Child and Family Services Administrative Reviewer

Department Overview

This opportunity is exclusively available to residents of Colorado. The Administrative Review Division (ARD) under the Colorado Department of Human Services operates independently to ensure safety and progress for children and vulnerable adults. ARD functions as a neutral party by facilitating reviews, analyzing data, publishing research, and delivering training to improve policies and practices affecting child welfare and adult protective services.

ARD administers quality assurance and improvement programs mandated federally, overseeing case reviews and quality evaluations for child welfare and adult protective services across Colorado counties.

Role Summary

This hybrid position requires remote work combined with regular travel within the Denver metro area, with a home office located within 20 miles of the Department of Human Services in Denver. Preferred candidates reside in specific Denver metro counties accessible via major highways to support frequent county visits and occasional overnight stays.

The role involves conducting comprehensive independent reviews of child welfare and youth services cases including administrative, court-ordered, quality assurance, and eligibility reviews designed to ensure compliance with state and federal standards and optimize federal funding.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform periodic administrative and permanency reviews for children in care, analyzing case files and interviews to assess compliance with relevant regulations.
• Conduct child welfare assessments, in-home services reviews, and participate in Child and Family Services reviews involving multiple counties.
• Provide case-specific technical assistance and training to counties, regions, courts, and state programs to resolve systemic issues and enhance practice.
• Oversee review scheduling within assigned counties, coordinating staff and resources to meet federal review timelines.
• Manage travel requirements including daily visits to counties and approximately 6-8 overnight stays each month.

Required Qualifications

• Six years of relevant experience related to child or youth services, including at least two years conducting abuse/neglect investigations or supervising caseworkers.
• At least two years of experience in permanency casework and assessment intake.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Volume VII regulations, Colorado Children's Code, and child welfare processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year experience with Colorado Trails or similar SACWIS systems.
• Intermediate computer skills for data entry, reporting, and communication.
• Three to five years experience conducting abuse and neglect investigations or supervising services preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field strongly favored.
• Certification through Child Welfare Training Academy and experience training caseworkers.
• Exceptional communication and training skills employing adult learning principles.
• Residence preferred within certain Denver metro counties to facilitate travel.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Expertise in federal and state laws applicable to administrative reviews.
• Ability to provide technical training regarding federal mandates to secure maximum funding compliance.
• Experienced in conducting court-substituting reviews and collaboration with counties on combined review processes.
• Strong skills in scheduling, conflict resolution, data analysis, and effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to set priorities, plan workloads, and build consensus through negotiation.

Employment Conditions

• Successful background and reference checks required.
• Must be a Colorado resident throughout employment.
• Maintain a home office with reliable internet and a valid Colorado driver’s license.
• Work primarily from assigned home office, county departments, and other facilities as business needs dictate.
• Frequent travel within Denver metro area required, with occasional trips to rural counties.