Investigative Monitoring Specialist - Social Services Specialist IV

About the Department

The position is located in the Division of Child Welfare, Provider Services Unit, Provider Performance Team. The Division is responsible for the ongoing implementation of child welfare services in Colorado and supervises county departments of human/social services in the administration of Child Welfare programs, as well as privately operated
24-hour care facilities. The Provider Services Unit exists to license, manage, supervise and provide statewide oversight for privately operated 24-hour childcare facilities and agencies, to include residential child care facilities (RCCF), respite child care centers (RCCC), qualified residential treatment programs (QRTP), secure residential treatment centers (SRTC), psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF), homeless youth shelters (HYS), specialized group homes and centers (SGF), child placement agencies (CPA), adoption agencies, and day treatment facilities (DT) across the State of Colorado. The goals of the unit are to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the youth served in those facilities. The work unit is responsible for comprehensive integrated (Interagency) licensing and monitoring of the 24-hour childcare facilities and to audit and investigate reports/allegations involving licensing violations, determine facility or agency culpability, and to ensure the safety of children placed or receiving services with providers.

Position Duties

This position is deemed 100% Remote Work.

Oversees 24-hour facilities and agencies licensed under the Division of Child Welfare; more specifically, this position serves as an Investigative Monitoring Specialist and is responsible to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children and youth placed in 24-hour care facilities and educational settings, more specifically, residential child care facilities, respite child care centers, day treatment facilities, homeless youth shelters, secure residential treatment centers, qualified child placement agencies, and specialized group facilities and foster home certifications. Ensures ongoing compliance in comparison to related regulations and statutes, with the regulations specific to the license type, through investigations; completes and issues Reports of Inspections to the licensed providers and determines compliance through corrective responses, as well as continued observations and reviews; creates and enforces corrective actions, as deemed appropriate and based on investigations completed. Provides technical assistance and program improvement recommendations to agencies/facilities and works in collaboration with related stakeholders. This position is designated as remote and is 100% home based. This position is recognized as a staff authority and subject matter expert specific to the Investigative Monitoring Team with regard to the data and finance structure for agencies and facilities that are licensed by the Provider Services Unit within the Division of Child Welfare.

**This position will serve as the Staff Authority (Subject Matter Expert) specific to the Investigative Monitoring Team concerning child placement agencies (CPAs) licensed by the Provider Services Unit within the Division of Child Welfare. This position is the subject matter expert with regard to CPAs and the rules and regulations pertaining to such agencies licensed as such. This position is recognized as a staff authority and subject matter expert with regard to the family foster homes certified within such agencies, to include an expert knowledge of recruitment and retention of foster families, trauma-informed practices within foster homes, and the unique needs and expectations of such foster homes. This position requires expert knowledge of the statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to child placement agencies and family foster homes, and being up-to-date on best practices in the field of foster care.**

Summary of Job Duties:

Investigates Compliance of Agencies & Facilities and Provides Technical Assistance - This position is responsible for having a strong knowledge base and understanding of the application of Volume 7 regulations (12 CCR 2509-8), Title 24, Title 26. This position investigates and ensures ongoing compliance, in accordance with regulations and statutes, as they relate to licensed agencies and facilities providing out-of-home care and/or educational services.  This position is ultimately tasked with determining agency/ facility culpability as it relates to incidents that have occurred within the agency,  facility,  or foster home.   Using their knowledge base, this position will specifically assess content received through various means, such as critical incident reporting, policies and procedures created by the provider, staff files, children/ youth files, foster parent files, hotline referrals, referral assessments, and all other related documentation that is accessible to the Department- to determine if there are compliance issues related to the information being reported and observed.  Other means used during investigations include, but are not limited to, interviewing foster parents, agency/ facility staff, placing authorities, county personnel, guardians ad litem, legal guardians, parents, youth, children, and others that may be related to the case and/or incident.  This position is responsible for investigating, interviewing, and evaluating programs on topics such as (but not limited to):  policies and procedures, board notes, restraints/seclusions,  behavior management and discipline, client rights, medication administration, educational activities, community activities, recreational activities, treatment, and services to be/ being provided, and site compliance. Additionally, this position is responsible to ensure compliance by determining if staff and care providers are supervised and trained according to their individual needs and the needs of the youth, assessing treatment planning, observing the milieu, assessing the quality of home study evaluations, assessing behavioral interventions utilized by facilities, and examining financial documentation to ensure the stability of agencies and facilities and that the basic needs of the youth are being met.  This position is relied upon to be the regulatory authority for interpreting Volume 7 regulations while monitoring and investigating their assigned providers. This position may be asked to assist other Licensing and or/or Investigative Monitoring Specialists on scheduled licensing or monitoring visits. This position is responsible for collaborating with and partnering with the assigned Licensing Specialist when there is an opportunity to work together with the agency/ facility

Completes Reports of Inspection for Investigations  - This position is responsible for regularly conducting Stage II Investigations, Complaint Investigations, Critical Incident Report Investigations,  and other relevant investigations to determine agency/ facility culpability and compliance with Volume 7 regulations and related statutes for providers assigned on their caseload. Once the investigation is complete, this position is responsible for completing a timely Report of Inspection (ROI). The ROI’s contains information related to the allegations, a narrative of the visit, the technical assistance that was provided to ensure compliance, and whether the allegations were confirmed/ unconfirmed (for Complaints) or founded/ unfounded (for Stage II’s). This position is responsible for ensuring that the ROI addresses whether there is identified agency/ facility culpability (violations) and if not, the Specialist is responsible for explaining how they came to their conclusion that there were no identified violations. This position must provide information about the specific technical assistance that was provided throughout the visit and afterward if follow-up is required.  This position is also responsible for documenting that the violations were communicated and reviewed with the agency/ facility staff, so they have an understanding of how they need to come into compliance with the related regulations and/or statute violations. This position is responsible for completing ROI’s for all visits, in person, while out at the facility, to include the technical assistance being provided. This position is responsible for reviewing responses to ensure the agency/ facility has come into compliance with the violations identified.  If this position determines the response is unacceptable to the Department’s standards, this position is responsible for reissuing the ROI and providing additional technical assistance until the agency/ facility comes into compliance with the identified violation(s)

Stakeholder Involvement - This position is responsible for participating in the development and implementation of integrated and consistent monitoring protocols within the Division of Child Welfare.  This position will often interact with internal and external stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the County Departments of Human Services, the Administrative Review Division, the Behavioral Health Administration, the Division of Youth Services, and the Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration. Additionally, this position will consult,  as necessary,  with other government agencies as they relate to licensed providers, such as the Department of Public Health and Environment, the Department of Education, the Colorado Department of Public Safety, the Department of Regulatory Agencies, Health Care Policy and Finance, and the Office of Management Improvement.  This position is responsible for representing the Department in accordance with its mission and values, while also upholding strong ethical values. This position will make recommendations to management with regard to the development, testing, and refining of the review/ investigation process.  This position will make recommendations to Volume 7 rule revisions to reflect current practice and statute changes as they relate to the responsibilities of an Investigative Monitoring Specialist. This position is relied on to be the expert opinion on how Volume 7 regulations are interpreted and implemented while working directly with their assigned providers. This position,  in accordance with their staff authority responsibilities, may also work with other stakeholders involved with licensed agencies/facilities to make recommendations to improve provider performance and to assure children’s health, safety, and well-being. 

Corrective Action - This position will compile and interpret data on patterns of provider deficiencies or gross incidents of non-compliance with Volume 7 regulations and related statutes, based on prior investigations and subsequent reports of inspection, in order to recommend when adverse licensing actions are warranted. This position will advise management on the action steps necessary to rectify ongoing concerns and violations at the agency/ facility. This position will provide documentation and testimony in related court hearings. This position will partner with the assigned Licensing Specialist to collaborate, provide follow-up to the provider, and increase on-site monthly monitoring visits (and sometimes more frequent) until the provider deficiencies are resolved and abuse/neglect or other safety concerns are alleviated.  

Other Duties as Assigned - All other duties as assigned by leadership within the Division of Child Welfare.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience Only:

Seven (7) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

OR

Education and Experience: 

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to seven (7) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work, Childhood Development, Sociology, or a closely related field of study.

• Preferred candidates will have either public or private sector experience related to Child Welfare, such as residential, educational, casework,  and/or child placement agency experience.

• Knowledge of Volume 7 licensing regulations and statutes.

• Skills with interpreting and enforcing regulations.

• Ability to establish collaborative partnerships and effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external customers and diverse public and private stakeholders.

• Experience in completing investigations.

• Skills in interviewing children and adolescents, including those with complex-traumatic backgrounds.

• Outstanding skills and abilities in verbal and written communication, and report writing.

• In-depth knowledge of Child Placement Agencies and the regulations about this license type.

• Experience working with foster families, including traditional, kinship, therapeutic, and treatment foster homes, to include recruitment and retention practices with these families.

Conditions of Employment

• Full Background  CDHS employees (all Direct contact with vulnerable persons): CBI name check and fingerprint check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference Checks, Professional License verification (licensure requirements), Drug Screen, PREA (Division of Youth Services), Trails check (direct contact with children), CAPS (direct contact with adults – Mental Health Institutes, Regional Centers, Veterans Community Living Centers)
• Travel – This position currently works 100% percent remotely from home and will be required to use a personal vehicle for frequent travel to the CDHS office, assigned agencies/facilities, and other identified locations for the purpose of related primary job duties as assigned. This position may be required to complete overnight travel and infrequent extended travel within the State of Colorado. Auto insurance is also required
• Current, valid, and unrestricted Colorado Driver’s License
• Other –  This position is designated as remote.  Employees must maintain a home office, internet, and possibly phone service. 
• 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, and (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.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements. 

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:

  • Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process 

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.  You must complete the official State of Colorado online application.  Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process.  Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review 

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing. 

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent that you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. 

If listed, answer all supplemental questions, as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.     

Supplemental Questions 

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated.  You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.  

• You can find the official appeal form here. 

• You must deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

  • By email ([email protected]), or

  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or 

  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203), or

  • Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

•  Refer to the  Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules, and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

Other Qualifications

How to Apply

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact [email protected]

About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a 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

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• 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.

ADA Accommodations

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for 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. 

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing 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 [email protected].

EEO Statement

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.  The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support