Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline
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Jason Lester

Jason Lester

Aurora,CO

Summary

I am a former Deputy Director of Children, Youth, and Family Services at El Paso County with over 15 years of leadership in social work, child welfare, and human services. With advanced degrees from the University of Southern California, University of Denver, and Alabama A&M University (HBCU), my career has centered on promoting child safety, social justice, and community well-being. I’ve led strategic initiatives, built collaborative systems, and driven policy compliance with compassion and integrity. As a proven executive and educator, I’m now seeking my next opportunity to lead impactful, equity-driven work that strengthens lives and communities.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Deputy Director of Children, Youth & Family Services

EL PASO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
12.2021 - 07.2025
  • Provided executive leadership and strategic oversight for the Children, Youth, and Family Services (CYFS) Division within the Department of Human Services (DHS).
  • Oversaw a $62 million annual budget, ensuring fiscal accountability and alignment with strategic goals.
  • Led the development and execution of strategic plans aligning divisional priorities with organizational objectives.
  • Ensured compliance with all policies, procedures, and regulations through consistent interpretation and implementation.
  • Served as acting CYFS Director in the Director’s absence, maintaining operational continuity.
  • Oversaw administrative functions, including setting performance benchmarks, outcome measures, and accountability systems.
  • Collaborated with CYFS leadership to define strategic priorities, drive innovation, and integrate cross-functional services.
  • Fostered a results-driven, team-oriented culture grounded in shared values and collaborative leadership.
  • Championed systems-level thinking and service integration across all levels of the division.
  • Embedded service philosophy into policy development and frontline practices to enhance impact and consistency.

Clinical Assistant Professor

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER, GRADUATE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
09.2019 - 07.2025
  • Provided academic leadership and strategic instructional planning within the Graduate School of Social Work.
  • Taught core and advanced graduate-level courses, including: Power, Privilege & Oppression, Introduction to Clinical Skills, Social Work Theory, Social Work Policy, Programs for Children and Youth, Human Behavior in the Social Environment.
  • Instructed and mentored over 750 graduate students from diverse global backgrounds.
  • Advised a cohort of 25 graduate students annually, offering academic and professional guidance.
  • Served as faculty lead for the Child Welfare Concentration, aligning curriculum with workforce needs, state priorities, and emerging policy trends.
  • Championed curricular innovation to ensure academic excellence and field relevance.

Director, Family Support Services

COLORADO COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS
02.2020 - 12.2021
  • Provided executive oversight and strategic direction for the Family Support Services (FSS) Department and the Renaissance Children’s Center (RCC) program, in alignment with policies set by the Board of Directors, funders, and senior leadership.
  • Oversaw a $4.5 million annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, efficient resource allocation, and alignment with strategic priorities.
  • Developed, managed, and supervised comprehensive service delivery models supporting vulnerable families and children.
  • Led cross-sector collaboration with public and private agencies to address critical needs—housing, healthcare, and supportive services—for families experiencing homelessness across Metro Denver and surrounding regions.
  • Ensured program compliance, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement to drive measurable impact and community outcomes.

Child & Adult Protection Services Supervisor

ARAPAHOE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
10.2017 - 02.2020
  • Provided leadership in staff scheduling and workload distribution to ensure operational efficiency and service continuity.
  • Facilitated individual and group case conferences to guide case direction, resolve complex dynamics, and promote best practices.
  • Established unit and individual performance goals with defined timelines ranging from 30 days to one year.
  • Designed and implemented systematic methods to streamline programming, including developing internal controls and monitoring workflow effectiveness.
  • Collaborated with community partners to address the specialized needs of teen parents through targeted, cross-system interventions.
  • Assessed resource requirements aligned with unit objectives and made strategic budget recommendations to executive leadership.
  • Informed budget planning by evaluating program needs and proposing data-driven requests to support sustainable service delivery.

Permanency Manager

COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
01.2016 - 10.2017
  • Provided statewide leadership and oversight for all child welfare permanency programs across Colorado’s 64 counties, serving as the primary liaison between state and county systems.
  • Managed core programs including foster care, relative guardianship assistance, kinship care, adoption and post-adoption services, residential care, and permanency-focused family stabilization initiatives.
  • Directed recruitment and retention strategies for foster families in both rural and urban settings to ensure placement stability and system responsiveness.
  • Oversaw interstate compact services for the placement of children (ICPC) and medical assistance (ICAMA) to ensure continuity of care across state boundaries.
  • Developed and implemented statewide program strategy, leveraging evidence-based practices to enhance permanency outcomes and family well-being.
  • Institutionalized high-impact service models through the development of legislative and statutory initiatives aimed at improving intervention quality and long-term service effectiveness.
  • Led the creation of new practice guidelines and processes to respond to emerging needs and system gaps.
  • Provided strategic oversight of planning, design, and execution of special initiatives aligned with statewide child welfare goals.
  • Managed and ensured accountability for a $60+ million CORE Services budget, with all audits passed successfully, demonstrating strong fiscal stewardship and compliance.

Deputy Director of Protection & Prevention Intern

DENVER DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
07.2015 - 06.2016
  • Gained executive-level insight into macro systems management and process improvement within the Protection and Prevention Division.
  • Supported strategic initiatives by analyzing operational workflows and identifying opportunities for enhanced service delivery.
  • Oversaw key aspects of administrative, legislative, fiscal, and managerial functions within the Denver Department of Human Services.
  • Conducted data analysis to inform policy and improve program quality for children, youth, and families across multiple service areas.
  • Contributed to cross-functional efforts aimed at strengthening organizational efficiency and aligning services with departmental priorities.
  • Fostered a positive work environment by promoting collaboration, transparency, and open communication among team members.
  • Developed strategic plans to achieve organizational goals, ensuring alignment with company''s mission and vision.
  • Monitored performance metrics, analyzing trends to identify areas requiring attention or improvement.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to successfully execute large-scale projects on time and within budget constraints.
  • Oversaw project management efforts, ensuring timely completion of projects within allocated budgets and scope.
  • Collaborated with other department heads to ensure smooth functioning of organizational activities.
  • Improved coordination and communications across organization to increase operational efficiency.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance across all departments through diligent monitoring of policies, procedures, documentation requirements.
  • Optimized team productivity by providing ongoing training and support for staff members.
  • Enhanced communication within the organization through regular interdepartmental meetings and updates.

Utilization Management Supervisor

DENVER DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
01.2015 - 01.2016
  • Gained executive-level insight into macro systems management and process improvement within the Protection and Prevention Division.
  • Supported strategic initiatives by analyzing operational workflows and identifying opportunities for enhanced service delivery.
  • Oversaw key aspects of administrative, legislative, fiscal, and managerial functions within the Denver Department of Human Services.
  • Conducted data analysis to inform policy and improve program quality for children, youth, and families across multiple service areas.
  • Contributed to cross-functional efforts aimed at strengthening organizational efficiency and aligning services with departmental priorities.

On-Call Administrator

DENVER DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
10.2012 - 01.2016
  • Served as the primary decision-maker for after-hours child protection operations, ensuring timely and appropriate responses to urgent child welfare concerns between 4:30 PM and 7:00 AM.
  • Maintained 24/7 accessibility to support after-hours responders and call takers in making critical placement and removal decisions.
  • Interpreted and applied Colorado Department of Human Services Volume VII regulations to guide responses to allegations of abuse and neglect during non-business hours.
  • Ensured legal and procedural compliance while safeguarding the safety and well-being of children in high-risk situations.
  • Provided leadership and oversight to ensure continuity of care and accountability in emergency child protection interventions.

Intake Administrator Intern

DENVER DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
09.2014 - 06.2015
  • Gained hands-on experience in mezzo-level leadership within the Intake Section of the Denver Department of Human Services.
  • Implemented and interpreted policies and procedures related to Differential Response, ensuring alignment with best practices in child welfare.
  • Developed performance evaluation standards by the Colorado Department of Human Services, Volume VII regulatory guidelines.
  • Established strategic approaches to ensure unit compliance with applicable rules, policies, and state requirements.
  • Contributed to the enhancement of intake operations through policy interpretation and regulatory analysis.

Adoption, Training & Recruitment Supervisor

DENVER DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
07.2012 - 12.2014
  • Provided strategic oversight for all program components related to resource family recruitment, training, adoptive family support, and child-specific adoptive home recruitment.
  • Served as Project Administrator for the federally funded Denver’s Village grant, ensuring compliance, performance tracking, and community engagement.
  • Co-chaired the Permanency Decision Making (PDM) process, facilitating collaborative, data-informed decisions to support timely and stable permanency outcomes.
  • Led a unit responsible for executing targeted recruitment strategies to increase the pool of diverse, high-quality placement resources for children and youth.
  • Directed program initiatives that supported the development of placement resources for short-term care, long-term foster care, and permanent family solutions.
  • Ensured alignment between recruitment, training, and support services to enhance placement stability and family retention.

Adolescent Permanency Caseworker

ARAPAHOE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
05.2009 - 07.2012
  • Coordinated comprehensive services and advocated for youth and families with a culturally responsive and strengths-based approach.
  • Made case decisions aligned with the Arapahoe County Department of Human Services’ philosophy—prioritizing youth and family well-being, community safety, and fiscal responsibility.
  • Applied creative problem-solving to deliver cost-effective interventions that met individualized needs.
  • Served as a liaison between the judicial system, juvenile justice, schools, mental health providers, and other key stakeholders to ensure integrated service delivery.
  • Maintained flexibility to support families by working non-traditional hours and accommodating unique scheduling needs.
  • Promoted cross-system collaboration to improve outcomes for system-involved youth and reduce barriers to service access.

Child Support Enforcement Specialist

ARAPAHOE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
12.2007 - 05.2009
  • Conducted genetic testing to accurately establish legal paternity and support the issuance of child support orders.
  • Scheduled and facilitated meetings with custodial and non-custodial parents to explain and initiate judicial or administrative paternity establishment processes.
  • Oversaw the enforcement of child support orders through automated systems in compliance with state and federal regulations.
  • Utilized enforcement mechanisms including driver's license, recreational, and professional license suspensions; bank garnishments; income assignments; and credit bureau reporting to ensure payment compliance.
  • Ensured timely and equitable support for children by navigating complex family dynamics and applying regulatory knowledge with precision.
  • Contributed to program integrity and efficiency by maintaining accurate case records and leveraging technology to streamline enforcement activities.

In-Home Co-Therapist

MADISON COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
08.2005 - 12.2007
  • Delivered in-home intervention and case management services for children (ages 5–18) with DSM-IV mental health diagnoses at risk of family separation.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments and coordinated individualized services to stabilize families and prevent out-of-home placements.
  • Collaborated with a multidisciplinary network of providers, including the Department of Human Resources, Mental Health Center, Huntsville City Schools, and community partners.
  • Led weekly case discussions and maintained daily documentation to ensure continuity of care and informed decision-making.
  • Designed, implemented, and monitored individualized treatment plans aligned with clinical best practices and family needs.
  • Provided 24/7 crisis response to support children and families during emergencies, demonstrating flexibility, resilience, and commitment to client safety.
  • Promoted long-term stability and well-being through culturally responsive and trauma-informed service delivery.
  • Built strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions.

Education

Doctor of Social Work -

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles, California
05.2020

Master of Social Work - undefined

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
Denver, Colorado
06.2016

Master of Science - Family and Consumer Sciences

ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY
Normal, Alabama
12.2007

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY
Normal, Alabama
05.2005

Timeline

Deputy Director of Children, Youth & Family Services

EL PASO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
12.2021 - 07.2025

Director, Family Support Services

COLORADO COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS
02.2020 - 12.2021

Clinical Assistant Professor

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER, GRADUATE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
09.2019 - 07.2025

Child & Adult Protection Services Supervisor

ARAPAHOE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
10.2017 - 02.2020

Permanency Manager

COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
01.2016 - 10.2017

Deputy Director of Protection & Prevention Intern

DENVER DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
07.2015 - 06.2016

Utilization Management Supervisor

DENVER DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
01.2015 - 01.2016

Intake Administrator Intern

DENVER DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
09.2014 - 06.2015

On-Call Administrator

DENVER DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
10.2012 - 01.2016

Adoption, Training & Recruitment Supervisor

DENVER DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
07.2012 - 12.2014

Adolescent Permanency Caseworker

ARAPAHOE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
05.2009 - 07.2012

Child Support Enforcement Specialist

ARAPAHOE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
12.2007 - 05.2009

In-Home Co-Therapist

MADISON COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
08.2005 - 12.2007

Master of Social Work - undefined

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER

Master of Science - Family and Consumer Sciences

ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY

Doctor of Social Work -

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

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Jason Lester