations in patient‑care areas and assist nursing and clinical staff with safety checks.
• Assist with environmental safety checks and on‑unit/on‑campus transports to treatment programming and meals.
• Monitor movement of patients, escort and transport to internal activities or appointments, and conduct unit and room searches.
• Check windows, doors, and locking mechanisms to minimize escape risk.
• Perform monthly safety inspections and identify safety violations, working with the treatment team to take corrective action.
• Use verbal de‑escalation, CTI and other intervention skills to manage crisis situations.
• Actively use effective communication skills and maintain a therapeutic environment.

• Promote a safer, therapeutic environment and manage actual assaults and crisis situations.
• Follow policies and program procedures; establish rapport with patients and communicate effectively.
• Support CMHHIP initiatives related to patient programming and crisis intervention.
• Monitor visitation and ensure adherence to hospital policies.
• Assist with daily unit functions, behavior plans, and provide safety presence in common areas.
• Provide 1:1 coverage and escort patients to recreation, treatment groups, canteen, library, and meals.

• Document observations of patient behavior and response to treatment.
• Maintain accurate unit activity records in the CMHHIP electronic patient records system.
• Complete incident reports for all known or suspected incidents of abuse as required by statutes.

• Demonstrate a healthy, positive and respectful cultural climate throughout the facility.
• Communicate professionally with internal and external customers, residents and staff.
• Adhere to the CDHS Code of Conduct, CMHHIP policies, and prevailing legal standards.
• Complete all required training and participate in monthly drills.

• Attend and complete all assigned CMHHIP/CDHS training and testing.
• Participate in monthly drills and other required trainings.
• Perform any other duties that may arise to meet unit needs.

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).

• College education (preferably 2 years or more) in behavioral health or juvenile justice.
• Experience facilitating psycho educational groups or working with trauma populations.
• Experience in high‑security locked environment.
• Experience with verbal de‑escalation and motivational techniques.
• Experience with patients who suffer from mental illness.

• No remote option. Must report to the assigned duty location immediately when required.
• Full background check, including FBI, CBI, Colorado Court Database, Medicare Fraud Database, TRAILS Database and CAPS check.
• Work various shifts and provide emergency services without interruption.
• 2‑step TB screening required of all new employees.
• Physical requirements:
  
  perform CTI & CPR, lift arms above head, kick, spiral body rotations, bystander containment, and maintain agility and strength.
• Annual influenza vaccination.
• Travel may be required.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive work environments. We provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected status.

CDHS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the ADA.

Entry level

Full‑time

Health Care Provider – Government Administration