Clinical Safety Specialist - CMHHIP

Clinical Safety Specialist I – Full Time

Department: Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP)

Eligibility: Open to Colorado state residents only.

Location: No remote option; duty location within 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. It responds to crisis situations, assists with documenting incidents related to safety violations, works with treatment teams and clinical staff to maintain a therapeutic environment. The role also performs environmental safety checks, on‑unit and campus transports, and monitors patient movement.

• Provide safety and supervision of adjudicated/pre‑adjudicated patients in locked/unlocked settings.
• Supervise safety of staff, locations, mobility and continual observation of patients.
• Provide immediate intervention in crisis situations, including verbal and physical de‑escalation.
• Exercise sound judgment and emotional control when evaluating risks.
• Participate in defusing and debriefing of incidents.
• Use effective communication, Verbal Defense Intervention, and Continuum of Therapeutic Intervention (CTI) skills.
• Monitor patient movement within the unit or building.
• Escort and transport to internal and external appointments as approved.
• Conduct unit and room searches, including property and area checks.
• Check windows, doors, and locking mechanisms to minimize escape risk.
• Perform monthly safety inspections of assigned clinical units.
• Identify and address safety violations, working with the treatment team to correct hazards.
• Complete scheduled safety searches and inspections.

• Promote a safer, therapeutic environment and act as a deterrent to assaults.
• Follow policies and program procedures with positive engagement.
• Establish rapport, overcome resistance, and communicate effectively in stable and unsettled circumstances.
• Support CMHHIP initiatives related to patient programming and crisis intervention.
• Objectively monitor, record patient behaviors, and intervene per program standards.
• Monitor visitation, ensuring adherence to hospital policies.
• Follow daily program schedules and standard protocols.
• Implement, monitor, and document behaviors per written program/behavior plan.
• Recommend program modifications to supervisors and clinical staff.
• Facilitate cleaning of pods/rooms and inspect per daily schedule.
• Escort patients to recreation, treatment groups, canteen, library, and meals as scheduled.
• Meet with the treatment team to discuss programming issues.
• Provide safety presence in common areas.
• Respond to crisis situations and assist staff in regaining control of hostile incidents.
• Assist with daily unit functions: wellness checks, shower checks, escorts, behavior plans, and milieu safety.
• Provide and assist with 1:1 coverage when needed.

• Document observations of patient behavior and treatment responses.
• Record all unit activities and relevant information in accordance with policy.
• Ensure validity and continuity in the CMHHIP electronic patient records system.
• Report and complete incident reports for abuse incidents as mandatory reporters.

• Demonstrate a healthy, positive, respectful cultural climate in all communications.
• Communicate professionally with customers, staff, and co‑workers with respect and dignity.
• Adhere to CDHS Code of Conduct and all CMHHIP/nursing policies.
• Follow prevailing legal standards and CDHS policies.
• Maintain compliance with CDHS scheduling, time‑keeping, and leave practices.
• Perform continuous clinical safety and security duties.

• Attend and complete all assigned CMHHIP/CDHS training and testing.
• Maintain all mandatory training per CDHS/CMHHIP policy.
• Participate in monthly drills.

• Perform any other duties that may arise to meet unit or department needs.

• High school diploma or GED.

• None.

• College education (preferably 2 years or more) in behavioral health and/or juvenile justice related field.
• Experience…