Behavioral Health Employers Need More Workers—Adams County Looking to Make the Connection

What: Behavioral Health Career Fair
Where: Front Range Community College Westminster Campus, Rocky Mountain Room, 3645 W. 112th Ave., Westminster
When: Friday, Oct. 11, 4–7 p.m.

Following the recommendations of the Adams County Behavioral Health Services and Supports Assessment: A Blueprint for Action, Adams County is addressing one of the barriers to behavioral health services: a lack of workforce.

Adams County is hosting a behavioral health career fair to bolster our workforce and better support the community. The fair is part of a joint effort between the Adams County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) and several county departments, including the Adams County Health Department, Sheriff’s Office, 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and Workforce & Business Center. It seeks to connect employers with job seekers in the behavioral health field, including community-based therapists, co-responders, and more in both Adams and Broomfield Counties (the two counties included in the 17th Judicial District).

“Mental health issues disproportionately impact the criminal justice system. It is imperative we add these vital resources to our system to ensure individuals who are suffering from mental health crises receive the support and services they so desperately need. Otherwise, they too often end up in courtrooms or jails, which is not where we want them to be,” said Brian Mason, District Attorney for the 17th Judicial District. “This partnership between departments in Adams and Broomfield Counties will surely help to strengthen our mental health workforce and support our community through a much-needed addition of resources.”

The career fair also highlights the Behavioral Health subcommittee of the CJCC and its efforts to re-assess criminal justice issues in the county, including the expansion of law enforcement co-responder programs.

“As a county, we are proud to allocate American Rescue Plan Act dollars into co-response—especially when the findings from the Adams County Health Department’s 2024 behavioral health study showed so much need for innovative and immediate action to address these needs in our communities,” said Emma Pinter, Chair of the Adams County Board of Commissioners and Chair of the Behavioral Health Subcommittee of the CJCC. “Data shows co-responder programs are one of the ways we can make a positive difference for people struggling who need real-time support. We hope this job fair will help staff up these new co-response positions and many other Behavioral Health positions in organizations serving Adams County.”

Recruiters are seeking people with various qualifications: LPC, LPCC, LCSW, LSW, LAC, PhD, and PSYD.

“Our community is experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Adams County Sheriff Gene Claps. “The time is now to get involved and be part of helping our fellow community members get the resources and help they need.”