Tribal Affairs Specialist
Apply NowCompany: State of Colorado
Location: Denver, CO 80219
Description:
Salary : $89,520.00 - $116,400.00 Annually
Location : Denver, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: IHA 05325 03/11/2025
Department: Colorado Department of Human Services
Division: Community Partnerships
Opening Date: 03/12/2025
Closing Date: 3/26/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address: Community Partnerships1575 Sherman Street Denver, CO 80203
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: cindy.kong@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.
Department Information
Opt in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events!
CDHSCareers
About the Office of Community Partnerships:
The Office of Community Partnerships provides support to the Department of Human Services (CDHS) concerning all outward-facing partners, including Tribal Nations, counties, community providers, and constituents.
Description of Job
REMOTE WORK/HYBRID
2 Days in the office (Tuesday/Wednesday) and 3 days Remote
Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change.
Summary of the position:
This position functions as the Department's senior authority for government-to-government relationships between CDHS and tribal governments and has decision making authority on cross-agency work with tribal governments. CDHS senior management, Governor and Lieutenant Governor's Office, History Colorado, and Colorado Department of Early Childhood rely on this position to decide critical program and policy direction in terms of the two federally recognized tribes in Colorado as well as the extensive network of tribal organizations in the state.
Job Duties:
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience Only:
Eight (8) years of professional experience serving as a public sector or community liaison; experience must have included facilitating relationships and communication between community partners, federally recognized tribes, American-Indian/Alaska Native populations and a variety of other diverse stakeholders.
OR
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Public Health, Social Sciences, Psychology, Communications, or closely related field and four (4) years professional experience serving as a public sector or community liaison; experience must have included facilitating relationships and communication between community partners, federally recognized tribes, American-Indian/Alaska Native populations and a variety of other diverse stakeholders. A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation
related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years
Preferred Qualifications:
Highly Desirable Characteristics:
Conditions of Employment
Appeal Rights:
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail 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.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply
The Assessment Process
For additional recruiting questions, please contact Maria.Ramos-Robinson@state.co.us.
About Us:
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining 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. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:
*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more
information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs.
Our Values:
We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans
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.
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
ADAA Accommodations:CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of 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, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform 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 our ADAAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at cdhs_ada@state.co.us or call 1-800-929-0791.
~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~
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:
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
If you are a current or previous State of Colorado classified employee, please provide your Employee Identification Number (EID) in order to verify your current or previous employment. Your EID begins with 997 and is nine digits long. Please do not enter your Social Security Number. If not, please state "N/A".
02
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 provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.
03
At the bottom of this job posting are 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.
04
Please share why you are interested in this position.
05
How many years of experience do you have working with Tribes and/or AI/AN populations? Please describe this experience and any outcomes achieved.
06
Please describe your understanding of Tribal Sovereignty and how you will incorporate it into the work at CDHS.
07
Please describe your experience working with high-profile projects involving multiple stakeholder groups. Provide specific examples of how you managed the stakeholder engagement meetings, conflicting viewpoints and completion of the project.
08
Please describe how you would approach this work using the FAIR framework (Fairness - Everyone is equipped to succeed; Access - Everyone can fully participate; Impact - Everyone is empowered for excellence; Relationships - Everyone contributes to a people-first approach). Please describe your action plan detailing how each component of the framework would be implemented to ensure a successful outcome.
Required Question
Location : Denver, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: IHA 05325 03/11/2025
Department: Colorado Department of Human Services
Division: Community Partnerships
Opening Date: 03/12/2025
Closing Date: 3/26/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address: Community Partnerships1575 Sherman Street Denver, CO 80203
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: cindy.kong@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.
Department Information
Opt in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events!
CDHSCareers
About the Office of Community Partnerships:
The Office of Community Partnerships provides support to the Department of Human Services (CDHS) concerning all outward-facing partners, including Tribal Nations, counties, community providers, and constituents.
Description of Job
REMOTE WORK/HYBRID
2 Days in the office (Tuesday/Wednesday) and 3 days Remote
Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change.
Summary of the position:
This position functions as the Department's senior authority for government-to-government relationships between CDHS and tribal governments and has decision making authority on cross-agency work with tribal governments. CDHS senior management, Governor and Lieutenant Governor's Office, History Colorado, and Colorado Department of Early Childhood rely on this position to decide critical program and policy direction in terms of the two federally recognized tribes in Colorado as well as the extensive network of tribal organizations in the state.
Job Duties:
- Provide leadership and consultation to state and local agencies, other Federal agencies and interagency groups, and governmental and non-governmental organizations to achieve an integrated and effective approach to human services and our relationships with tribal partners and American Indian/Alaskan Native population in Colorado.
- Lead the Federal Indian Boarding School work in Colorado.
- Direct annual CDHS Tribal Consultations.
- Serve as the authority and advise internal and external colleagues on tribal histories, treaties, protocols, customs and traditions, cultural properties, issues of sovereignty and self-governance, other areas concerning relations with tribal governments.
- Lead outreach efforts around food security, elder services, and youth services.
- Serve as an efficient communication liaison between Tribal Nations, tribal organizations and CDHS to ensure effective working relationships.
- Maintain a current list of CDHS contacts to ensure tribes are provided up-to-date subject matter experts. Maintain a current list of tribal council contacts to ensure CDHS staff can reach counties and tribes in a timely manner.
- The position coaches CDHS staff on cultural protocols and awareness when interacting with the Tribes as well as develops guidance and training for CDHS grantees/vendors/contractors to work with the Tribes.
- The position provides a CDHS orientation to Tribal leaders and staff to build awareness about the Department's mission, services, structure and business operations.
- Serve as the tribal authority within CDHS to ensure consistent and timely communication, efficiency of work and proactivity, and a coordinated government to government relationship with Tribal Nations and CDHS.
- Coordinate with Tribal positions in HCPF, CDPHE, HC, CDEC and other state departments and serve as State's tribal authority in the development of strategies, rules and processes on behalf of tribal partners in health and human services programming.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience Only:
Eight (8) years of professional experience serving as a public sector or community liaison; experience must have included facilitating relationships and communication between community partners, federally recognized tribes, American-Indian/Alaska Native populations and a variety of other diverse stakeholders.
OR
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Public Health, Social Sciences, Psychology, Communications, or closely related field and four (4) years professional experience serving as a public sector or community liaison; experience must have included facilitating relationships and communication between community partners, federally recognized tribes, American-Indian/Alaska Native populations and a variety of other diverse stakeholders. A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation
related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years
Preferred Qualifications:
- Excellent ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
- Experience working with Colorado's two federally recognized Tribes.
- Experience working with Colorado's network of American Indian/Alaska Native organizations.
- Experience and comfort working with senior executive leadership of large organizations.
- Experience working with governor's offices or other elected officials.
Highly Desirable Characteristics:
- Building Relationships with various stakeholders
- Customer Service
- Adaptability
- Decision Making and the ability to act autonomously
- Strategic Planning and Organizing
Conditions of Employment
- Standard Background check required (CBI name check, ICON Colorado court database, Medicare fraud database, Reference checks, Professional
License verification (licensure requirements), 1075 check (access to Federal Tax information), drug screen). - Travel- Position involves weekly travel to county offices and many overnight stays
- Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.
Appeal Rights:
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.
An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail 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.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply
The Assessment Process
For additional recruiting questions, please contact Maria.Ramos-Robinson@state.co.us.
About Us:
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining 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. 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 www.copera.org 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
- BenefitHub state employee discount program
- Employee Wellness program MotivateMe
- 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. For more
information, go to https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/student-loan-forgiveness-programs.
Our Values:
We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans
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.
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
ADAA Accommodations:CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of 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, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform 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 our ADAAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at cdhs_ada@state.co.us or call 1-800-929-0791.
~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~
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:
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
If you are a current or previous State of Colorado classified employee, please provide your Employee Identification Number (EID) in order to verify your current or previous employment. Your EID begins with 997 and is nine digits long. Please do not enter your Social Security Number. If not, please state "N/A".
02
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 provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.
03
At the bottom of this job posting are 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.)
04
Please share why you are interested in this position.
05
How many years of experience do you have working with Tribes and/or AI/AN populations? Please describe this experience and any outcomes achieved.
06
Please describe your understanding of Tribal Sovereignty and how you will incorporate it into the work at CDHS.
07
Please describe your experience working with high-profile projects involving multiple stakeholder groups. Provide specific examples of how you managed the stakeholder engagement meetings, conflicting viewpoints and completion of the project.
08
Please describe how you would approach this work using the FAIR framework (Fairness - Everyone is equipped to succeed; Access - Everyone can fully participate; Impact - Everyone is empowered for excellence; Relationships - Everyone contributes to a people-first approach). Please describe your action plan detailing how each component of the framework would be implemented to ensure a successful outcome.
Required Question