Substance Use Disorder Counselor – Psychiatry

Job Summary:

This position acts as a primary counselor to participants of the Reflections for Women program, a 16-bed residential program for women, pregnant women, and women with infant children who have severe substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Individual stays are based on client needs and can be up to 90 days. Located on the Ft. Logan Campus, Reflections for Women is a Medicaid and Special Connections funded program. Women with infant children 15 months of age or younger may reside with their child in treatment. Reflections for Women provides comprehensive treatment services, including but not limited to, individual and group counseling, medication assisted treatment, psychiatric assessment and mental health services, specialized services for pregnant and parenting mothers, community reintegration, case management and coordination of aftercare services.

This position is responsible for monitoring the treatment planning and progress for their assigned caseload. One will ensure substance use and mental health disorders are addressed in a trauma informed and gender responsive manner. Will be a part of an integrated and comprehensive team to ensure coordination of care. This position will conduct both individual sessions as well as be responsible for conducting group treatment. One will participate in weekly staff meetings and provide feedback regarding risk, needs, and when client is ready to enter community reintegration activities. Will assist clients with Department of Human Services involvement with reunification plans with their children, provide coordination or care for ongoing services including but not limited to housing, outpatient care, and ancillary services. This position is also responsible for completing ASAM assessments for reauthorization of continued care from Medicaid. Will provide aftercare and discharge planning and complete clinical documentation per oversight agency standards. 

Note: This is an essential services position.  The incumbent is required to respond after hours during emergencies and report to work for regular assigned shifts during emergency campus closures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate groups and provide individual counseling.
• Completes ongoing clinical assessments throughout clients stay in order demonstrate client’s need for continued residential services or progression to an outpatient level of care. 
• Complete a biopsychosocial assessment and utilize it to develop treatment plans.
• Modify treatment plan goals as needed.
• Prepare monthly progress reports, clinical reports, and document all services in the electronic health record and per oversight agency guidelines.
• Observe urine screens, perform facility head counts, monitor medications, and assure the safety of the facility.
• Address gender-specific issues in a trauma-informed approach.
• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to address multiple needs of the client including but not limited to parenting skills, mental health, coping skills, housing, recovery planning, community support, family services, community reintegration, etc.

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Denver, Colorado on the Ft. Logan Campus.

Why Join Us:

Reflections for Women is a team of professionals dedicated to empowering women on their journey toward recovery. Our interdisciplinary team collaborates to provide trauma informed care to meet the unique needs of women struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our goal is to help women become safe, sober, and successful. We understand that women require a supportive network to make effective change, yet many women don't have a community they can trust. We believe that together, women can learn from one another to gain coping skills and address their individual needs. We believe each and every member of our team contributes to the well-being and success of our clients and what we can't do alone, we can do together!

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness .

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in biological science, nutrition, nursing, health, human services, psychology, counseling, social work, or a directly related field from an accredited institution.
  • Substitution: Certified Addictions Specialist (CAS) with 5 years’ professional experience in Mental Health, Behavioral Health, case management, research of Mental Health, Behavioral Health, or closely related field.
• Possess a valid registration in good standing with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) as Certified Addictions Specialist (CAS), Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPC-C), Social Worker Candidate (SW-C), Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate (MFT-C), or Registered Psychotherapist/Unlicensed Psychotherapist (NLC).

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a substance use disorder treatment environment with a focus on women's issues (i.e., trauma; domestic violence; mental health treatment; parenting and child development; barriers women experience in treatment such as childcare or employment, etc.).
• Experience documenting clinical interventions according to established policies and procedures and per Medicaid standards.
• Experience writing treatment plans.
• Experience completing ASAM and clinical assessments.
• Experience observing, monitoring, and/or intervening in drug/alcohol treatment.
• Experience providing group and individualized clinical care for adult clients.
• Experience using an Electronic Health Record.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must agree to fingerprinting and a criminal background check. Required background checks include a review with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
• Subject to pre-employment, post-accident or incident or reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing per UCD Addiction Research and Treatment Services Department Policies.
• Individuals in recovery from substance abuse must have one (1) year of abstinence from alcohol and drug problems.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Colorado Driver’s License or be able to obtain a valid State of Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and ability to learn software programs.
• Ability to establish boundaries with clients.
• Ability to manage difficult behaviors.
• Ability to track client progress through the development and updates of treatment plans.
• Ability to deliver individual and group counseling services.
• Ability to apply ethical guidelines of profession.
• Ability to be nonjudgmental and respectful of other’s beliefs, values, and culture.
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

Questions should be directed to: Daniele Wolff, [email protected]

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening of applications begins immediately and continues until position is filled.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $51,788 - $65,875.

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: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

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 [email protected] ​.

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 .