Logo
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Peer Recovery Specialist (I - II) - Resident Services

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80012

Save Job

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine | Department of Psychiatry | Addiction Research & Treatment Services (ARTS) | Recovery Residences

Peer Recovery Specialist (I - II) - Resident Services Position #: 00677702 - Requisition #: 37576

Job Summary The Peer Recovery Specialist is instrumental in providing peer support for adult females and/or adult males residing in the Recovery Residences program. This is a full-time University Staff (non‑classified) position that provides activities to engage, educate, and offer support to clients as they navigate steps to embrace a sober lifestyle. The role assists clients with attending community appointments once admitted, provides positive support and resources to clients transitioning to aftercare programming, and is responsible for conducting outreach activities, following up on intake inquiries, keeping clients engaged while awaiting a treatment bed, providing coordination of recovery support services, and traveling to referral sites such as hospitals, DHS offices, and various community locations. Standard working days are Tuesday through Saturday, and the position may require extended hours for clinic coverage or assisting clients in getting into treatment or appointments.

ARTS is the clinical program of the Department of Psychiatry, Division of Substance Dependence at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. ARTS has delivered residential and outpatient empirically supported substance abuse treatment services in Colorado for over 45 years, focusing on psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for adolescents, women, men, families, and individuals involved in the criminal justice system. ARTS aims to improve the quality of life and productivity of individuals and families affected by substance use and co‑occurring mental health disorders through scientifically supported prevention, education, and treatment services.

The Recovery Residences program provides a safe place to live for up to 20 women (some with children) and 20 men (in a separate house) while they learn skills needed to remain sober in the community. The program is grant- and Medicaid‑funded and offers drug and alcohol assessment, psychosocial and educational services, and links to medication management if needed.

Key Responsibilities

Provide support to individuals living in Recovery Residences by engaging them in activities and education.

Offer support to residents struggling to enroll in treatment and follow through with intake appointments.

Assist residents with attending community appointments once admitted.

Assist residents with making community linkages as they transition into the community.

Co‑ordinate recovery support services, including traveling to referral sites such as hospitals, DHS offices, and community locations.

Leverage lived experience with SUD to encourage and support individuals who may be hesitant to embrace a sober lifestyle.

Be responsive to and affirm the individualized needs of each resident under care.

Work Location Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located at the Ft. Logan Grounds, Denver, CO.

Why Join Us ARTS has delivered residential and outpatient empirically supported substance abuse treatment services in Colorado for over 45 years, focusing on psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for adolescents, women, men, families, and individuals involved in the criminal justice system. ARTS aims to improve the quality of life and productivity of individuals and families affected by substance use and co‑occurring mental health disorders through scientifically supported prevention, education, and treatment services.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation, and sick leave! The University of Colorado provides an excellent benefits package including:

Medical: Multiple plan options

Dental: Multiple plan options

Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

Holiday Days: 10/year

Tuition Benefit: Access on all CU campuses

ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:

Level I:

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).

Level II:

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).

One (1) year of experience working closely with patients and connecting them to resources, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. The required work experience may be substituted with successfully completed college or university courses that are appropriate to this position’s work assignment on a year‑for‑year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

Certification as a Peer Specialist (e.g., Colorado Peer and Family Specialist/CPFS).

Current, valid registration with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) as Certified Addiction Technician (CAT) license or higher.

Experience with motivational interviewing techniques.

Prior experience in Patient Navigation and connecting patients to required services or resources.

Experience providing support to individuals with substance use disorders.

Experience working with electronic health records.

Experience working with clients involved with the criminal justice system, probation/parole, human services, and/or similar referral sources.

Experience providing administrative support to clients, families, staff, and other stakeholders in a substance abuse treatment setting.

Conditions of Employment:

Applicants MUST have lived experience with SUD or addictions, and recovery with existing sobriety supports.

Minimum two (2) years of sobriety with existing sober support from SUD or addictions recovery.

The employee must successfully complete the CCAR Recovery Coach Academy training within 6‑12 months of the hire date (training costs will be borne by employer).

Employee must obtain certification as a Peer Specialist within one (1) year of hire date.

Must agree to fingerprinting and criminal background check prior to being hired. Background checks include the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Central Registry of Child Protection (Trails), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Subject to pre‑employment, post‑accident, incident, and/or reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing per ARTS Department Policies.

Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Excellent interpersonal skills.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Ability to engage successfully with substance use disordered clients in treatment.

Ability to comply with established rules, policies and procedures and meet deadlines.

Ability to develop healthy relationships and boundaries with clients.

Ability to exercise discretion and maintain patient confidentiality.

Ability to use an electronic health care record.

Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Excel to create, revise, update and maintain spreadsheets.

Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Outlook to create, send, and receive e‑mail communication.

Demonstrated critical thinking skills.

How to Apply For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed qualifications and interest in the position.

Curriculum vitae / Resume.

Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile if appropriate), and email address.

Questions should be directed to: Irene Arguelles, irene.arguelles@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by September 30, 2025. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as:

Level I: $41,736 - $48,413

Level II: $43,812 - $50,830

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID‑19 virus and other vaccine‑preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety‑sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.

Application Materials Required Cover Letter, Resume/CV, List of References

#J-18808-Ljbffr