Education Assessment Specialist (Special Education Teacher) – Mount View Youth Services Center

Department Information

This position is open only to Colorado state residents.

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies at the locations below.

Division of Youth Services – Mount View Youth Services Center

About the Division of Youth Services: The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides a continuum of residential and non-residential services that encompass juvenile detention, commitment, and parole. DYS is the agency statutorily mandated to provide for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Division operates fifteen secure facilities that serve youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced, or committed. The Division also contracts with numerous private residential and non-residential service providers throughout the State. For pre-adjudicated youth, the Division is also responsible for the management and oversight of Colorado Youth Detention Continuum, a State-funded, locally administered program that provides services to youth at risk of further progressing into the juvenile justice system. In addition to residential programming, the Division administers juvenile parole services throughout the State.

We invite you to explore the DYS website and learn about the services provided to youth, families, and local communities in the State of Colorado at: https://www.colorado.gov/cdhs/dys

Description of Job

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

Typical Schedule: M-F, 7am start

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

About the Work Unit:

• The work unit exists to provide diagnostic/assessment services to committed youth as dictated by statute (CRS 19-2-704), in order to assist in the determination of the appropriate security level, needs and services of the youth, and provide services with treatment programming as needed.

About the Position:

• This position exists to administer achievement, vocational, transitional, and other appropriate education assessments (i.e. adaptive and behavioral) to committed youth, to analyze and interpret results and to provide a written report with recommendations; and to serve as the education representative on the assessment/education team. Acts as Special Education Teacher in reviewing IEP needs, holding appropriate Special Education staffing and representing education at Multidisciplinary Team meetings, and providing supports and services as determined by the business needs of the Division. This position also serve as a special education teacher as required by building need while also serving as the education assessment personnel.

Summary of Job Duties:

Testing Administration:

• Administers educational, vocational, transition tests, and other tests as needed, using evidenced-based and normed tools to assess a student’s academic ability and achievement, vocational aptitude, transition needs, and language ability. Administers other tests as needed and appropriate. Collaborates with specialists regarding special needs not covered by Educational assessments. Determines which diagnostic tools to be administered.

Data Collecting, Interviewing and Education Liaison

• Obtains and reviews student files and extracts relevant information, interviews students, and may, in collaboration with the Registrar, contact former schools and employers to summarize students’ educational history for all new DYS committed youth. Develops and completes IEPs for students, for the special education process, to include meetings, determination of eligibility, annual reviews of services, transitions needs and education goals for each eligible student (i.e. Transfers, Annuals and/or Prior Written Notice & Consent to Evaluate to begin the Re-Evaluation / Special Evaluation process). IEP information, MDT results, testing results, and SASID numbers are entered into TRAILS. Information also will be uploaded to the Student Information System as required. Is the site CWEL and education liaison for multiple MDTs, family engagement, and site needs for collaboration. Will be responsible for the Body of Evidence for determining the education pathway for a youth to share with principal as well as progress monitoring. Will participate in MTSS processes. Must adhere to DYS Compliance Review standards for general education and special education.

Analyzing and Interpreting:

• Analyzes and interprets test results, integrates findings, confers with other team members, and correlates assessment components to draw meaningful diagnostic conclusions while including data-driven recommendations for instruction. Generates this data, such as test scores used in reports, and then interprets the findings to funding sources and agencies. Member of the multidisciplinary team, utilizing test results to assist in determining appropriate security level and needs for each individual. Creates and monitors multiple spreadsheets of information for youth that is updated regularly.

Professional Communication and Facility/Division Training:

• Monitor best practices, normed testing, evidence-based strategies, and current education trends. Attends scheduled meetings with Education for professional training and communication. Communicates assessment findings directly to client managers, parents, service providers, school districts, and special education personnel. Works collaboratively with all staff.

Education Services and Collaboration and other duties as assigned:

• Assist with educational services for committed youth to include the special education services in the classroom, observations and feedback for IEP documentation, transition process monitoring, directing special education teacher practice and collaborating on lesson planning and implementation, ICAP support to connect to transition, and support initiatives by the education office

Other Duties As Assigned

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Note: Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed below to continue in the selection process for this position. Work experience must be specifically documented on your application. Do not use “see resume” or “see attached” statements on your application.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to the work assignment.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position preferably in special education teaching and/or administrative experience.

License:

• Current, valid Professional Teacher license issued by the Colorado Department of Education with an endorsement in Special Education.

Substitutions:

• None

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of effective research-based instructional strategies
• Understandings of classroom-based behavioral interventions
• Able to build rapport with students while maintaining boundaries
• Experience with urban and at-risk populations
• Content area knowledge
• Team work and cross curricular collaboration
• Interpersonal Skills
• Oral Communication
• Oral Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity & Solving
• Safety and Security
• Technology enhance instruction

Preferred Qualifications:

• Dual endorsements or documentation or ability to be endorsed in multiple content areas.
• Licensure aligned to position.
• Experience with special needs populations: youth with IEPs, 504s, Multilingual backgrounds
• Experience working with at-risk or adjudicated youth
• Proficient use of data to inform instructional practices
• Leadership roles and experience
• Secondary school experience
• Trauma-Informed practices and knowledge as it applies to at risk populations and classroom instruction
• Experience with differentiated instruction; developing lessons/curriculum and providing differentiated instruction
• Project-based learning experience
• Previous State Experience

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be 21 years old or older
• Full Background: 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).
• 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 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
• Must travel to training and events in Denver area and other state facilities.
• CDE Teaching License; with and endorsement in Special Education
• Able to pass Escape and Evade training
• Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion of the DYS Pre-service Training Academy and mandatory annual training in all subject areas.
• The Diana Screen®, a sexual risk screening tool, is administered to all applicants to the Division of Youth Services (DYS) seeking positions of trust with children and teens to help ensure that ethical boundaries between children and adults are maintained. At the DYS, the safety and protection of the youth who have been entrusted to us is our #1 priority. The results of the Diana Screen will be provided to the Division of Youth Services and may be used as part of the Division’s decision on whether a candidate is selected.
• 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.

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.

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 website.

• 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.

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.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply

The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact isaac.phelps@state.co.us

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 cdhs_ada@state.co.us.

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.

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