Addictions Specialist​/Chemical Dependency Counselor

Description WHO WE ARE

Volunteers of America Colorado is a nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in-need transform their lives. Through more than 50 distinct human service programs, Volunteers of America changes the lives of more than 140,000 vulnerable Colorado ans each year. VOA services include housing and emergency shelters, hunger and nutrition services, and many other community support programs. Our work touches the mind, body, heart and ultimately the spirit of those we serve.

VOA integrates compassion with highly effective programs that build and strengthen communities.

VOAC recognizes the unique needs of the older adult who needs a wheelchair ramp to stay at home safely, and the preschooler whose family needs additional resources. VOAC supports veteran’s efforts to exit homelessness as well as provides a safe place for survivors of domestic violence. Wherever VOAC goes, it combines relationship-building, volunteers and quality services to lift and support our neighbor’s efforts to become self-sufficient and reach their full potential.

** The Addictions Specialist / Chemical Dependency Counselor (CAC) provides assessment, counseling, case management, and referral services to individuals experiencing substance use disorders within the Navigation Center. The role uses a trauma-informed, strength-based, recovery-oriented approach, meeting participants where they are in their stage of change. The position supports participants who may be ambivalent or not ready to stop using substances by emphasizing safety, engagement, motivation, recovery planning, and connection to appropriate care.

The Addictions Specialist serves as a resource to participants, staff, and community partners by maintaining strong knowledge of local behavioral health and substance use treatment systems, including outpatient treatment, medication-assisted treatment providers, detoxification resources, inpatient or residential programs, recovery supports, housing, medical services, benefits, and related community resources.

• Conduct comprehensive substance use screenings and assessments, including evaluation of stages of change, readiness for treatment, and co-occurring behavioral health concerns.
• Use clinical knowledge to support treatment recommendations for substance use disorders and related participant needs.
• Develop individualized, strength-based service plans in collaboration with participants.
• Monitor participant progress toward identified goals and adjust service planning as needs change.

• Provide individual and/or group counseling using evidence-informed approaches such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles, and harm reduction.
• Effectively engage participants who may be resistant, ambivalent, or not ready for abstinence-based treatment.
• Support participants in exploring behavior change while respecting autonomy, self-determination, and dignity.
• Promote recovery, stabilization, coping skills, relapse prevention, wellness, and connection to supportive services.

• Apply a trauma-informed lens to all services, recognizing the relationship between trauma, homelessness, mental health needs, and substance use.
• Create a safe, nonjudgmental environment that promotes trust, empowerment, accountability, and healing.
• Support staff and participants during substance use-related crises, overdose response, behavioral escalation, and other urgent incidents as appropriate to role and training.
• Educate participants and staff regarding safer practices, overdose prevention;
  Narcan use coordination where applicable, and safer service engagement.

• Maintain a robust understanding of local behavioral health and substance use treatment systems, including outpatient services, MAT providers, detoxification, inpatient/residential programs, peer recovery supports, and community resources.
• Facilitate referrals, linkages, and warm handoffs to appropriate levels of care based on participant needs and preferences.
• Collaborate with community partners to support continuity of care and reduce barriers to treatment engagement.
• Assist participants in accessing housing, medical services, benefits, transportation, documentation, treatment, and other social supports as needed.

• Provide ongoing case management services, including care coordination, resource navigation, follow-up, and participant advocacy.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical and service documentation in accordance with regulatory, contractual, ethical, and organizational standards.
• Maintain participant confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2 where applicable, and VOA Colorado policies and procedures.
• Collect and report participant service data, outcomes, and other information as required by…