University of Colorado logo
University of Colorado
Aurora, Colorado

Behavioral Health Clinician (LCSW, LPC, LMFT) for Crisis Services

Social WorkerFull-Time

Listed compensation

$72K - $95K

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 3mo ago

Job Description

  • University of Colorado Anschutz
  • Department of Psychiatry
  • Job Title: Behavioral Health Clinician (LCSW, LPC, LMFT) for Crisis Services
  • Position #00849501 – Requisition #40279

Job Summary

The Department of Psychiatry (DOP) at the University of Colorado School of Medicine (CU), the Division of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (DCAMH), and the Pediatric Mental Health Institute (PMHI) of Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) has an opening for a full-time Faculty Behavioral Health Clinician within the CHCO PMHI with primary responsibilities in Crisis Services.

The CU DCAMH, PMHI, and CHCO are combining to transform children’s mental health care in Colorado, building a coordinated system, grounded in collaboration and partnership, that provides all children high-quality, evidence-based, youth- and family-centered care through an ambitious and comprehensive strategic plan.

As part of this transformative work, we are creating an evidence-based, comprehensive crisis care model to ensure patients and families receive timely, effective care during a mental health crisis.

We are looking for a behavioral health clinician to join our efforts in becoming a national leader in pediatric crisis services.

Key Responsibilities

Provide direct clinical care to patients and families seen in PMHI crisis services, which may span emergency room, ambulatory, and crisis stabilization clinical areas

Engage in ongoing treatment monitoring, collaboration with other providers involved in a patient’s care, and disposition planning

Maintain timely communication with team members, supervisor, and leadership

Attend Team Meetings and Educational In-services

  • Enter appropriate notes and charge captures that comply with state and federal standards in the medical record for all patients seen
  • Supervise, teach, and mentor mental health trainees
  • Engage in quality improvement projects
  • Serve on committees, task forces, and/or workgroups

This description is a summary only and is describing the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Work Location: Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education and patient care.

The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado - that treat more than two million adult and pediatric patients each year.

Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by over $757 million in research grants. For more information, visit cuanschutz.edu.

The Department of Psychiatry is one of the largest units in the UCD-SOM and is comprised of 5 Divisions.

The CU Department of Psychiatry sets the standard for Education and Training of leaders in psychiatry and mental health care, conducts ground-breaking Research that aims to eradicate suffering due to psychiatric and substance use disorders, provides ready access to state of-the-art mental health preventions and interventions across the continuum of care, and collaborates with the community and other key stakeholders to promote well-being among all Coloradans.

We accomplish this vision in a manner that respects, values and advocates for the dignity and worth of each individual and family.

Why Work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

  • Medical: Multiple plan options
  • Dental: Multiple plan options
  • Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
  • Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10%25 of your gross pay
  • Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
  • Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
  • Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
  • Holiday Days: 10/year
  • Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
  • ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
  • There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

This is an open rank position and could be categorized as Instructor or Senior Instructor, based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:

Rank at the time of appointment will be based on the candidate’s demonstrated contributions and experience in teaching, clinical, research, and/or service to the field. We welcome applicants with a range of backgrounds and accomplishments and encourage individuals to highlight the breadth and depth of their professional impact.

Instructor/Senior Instructor

1-3 years of relevant clinical experience at rank or equivalent experience.

Minimum degree qualifications: Master’s in counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or related field.

At the time of hire, applicants must have a Colorado License or be eligible for licensure within the state of Colorado (LCSW, LPC, LMFT).

Track

Open Track: To support the growth of our faculty, selected candidates at the Assistant Professor level or higher will be offered the opportunity to choose a track that corresponds to their area of excellence. Learn more about faculty tracks at the Offices for the Faculty Experience

Preferred Qualifications (Applicable for All Ranks)

  • Minimum of 1-2 years of clinical experience working with youth and families post-licensure.
  • Experience providing evidence-based crisis services to youth and families with acute mental health concerns.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Preference will be given to those who are eager to engage in all aspects of the academic mission (clinical, teaching, scholarship, and service).

Clinical expertise in flexibly providing evidence-based assessment, treatment, and consultation to high acuity youth and families.

  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
  • Capacity for flexibility and adaptability in different work situations.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively on multiple tasks and maintain a well-organized work environment.
  • Effective time management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of faculty, staff, trainees, patients, and families.

Ability to provide effective supervision to mental health trainees and consultation with other mental health professionals.

How to Apply

  • For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
  • 1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
  • 2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
  • 3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
  • Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at cu.edu.
  • Questions should be directed to: Brandon Fenner, brandon.fenner@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins

Immediately and continues until 08/31/2026.

Anticipated Pay Range

  • The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as:
  • Instructor: $72,000 – $95,000
  • Senior Instructor: $72,000 - $95,000

This position may be eligible for a one-time sign on bonus up to $10,000. We also offer the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: cu.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Statement

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases.

If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively.

In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must en

Qualifications

Education
Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Crisis InterventionClinical AssessmentClinical SupervisionMentoringEvidence-Based PracticeInterdisciplinary CollaborationCase ManagementMedical Record Documentation

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Behavioral Health Clinician (LCSW, LPC, LMFT) for Crisis Services at University of Colorado a 7.2 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as very good. This places the position in the top 25% in Social Work — ranked against 6,494 active Social Work listings on WeekdayDoc.

Social Worker Career Context

University of Colorado ranks #6 of 13 employers hiring Social Worker on WeekdayDoc by average advertised pay.

Of the 50 active Social Work listings this role was benchmarked against, 64% are remote, 32% have no call, 74% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Colorado is 103.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$84k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $81k in an average-cost state. 60.9% of Colorado clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

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Work-life snapshot

median 6.0this job 7.2
Better work-life than 80% of Social Work listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 6,494 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • On-site

Living in Aurora

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$451k≈ 6.3× annual pay
Typical market rent
$1,758/mo≈ 29% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
29 min
State income tax
Up to 4.4%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

University of Colorado logo

About University of Colorado

Higher Education
Aurora, Colorado
11-50 employees

Benefits & Perks

Medical: Multiple plan options
Dental: Multiple plan options
Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of gross pay
Paid Time Off: 22 vacation days, 15 sick days, 10 holidays per year
Tuition Benefit on all CU campuses
ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program