DENVER (Oct. 12, 2022) — The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) has announced new incentives for employment for current and prospective staff. CDHS is focused on recruiting and retaining top talent, especially at direct-care facilities, such as the state’s mental health hospitals and veterans nursing homes.
“Our staff have upheld the highest level of care for those we serve, and while there are some things out of our control, we are thrilled to offer this to staff,” said Michelle Barnes, executive director of CDHS. “We are focused on what we can control, and these retention and recruitment efforts show our commitment to supporting our direct care staff by increasing staffing levels and lessening their burden.”
Select high-need positions have been identified as eligible for a sign-on incentive, including $7,000 for nurses, $3,250 for CNAs and youth corrections officers, and $2,000 for facilities specialists and many other roles. More information about positions and sign-on incentives with CDHS can be found here.
CDHS is also supporting free healthcare certifications through the state’s Care Forward Colorado program. A CNA certificate can be completed in a matter of weeks and would make applicants eligible for CDHS’s sign-on incentives. Care Forward Colorado is revitalizing Colorado’s healthcare workforce through zero-cost, short-term training programs at 19 community and technical colleges throughout the state.
The Colorado Department of Human Services connects people with assistance, resources and support for living independently in our state; and operates 19 state facilities: two mental health hospitals, 15 youth services centers, three regional centers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and five veterans nursing homes. We are the people who help people, and our mission is to empower Coloradans to thrive.
Media contact:
Alex Urbach
alex.urbach@state.co.us
303.253.4047