Program Assistant II

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

About the Department

The Civil and Forensic Mental Health (CFMH) division within the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) operates two state inpatient acute-care psychiatric hospitals, Forensic Services, Mental Health Transitional Living Homes, an Adolescent Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF), and supporting units such as financial services, information management, Medicare/Medicaid and HIPAA compliance, hospital safety and security, and the CMHIP police. This position supports the Outpatient Services program, assisting individuals transitioning from county jails and state mental health institutes (CMHHIP and CMHHIFL) to private hospital locations for inpatient Civil Commitment.

About the Role

This is a remote position based out of your home address, with required travel for in-person meetings primarily in the Denver-metro area. Working arrangements are subject to change.

Responsibilities

• Provide program assistance and technical support for the Civil Conversion Program, including its director and staff.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of plans and procedures to meet departmental deadlines and goals through policy assessment, technical support, problem-solving, and effectiveness evaluation.
• Create and maintain databases and organizational systems for secure storage, tracking, and HIPAA compliance, including file retention, shared drive management, and staff/leadership schedule support.
• Synthesize data into management reports for program logistics and barrier variables.
• Serve as the department liaison for other programs, leadership, and staff.
• Complete eClearance and PAFs (Personnel Action Forms) for the department.
• Complete required training to guide management and staff on documentation and process needs.
• Collaborate with human resources and labor relations to support position postings, applicant materials, interviews, hiring, onboarding, and off-boarding processes.
• Coordinate applicant interviews, store application and interview information, and manage new employee orientation.
• Assist in new employee onboarding, including information sharing, hospital orientation, office supply coordination, and serving as a liaison for administrative issues.
• Maintain confidential record-keeping systems for employee licensing requirements and ensure timely submission of annual verification (e.g., licensure, outside employment).
• Maintain secure and compliant supervisory files for the program director.
• Perform designated timekeeping duties within the Division's system.
• Support scheduling, direction, and collaboration to connect clients to care, including phone, video, or in-person contact with clients, care providers, or evaluators.
• Provide administrative support and compassion for clients experiencing acute mental health symptoms.
• Travel as needed for on-site meetings and on-location activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including notary services, cross-training for Clinical Services administration, and general program support.

Requirements

• Five (5) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience equal to five (5) years may substitute for the experience requirement.
• Full background check and reference check required.
• State of Colorado residency at the time of application and throughout employment.
• TB testing, annual influenza, and other required vaccines or testing as mandated by the State of Colorado.
• May require in-state travel to Denver, CMHHIFL, CMHHIP, and contract hospital locations.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose this information on the application and provide an explanation and prior employee number.

Preferred Qualifications

• Healthcare and/or behavioral health experience.
• Project management experience.
• Highly detail-oriented with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience with technical systems, including Google Workspace and Microsoft products.
• Relevant years of state service experience.

Benefits

• Strong, secure, and flexible retirement benefits, including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Medical and dental health plans.
• Employer-supplemented Health Savings Account.
• Paid life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave.
• Employee Wellness program.
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules and training.
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions.
• Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Values

• People-first approach: Prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of individuals, families, and communities served.
• Balance creates quality of life: Support a resilient workplace through flexibility, health, wellness, and employee engagement.
• Accountability: Take responsibility for actions, programs, and results in health and human services.
• Transparency: Maintain openness and honesty with employees, partners, and the public.
• Ethics: Do what is right, not just what is easy, for those served.
• Collaboration: Work together to achieve shared goals.