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Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) - Clinical Therapist II

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Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) - Clinical Therapist II

Salary

$49,728.00 - $69,612.00 Annually

Location

Denver, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

IIC-02489 12/11/2025

Department

Colorado Department of Human Services

Division

OBH - CMHIFL

Opening Date

12/11/2025

Closing Date

1/9/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Type of Announcement

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Primary Physical Work Address

3520 W Oxford Ave

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

[email protected]

Salary Note

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Department Information

Open to Colorado Residents only.

You are required to work at your assigned work location during your scheduled work times.

Please note: Work arrangements are subject to change at any time.

About Fort Logan

Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan (CMHHIFL) is one of two state hospitals serving our community. The vision of CMHHIFL is to provide the highest quality mental health services to persons with complex, serious, and persistent mental health illnesses within the resources available. Our mission is to support those individuals in achieving their recovery goals and reaching their full potential. CMHHIFL provides inpatient treatment to adult patients, generally between the ages of 18-49. The hospital has 94 adult civil inpatient beds, and over four civil treatment units, two forensic units, 44 beds total, are dedicated to providing psychiatric stabilization and restoration treatment to individuals who opined incompetent to proceed as a result of their mental illness. Medical services, o ccupational therapy, neuropsychological-rehabilitation services, and trauma-informed care services are available for all patients throughout the hospital.

Through our core values, CMHHIFL staff is committed to:

+ Individual dignity and respect

+ Person-centered, evidence-based care

+ Trauma-informed recovery

+ Multidisciplinary collaboration

+ Diversity and inclusion

+ Strong family and community partnerships

Description of Job

About this job:

This Clinical Therapist II position exists to provide recreation therapy services using patient centered, discipline specific processes that include evaluation, treatment, and outcomes. The CTRS provides therapeutic recreation with required shared programming responsibilities across teams. Direct care services are primarily provided through therapeutic groups, specialized assessments, individual sessions, and community outings when indicated. The therapist applies recreation therapy theories, practices, assessment, and treatment in a multi-disciplinary manner to inform treatment planning and recovery. The therapist documents services, maintains equipment, maintains facilities, budgets for supplies and equipment, engages in risk management as assigned, engages in formal and informal quality and performance improvement activities, and provides intern supervision when appropriate (e.g., group leadership, assessment administration, EHR documentation). In addition to assisting with streamlining TR service delivery, the Clinical Therapist II position participates in Therapeutic Activity Department events, and treatment unit and hospital-wide functions, as well as occasional patient support needs; examples may include multi-unit seasonal events such as a fall festival, hospital-supported committee membership, and transportation assistance for a patient’s discharge from the hospital.

Other duties include:

Treatment Implementation:

+ Treatment implementation is conducted according to CMHH-FL and Therapeutic Activities (TA) department procedures, standards of practice, and ethics to ensure treatment quality, safety, and effectiveness.

+ Utilizes hospital approved low level and crisis management techniques across teams. Treatment is reviewed, changed, modified, or terminated based on patient response to treatment or significant change in the patient’s functioning.

+ May provide group and individual treatment, as well as community outings when clinically indicated throughout the week.

+ Must possess and maintain a valid U.S. Driver’s License if you are using a state vehicle.

Assessment and Treatment Planning:

+ From the initial assessment, a brief interview with the patient and/or staff, and/or other means of gathering patient-centered information, the CTRS determines approved interventions to meet immediate adult inpatient treatment needs and encourages utilization of therapeutic recreation concepts in the patient’s recovery. Further TR assessment (upon referral) develops specific treatment interventions to meet individualized treatment needs not addressed by the overall program.

+ Collaborates in a multi-disciplinary manner for inclusion in the patient’s care planning. This includes receiving patient referrals from across the treatment team and referring patients to other disciplines. Treatment goals and objectives are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time specific (SMART goals).

Documentation:

+ Uses the behavioral health electronic medical records system (e.g., BEHR) to document patient responses to therapeutic care. This includes progress and outcomes to assessments, re-assessments, and treatment and discharge planning.

+ Documentation is completed according to hospital and Therapeutic Activities department policies and procedures, and national standards of practice.

+ Documentation must be individualized, capture each individual's progress, and be directly linked to specific treatment goals and interventions.

Training/Education Competencies and Responsibilities:

+ Maintains current skills, remains informed of best practices, retains and gains knowledge and competencies in the treatment of persons with mental illness.

+ This includes commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) aspects and cultural issues, psychiatrically and holistically sound treatment and risk interventions, trauma informed approaches, and TR treatment techniques.

+ Required to maintain current TR certification (i.e., CTRS credential), as well as complete other hospital and/or TA Department continuing education requirements.

+ Attends TA Department meetings, treatment team meetings, and represents the TA Department on hospital committees or task forces to foster inter-departmental communication and collaboration to achieve the Hospital’s mission.

+ Engages in prioritizing patient care needs, such as providing treatment when a colleague is absent (e.g., sick call).

+ Collaborates in supervision to improve Recreation Therapy services and may provide intern supervision as assigned.

+ Provides rotating support of the Hospital’s Rec Room for drop-in patient care opportunities and assists in the development and implementation of TA Department-sponsored events.

Other Duties as Assigned:

+ Other duties as assigned include hospital-wide ad hoc activities, milieu support, etc.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only:

Five (5) 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 Rec Therapy, Art Therapy, and/or Dance/Movement Therapy related to the work assigned to this position equal to five (5) years

Special Qualifications:

+ CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) certification from NCTRC (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification) or equivalent certification for specialty area (Music Therapy, Art Therapy, or Dance/Movement Therapy). Must obtain certification as a CTRS before hire.

+ Due to the population served at this facility, incumbents of this position must be at least 21 years of age

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Certification/Licensure within discipline (e.g. CTRS for Rec Therapist)

+ Bachelor’s Degree minimum within discipline (e.g. Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Therapy)

+ Previous state experience

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

+ Full background check and reference check required

+ Motor Vehicle Check , if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an on-going capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.

+ Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License or an non-restricted U.S. Driver's License for positions within 30 miles of the CO state border

+ Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.

+ May transport patients safely from different areas on or off campus

+ Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

+ Disclose that information on the application.

+ Provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position.

+ 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.

+ Must successfully pass a 2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening

+ Influenza vaccination and other vaccinations as required by the State of Colorado

+ This position will be paid biweekly.

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. 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 a review and rating of all the information you submit.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which 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 (https://spb.colorado.gov/) website.

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

+ You can find the official appeal form here (https://spb.colorado.gov/sites/spb/files/documents/Consolidated%20Appeal%20-%20Form%20-%202025.pdf) .

+ You must be 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 (https://spb.colorado.gov/board-rules) webpage.

Supplemental Information

+ How to apply to the State of Colorado (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKuwGdPpOW0) (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

+ The Assessment Process (https://cdhs.colorado.gov/information-for-job-applicants#assessment-process)

+ For Statewide Hiring Freeze NON-EXEMPTED position ONLY :

+ This job offer is contingent upon funding availability from all sources, including state and federal (if applicable), to start or continue.

+ 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 (https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs) (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 (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/medical-benefits) and dental (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/dental-insurance) health plans

+ Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

+ Paid life insurance

+ Short- and long-term disability coverage (https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-employee-benefits/disability-insurance)

+ 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

+ State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center (https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/app/home)

+ 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 (https://dhr.colorado.gov/dhr-resources/student-loan-forgiveness-programs) .

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 offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.

+ This information is available to me and I have read this information.

+ I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)

02

Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application? If not, please update your information before submitting your application.

+ Yes

+ No

03

If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Failure to provide this requested information may render your application incomplete, and you may no longer be considered for the position.

04

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.

05

What clinical settings have you worked in and how have these settings informed your approach to working with patients?

06

Please discuss the patient populations (diagnoses, age, limitations, etc.) you’ve worked with and provide a case example that highlights your clinical approach

07

Please describe any special trainings/certifications you have obtained within your discipline and how you’ve applied them in your work

Required Question

Employer

State of Colorado

Address

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Website

https://careers.colorado.gov/

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