Peer Recovery Specialist (I - II) - Resident Services

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. This position assists clients with attending appointments in the community once admitted and provides positive support and resources to residents who are transitioning to independent living and aftercare programming. This position is also responsible for conducting outreach activities, assisting with following up on intake inquiries, keeping clients engaged while awaiting a treatment bed, providing support services and coordination to recovery support services, and traveling to various referral sites such as hospitals, DHS offices, various community locations to meet clients, and perform other duties as assigned or required. Standard working days are Tuesday through Saturday, and this position may be required to work extended hours (for clinic coverage, assisting getting clients into treatment, and/or appointments).

Addiction Research and Treatment Services (ARTS) is the clinical program of the Department of Psychiatry, Division of Substance Dependence at the University of Colorado, School of Medicine. ARTS has provided residential and outpatient empirically supported substance abuse treatment services in Colorado for over 45 years, with an emphasis on psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for adolescents, women, men, families, and those involved in the criminal justice system. It is the mission of ARTS to improve the quality of life and productivity of individuals and families affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders through the application of 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 the skills needed to be successful and remain sober in the community. Recovery Residences is a grant and Medicaid funded program and provides a safe place to live for adults with their children who suffer from severe substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. The program provides drug and alcohol assessment, psychosocial and educational services, and links to medication management if needed.

Key Responsibilities:

* Provide support to individuals living in Recovery Residence(s) by engaging them in activities and education.

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

* Assist resident with attending appointments in the community once admitted.

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

* Assist with coordination to recovery support services, including traveling to various referral sites such as hospitals, DHS office, various community locations to meet clients.

* Leverage their own lived experience with, and recovery with support from, SUD to encourage and support individuals who may be reluctant or hesitant to embrace a sober lifestyle.

* Be responsive to, and affirmative of, the individualized and differing needs of each patient under their care.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

Addiction Research and Treatment Services (ARTS) is the clinical program of the Division of Substance Dependence, Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado, School of Medicine. ARTS has provided residential and outpatient empirically supported substance abuse treatment services in Colorado for over 45 years, with an emphasis on psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for adolescents, women, men, families, and those involved in the criminal justice system. It is the mission of ARTS to improve the quality of life and productivity of individuals and families affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders through the application of 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 offers 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

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

o Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

o Holiday Days: 15/year

* Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit 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.

o 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:

* Possess certification as a Colorado Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS), Peer Recovery Specialist, or Peer Recovery Coach.

* 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 who are involved with the criminal justice system, probation/parole, human services, and/or other similar referral sources.

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

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.

Conditions of Employment:

* Must possess personal, lived experience with SUD or addictions, and maintain continuous recovery with existing sobriety supports.

* Must be willing and able to obtain the one of the following certifications within six (6) months of hire; Colorado Family and Peer Specialist (CFPS), Peer Recovery Specialist, or Peer Recovery Coach.

o In order for services delivered to be reimbursable, Peer Recovery Specialists must either be certified or in the process of becoming certified.

o More information on certification can be found here: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/peerservices

o Costs associated with certification training may be covered by the University/ARTS. Costs associated with the exam and continuing education will be the responsibility of the candidate.

* 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).

* Must agree to fingerprinting and criminal background check prior to being hired. Required background checks include a review with 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 Addiction Research and Treatment Services Department Policies.

* Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License.

How to Apply:

For full For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position. This letter must adequately describe how the applicants work/life experiences satisfy the SUD, addictions, and continuous recovery with sobriety supports Condition of Employment. If candidates do not satisfy this condition and/or fail to attach a cover letter to their application, then their application will be removed from consideration.

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number 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 May 30, 2026. 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.