988 Grants Specialist III

Posting number: ILA 07458 08/31/2026

Department: Colorado Department of Human Services

Division: BHA -

Job classification: Grants Specialist III

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Administration, Administrative Assistant, Clerical & Data Entry, Community Services, Health Services, Mental Health, Public Health, Social Services, Management, Human Services, Customer Service, Business, Community and Social Services, Health Care Support, Office and Administrative Support, Program Management

Summary

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

This position is open to current Colorado residents.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

This is a Term Limit Position through September 29, 2027.
Hybrid position - 2 times per week in the BHA office, based on business needs and subject to change.

Opt in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events!

CDHSCareers

Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details!

Examples of duties

About This Position:
Located within the Behavioral Health Administration work unit, pursuant to House Bill (HB) 21-1097. HB21-1097 provides that the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) was created to be a single-state entity. It was initially established under CDHS as of July 1, 2022, and provides administrative and “back-of-the-house” support as long as the BHA remains under CDHS’ purview. The BHA is a permanent entity that is responsible for leading and promoting the state’s behavioral health priorities and efforts across agencies, creating shared goals, improving collaboration, and driving accountability and transparency. The BHA provides oversight and coordinates service standards across the hundreds of behavioral health programs that currently exist under multiple state agencies and the Judicial Branch. The BHA also works to ensure the recommendations that resulted from the work of the Behavioral Health Task Force (BHTF) and multiple ancillary projects evolving out of the work of the BHTF are honored and implemented, to ensure and meet our vision of having a comprehensive, equitable, effective continuum of behavioral health services that meets the needs of all Coloradans. The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is responsible for policy development, service provision and coordination, program monitoring and evaluation, and administrative oversight of the public behavioral health system. BHA funds, supports, and monitors numerous mental health and substance abuse community programs and providers, reviews and designates the State’s 27-65 providers, and licenses substance use disorder service providers. BHA executes the State’s federal responsibilities as the State Mental Health Authority and the State Substance Abuse Authority for the purposes of administering federal mental health and substance abuse block grant funds.

Description of Job:

The 988 Grant Specialist serves as the primary grant management professional for the 988 Enterprise within the Behavioral Health Administration. This position is responsible for the fiscal administration, coordination, monitoring, and reporting of federal, state, and private grant funding that supports the operation and expansion of Colorado’s 988 Mental Health Line.

This position leads the day-to-day management of grant funded initiatives including the SAMHSA 988 grant and other external funding sources. Responsibilities include coordinating grant deliverables, tracking expenditures, ensuring fiscal and programmatic compliance, preparing required reports, coordinating invoices and reimbursement requests, and supporting audits or monitoring activities.

In addition to managing existing grants, this position actively identifies and pursues new grant opportunities that align with the strategic priorities of the 988 Enterprise. The position collaborates with leadership, program staff, and external partners to develop grant proposals and funding strategies that support crisis system development, community engagement, and innovation in behavioral health crisis response.

This position also designs and administers micro grant programs that provide funding to community based organizations and trusted messengers across Colorado to promote awareness, stigma reduction, and culturally responsive outreach related to the 988 Mental Health Line.

Through these responsibilities, the position ensures that the 988 Enterprise maintains strong fiscal stewardship of grant resources while expanding sustainable funding opportunities that support statewide crisis services and community engagement.

Grant Administration, Fiscal Management, and Compliance
This position independently manages the fiscal administration and compliance oversight for all grants received by the 988 Enterprise, including the federal SAMHSA 988 Cooperative Agreement and other state, federal, and philanthropic funding sources. The role administers fiscal and programmatic grant requirements, monitors budgets and expenditures to ensure compliance with federal and state fiscal rules, and coordinates with the 988 Budget and Policy Analyst, BHA fiscal staff, and program managers to align grant funding with program activities and ensure accurate cost allocation. The position prepares and submits required financial and programmatic reports to grantors, coordinates invoice review and payment processing for grant funded activities, and maintains documentation and reporting systems to support transparency, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance. The position also identifies potential compliance risks or fiscal issues and works with leadership to implement corrective actions while serving as a technical resource to program staff regarding grant requirements, allowable expenditures, and reporting obligations.

Grant Development and Funding Strategy
Identifies, evaluates, and pursues grant funding opportunities that support the strategic priorities of the 988 Enterprise. This position researches federal, state, and philanthropic funding opportunities and collaborates with 988 leadership, program managers, and fiscal staff to develop competitive grant proposals and funding strategies. Responsibilities include coordinating grant applications, preparing project narratives and budgets, supporting proposal development, and maintaining a pipeline of funding opportunities that strengthen the long-term sustainability of 988 operations and initiatives.

Community Micro Grant Program Administration
Designs, implements, and administers community micro grant programs that support outreach and awareness of the 988 Mental Health Line across Colorado. This position develops program guidelines, application processes, and monitoring systems for community partners receiving grant funding to support culturally responsive outreach, stigma reduction, and public awareness activities. The position evaluates grant applications, tracks expenditures and deliverables, and monitors program outcomes to ensure funded activities align with the strategic goals of the 988 Enterprise.

Other Duties as Assigned
Performs additional duties as assigned to support the operations and strategic initiatives of the 988 Enterprise. These duties may include assisting with special projects, supporting fiscal planning activities, participating in cross division initiatives, and coordinating with internal and external partners related to grant funded programs.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience Only:

  Six (6) 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 that is equal to six (6) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Training in overdose recognition and prevention
• Experience with HHS or SAMHSA grant regulations and rules
• Working knowledge of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards 2 CFR Part 200

Conditions of Employment:

• This is a term-limited position that is subject to the terms and conditions of the Waiver of Retention Rights. The signed Waiver remains in effect per the terms of that Waiver; the incumbent agrees to resign on the position end date, which has now been extended to September 29, 2027. The position term may end sooner than September 29, 2027, if the Department determines that the scope of work is completed. The incumbent waives any retention and appeal rights under the State Personnel Board Rules and Director's Administrative Procedures as they relate to a resignation.
• Travel - Subgrantee site visits 1-2x per quarter and/or SME related conferences
• Standard background check 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.
• Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

1. Disclose that information on the application.
2. Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
3. 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/hours 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.

• You must 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 to the State of Colorado (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

• The Assessment Process

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.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support