Equitable Hiring & Retention Practices at the State of Colorado
As an employer, the State of Colorado strives to build and maintain workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education level, disability, socio-economic status, or any other visible or invisible identity.
The State is committed to non-discriminatory practices in hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
Anonymous Applications
The State of Colorado uses an anonymous application process that removes the name, age, and other identifying information to ensure hiring managers make decisions based on the applicant’s skills, knowledge, and experience. All applications are anonymous throughout the minimum qualification and structured application review processes.
The C.R.S. 8-2-131 Job Application Fairness Act prohibits employers from asking for a job candidate’s age, date of birth, or dates of attendance or graduation from an educational institution on an initial employment application.
We Want Your Skills
Skills-based Hiring (SBH) is a State initiative that trains HR professionals and hiring managers to review applicants using their experience and equivalent degree substitutions to meet the minimum job qualifications. SBH helps the State attract a broader, more diversified workforce and gives opportunities to candidates who may, in the past, have not applied due to an educational requirement barrier.
Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
The State complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) throughout the employee lifecycle, including the application process.
Please Note:
- It’s the applicant’s responsibility to request any accommodations needed during pre and current employment.
- However, if it is obvious that the candidate requires an accommodation, the hiring manager will engage in an interactive process to identify opportunities to remove barriers.
- Inform interested applicants that all ADA accommodations must be made within a reasonable time frame before the scheduled need. They can submit their request to the agency/institution contact on the job announcement.
Funding for ADA Accommodations
The ADA Accommodation Fund reimburses State agencies for ADA accommodation and modification-related expenses. All State agencies are welcome to use this fund. Learn more on the accessibility & accommodations page or contact the Statewide Equity Office at dpa_statewideequityoffice@state.co.us.
A Place Where Everyone Can Belong
Many State agencies and institutions have Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups that aim to foster diverse and inclusive workplaces. They often focus on specific demographics or interests (such as groups for women, LGBTQ+ employees, ethnically or racially underrepresented employees, and veterans) and provide a supportive environment where members share experiences and offer each other personal and professional support. Any employee can join any ERG!
The Statewide Equity Office provides funding for ERGs to host events that promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Every month, there are in-person and virtual events that celebrate the diverse cultures of our great state. Check out the Equity Office Program Calendar on the Statewide Equity Office page to learn more.
Want to ensure your agency is following hiring practices that result in selecting the best candidate for the job? Partner with the Statewide Equity Office by visiting the resources for State of Colorado agencies & employees page or emailing dpa_statewideequityoffice@state.co.us.