Job Information
State of Colorado Regional Center Director - Wheat Ridge Regional Center in Jefferson County, Colorado
Regional Center Director - Wheat Ridge Regional Center
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Regional Center Director - Wheat Ridge Regional Center
Salary
$105,456.00 - $147,624.00 Annually
Location
Jefferson County, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IJC 04070 04/08/2026
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
OAADS - Regional Centers
Opening Date
04/10/2026
Closing Date
4/16/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
10285 Ridge Rd, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, USA
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Joel Drahos - joel.drahos@state.co.us
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
This position is open to current Colorado residents only.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Division of Regional Centers - Wheat Ridge Regional Center
The CDHS Division for Regional Centers (DRC) oversees the three Regional Centers in Grand Junction, Pueblo, and Wheat Ridge. The Regional Centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including behavioral health comorbidities, who have intensive needs. The Division of Regional Centers currently operates 40 group homes across the state. The Regional Centers serve individuals within three treatment models:
Short-term treatment and stabilization - Individuals are admitted for short-term services and have acute needs that cannot be met in the community. Individuals in this program are stabilized and transitioned to a less restrictive environment, within the community, once they have met transition criteria.
Intensive treatment program - This program provides treatment for individuals who demonstrate problematic sexual behavior who have not responded to supervision and treatment in the community. Individuals in this program receive treatment and transition back to the community once they meet transition criteria.
Long-term habilitation - Individuals are no longer admitted into this program. The Regional Centers have residents in the long-term habilitation model.
The Regional Centers offer a variety of services to residents, including:
Residential
Health services
Behavioral services
Therapeutic recreation and community therapy
Speech/language therapy
Audiology
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy and adaptive equipment services
Case management and social work services
Day program
Wheat Ridge Regional Center (WRRC) exists to provide high-quality health care, residential, and habilitation services and an active learning atmosphere in a safe and healthy environment for individuals served. This work unit provides 24-hour, 7-day-a-week services and supports that are in compliance with State and Federal regulations.
DRC's Mission
We support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through high-quality, innovative, and comprehensive services to empower individuals to live the lives they choose.
Description of Job
As the Wheat Ridge Regional Center Director, you serve as the Appointing Authority for the WRRC, providing strategic leadership and operational management for 19 ICF/IID homes and a workforce of 375. Your primary mandate is to ensure that all departments operate in strict accordance with state and federal regulations through a multi-tiered supervisory structure. By integrating comprehensive record reviews, direct observation, and active communication networks, you oversee the delivery of all resident healthcare, habilitation, and services. Furthermore, you collaborate with Division leadership to design, implement, and monitor the policies, protocols, and standard operating procedures that define the facility's clinical and administrative excellence.
Additionally, as the Regional Center Director, you can expect to:
Exercise appointing authority responsibilities, with direct and indirect supervision over 375 FTE, in the areas of staff hiring, performance planning, performance evaluation, corrective and disciplinary action, and has the ultimate voice for agency decisions. Through management and supervision activities, directs overall operations of agency-wide comprehensive services in accordance with the licensure requirements and State, Federal, and agency regulations. Acts as the director of the agency management team and directly supervises each primary member of management. Responsible for the agency budget and allocation of $37 million of spending authority
Responsible for the design, long-term vision, and statewide implementation of the agency’s Strategic Plan and Quality Management systems. This position creates the foundational objectives for comprehensive services and establishes the high-level infrastructure required to modify program plans in response to evolving healthcare landscapes
This position will decide which strategic and collaborative relationships need to be established and maintained to ensure the role of the Wheat Ridge Regional Center is responsive to the needs of individuals in the context of the entire service system
Determine the steps necessary to maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations relating to licensure of the Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities programs. This position must be responsive to other legal issues and matters evolving from deficiencies, individual complaints, or other actions
This position will be required from time to time to transport goods to or from various facility locations to support the distribution of items needed to support residents and staff. There might also be occasions when this position will transport staff to provide support and services in various locations
This position must be available to support the agency after hours and on weekends.
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Special Qualification
At least one year of experience working with individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience Only:
Ten (10) 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 to this position is equal to ten (10) years.
Preferred Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in social or behavioral science, public or healthcare administration, business management, applied sociology, psychology, human services or closely related field
Six years of progressively responsible professional experience in a leadership role of a complex health or human services organization which must include the following:
Experience supervising unit managers of a multi-unit organization who have direct reports themselves
Working knowledge of and experience with organizations that provide services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) including knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid regulations
Professional public or business administration experience establishing goals and objectives and implementing strategies to achieve them, developing and managing a complex budget, and overseeing adherence to State and Federal regulations
Knowledge and application of person-centered planning principles as it relates to service provision for individuals with IDD
Experience overseeing the performance management of an organization with hundreds of employees
Experience in establishing and maintaining an annual budget of greater than $10 million
Experience managing organizational change
Experience ensuring adherence to equity, diversity and inclusion principles for staff and persons served
Conditions of Employment
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)
Travel: Position requires travel between remote worksites. Must utilize state fleet vehicles, if available. If not, must utilize a personal vehicle and request mileage reimbursement.
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
Pre-employment Physical/Tests: Must demonstrate the ability to lift 50 lbs, bend, squat, etc. and perform physical interventions proficiently - pre-employment and continuously throughout employment
Must be available after hours and weekends
Annual influenza vaccine and other vaccines required by the state.
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.
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 in the application form. 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 reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.
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 (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 (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)
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 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.
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 explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify your application from the current position.
05
Do you possess, and are you willing to maintain a valid Driver's License, as required by this position?
Yes
No
06
This position requires the incumbent to occasionally travel independently and use a state vehicle throughout the Denver metro area, and at times, to work locations across the state. As a condition of employment, are you willing to travel in order to fulfill the duties of this position?
Yes
No
07
In an effort to support your needs for compensation, please list your starting salary expectations. PLEASE NOTE: "Negotiable" or responses with no range given may affect your status in the selection process.
08
Briefly summarize your experience overseeing the operations of a large health and human services organization to include management of staff members. Please include the size of the organization, your role(s) and length of time in the role(s).
09
Describe your experience working in an organization that provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
10
Please describe your understanding of and experience with ensuring an organization's compliance with State and Federal Regulations, and if applicable, regulations pertaining to programs that provide services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Required Question
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
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Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
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