Description of Job

• provides evaluation, direct treatment, behavioral planning and support to unit treatment programming, either while assigned to a specific unit, or on a case by case referral-based model or both, within the guidance of CMHHIP policies and procedure and practice standards. This position
• provides scheduled, structured treatment to include group and individual therapy within the context of specialized treatment programs such as Trauma Informed Care, Addictions Counseling, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Functional Behavior Analysis & Programming, or other treatment modalities found to be efficacious with patients with serious mental illness. Referrals may be for consultation and recommendations or may require longer-term interventions performed by this position
• performs relevant evaluation and individual/group treatment for the purpose of increasing emotional regulation, coping skills, and behavior regulation
• reviews the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) utilized on the unit to provide incentives for active treatment participation and to develop socially effective behavior
• provide psychoeducation to patients, their families and staff as needed
• offers assessment, recommendations and crisis intervention and support to patients referred for in acute distress.
  
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure comprehensive care for patients
• develop and implement effective treatment plans (IPOC) that align with patients' unique needs and goals, while considering their cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
• participate in the Plan of Care (POC) process to provide interventions as required for all referred services
• provide evidence-based individual therapy to patients, utilizing various therapeutic approaches tailored to their specific needs and goals
• nterventions are modeled to meet the patient’s needs consistent with the referral and the patient’s current needs.
• regularly evaluates and monitors patients' progress throughout the treatment process, adjusting interventions as needed
• facilitate group therapy sessions when necessary, fostering a supportive and therapeutic environment
• coaches, models interventions, and provides therapeutic coverage as needed to help maintain treatment fidelity and effectiveness in adherence with hospital policy
• models the philosophy and treatment interventions as outlined in the Recovery Model and Motivational Interviewing principles
• provides structured and unstructured treatment/behavioral coaching as needed in impromptu situations
• provides consultation or updates to treatment team members regarding the patient’s progress
• adheres to ethical guidelines and maintains confidentiality in all interactions with patients. Practices thorough and accurate documentation in compliance with ethical and legal standards
• timely documentation of progress notes addressing the patient treatment plan, individual or group services provided, patient progress, and assessments/evaluations within the electronic health record (BEHR)
• progress notes document the planning and implementation of the chosen course of treatment
• maintains current knowledge of HIPAA requirements and adheres to all privacy and confidentiality of patient records
• expected to adhere to a set work schedule and to integrate patient treatment within the larger unit schedule

• Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments to evaluate patients' emotional, cognitive, and behavioral concerns. These assessments/evaluations may include: Psychological Assessment, Neuro-psychological screenings/testing, Risk Assessments and/or Suicide Risk Assessments, Behavioral Assessments, Completes assigned assessments per MD/PA/NP referrals.
• provides feedback to the patient and clinical team members after assessment completed and instructs in appropriate treatment interventions based on findings
• accurately diagnose and participate in the formulation of treatment plans based on psychological assessments and clinical interviews
• if required, prepare and deliver to courts, via expert testimony, professional opinion regarding diagnosis and treatment progress of patients under care, specific to role as treatment provider
• Complete any written report required by the court to integrate findings and recommendations
• Provide specific treatment information regarding patient progress and/or report findings of assessments/evaluations within the context of expertise and professional standin
• Maintain statistical and research knowledge of specific treatment modalities utilized and or evaluation instruments
• Maintain legal knowledge sufficient to provide testimony within a court setting
• Communicate findings clearly and succinctly
• Must maintain a thorough understanding of the HIPAA requirements for any reports or testimony asked for by the court. The Colorado Assistant Attorneys General are available for consultation
• Court officials frequently question skills and knowledge and this position must be ready to answer questions appropriately. It is important for the psychologist to participate in training and support to provide expert testimony. This position must consider consultation with the Assistant Attorney General for guidance on the appropriateness of planned testimony prior to the court appearance

• expected to participate in department and CMHHIP committees and meetings as assigned. It is expected for this position to model and reinforce effective interpersonal skills
• Attends routine Psychology Department meetings, and based upon position may attend various meetings or participate on committees to represent the psychology department
• Attends and participates in Morning Report, Temporary Physical Removals (TPR’s) and Clinical Team Meetings as appropriate
• Establish or utilize appropriate team meetings to provide clinical education/case consultation on difficult to treat patients
• may provide professional development opportunities for direct care staff, such as nursing or other mental health providers within the context of specific CMHHIP and program needs
• assist in helping other professionals understand and integrate the complexity of patient needs, particularly in the treatment of mental illness and restoration
• assist direct care and mental health care staff in identifying barriers to good treatment
• assist in helping teams identify “turf” issues and increase communication, collaboration, and cooperation
• maintain ongoing continuing education requirements for professional licensure

• other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications

Current, valid licensure as a Psychologist from the Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners

One (1) year of experience as a licensed psychologist or permitted psychologist candidate

• Experience working in a clinical or psychiatric healthcare setting
• Specialization in a specific area of clinical psychology (e.g., adolescent or gerontological psychology, trauma therapy, neuropsychology)
• Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based therapeutic techniques
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Cultural competence and sensitivity in working with diverse populations
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and ethical practice

• CBI Name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference check, Professional License verification (licensure requirement), PREA (Division of Youth Services), Trails check, CAPS
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. Driver's License
• May require extensive travel between offices, Colorado Mental Hospital in Pueblo and Fort Logan, and various detention facilities.
• Pre-Employment Physical-TB Test
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must (1) disclose that information on the application (2) provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position, (3) provide the employee number from the applicant’s prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

Supplemental Information

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan www.copera.org 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
• BenefitHub state employee discount program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training, and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

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  Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more

We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.

Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.

ADAA Accommodations: CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at cdhs_ada@state.co.us or call 1-800-929-0791.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~