Employment First Specialist (HCT III) - Grand Junction Regional Center Western Slope

Department Information

Description of Job

The Employment First Specialist is responsible for providing individualized employment support services to residents with developmental disabilities, with the goal of securing and sustaining competitive, integrated employment. This role includes job coaching, skills training, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement vocational plans tailored to each individual’s strengths and interests. The specialist ensures a safe, supportive work environment while promoting independence, dignity, and community inclusion.

Additionally, as an Employment First Specialist, you can expect to:

• Deliver individualized job coaching and skills training to residents with developmental disabilities at community-based work sites
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to assess residents’ vocational interests, strengths, and support needs
• Develop and implement formal and informal employment plans aligned with each resident’s Service Plan (SP)
• Modify job tasks and environments as needed to promote independence and job success
• Track and document all service hours, support activities, and progress using designated data systems (e.g., Therap)
• Maintain ongoing communication with employers to ensure satisfaction and address any concerns related to resident performance
• Promote gradual worker independence by reducing on-site support as appropriate
• Provide transportation or support in learning transportation skills as needed for job access
• Assist with behavior management, medication administration, and personal care during job support hours when necessary
• Uphold safety, dignity, and rights of all residents at job sites, intervening when necessary to prevent harm

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)

• Two (2) years of experience in an occupational field related to working to the work assigned, such as working with a population with intellectual and developmental disabilities

• Dependable, adaptable, and responsible

• Full background check: 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) and reference check required
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
• Motor Vehicle Check, if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an ongoing 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 a 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.
• Travel – Drive state car, van, or bussette to various group homes, programming, admin & in community
• TB test is required, requires Influenza and other vaccines as required by state and facility; must be 18 years or older.
• Pre-employment Physical/Tests – Exert up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
  • Disclose that information on the application.
  • Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
  • Provide your employee number from your 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.

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
  • Relevant years of state service experience.

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."

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from an eSkills Test.

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.

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).

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.
• You can find the official appeal form here (Download PDF reader).
• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:
  • By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), 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.

• 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.

Supplemental Information

• How to apply to the State of Colorado(YouTube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)
• The Assessment Process
• For additional recruiting questions, please contact natasha.story@state.co.us

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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.