Addiction Specialist Ii​/Addiction Counselor-Cmhhip

Department Information

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

Please note:

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Location:

Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP).

CMHHIP is a 24‑hour behavioral health acute care facility that provides a safe, secure, and therapeutic setting for patients with psychiatric and medical issues. Services include evaluation and treatment for patients who are severely mentally ill, with the goal of returning patients to their optimal level of functioning and assisting them in re‑integrating into the community as appropriate.

The Addiction Specialist II position is full‑time, on‑site at CMHHIP, Monday‑Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (working arrangements may change).

The purpose of this role is to provide substance use disorder treatment, education, and assessment to CMHHIP patients. Responsibilities include scheduling, facilitating, and documenting substance use disorder groups, individual counseling, and substance use assessments. A Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) certification is required.

• Provide ongoing advanced psychotherapy to patients in individual and group settings.
• Enhance positive mental health growth and stability to achieve and maintain a drug‑free lifestyle.
• Facilitate evidence‑based substance use treatment groups and individual therapy addressing patient risk factors.
• Provide AOD services within a multidisciplinary and interprofessional setting.
• Maintain CRC continuum of care, updating group completion, substance use assessments, and all documentation in the electronic health record.
• Develop complementary relationships with CMHHIP treatment teams to ensure appropriate patient assignment and participation in CRC substance use treatment.
• Communicate with treatment team and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Collaborate with patient providers and unit Social Workers to help patients work toward group completion and risk reduction.
• Advise treatment team of anticipated treatment duration and recommended course of treatment.
• Formulate and conduct Substance Use Assessments using ASAM continuum and Addiction Severity Index (ASID) tools.
• Provide professional recommendations for CRC group/individual treatment based on assessment findings.
• Participate and consult with assigned patient/unit treatment teams to ensure substance use treatment needs are addressed.
• Recommend AOD toxicology (UA), breathalyzer (BA), quarterly hair test, or drug patch as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support team objectives and organizational goals; assist in emergencies and patient transport as required.

• Current, valid certification from the State of Colorado as a Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS), Addiction Counselor Candidate (AC‑C), or Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC).
• Full background and reference check required.
• Must be a State of Colorado resident at time of application and throughout employment.
• Valid, non‑restricted Colorado Driver’s License (or U.S. Driver’s License if within 30 miles of the Colorado border). Out‑of‑state drivers must obtain a Colorado license within 30 days of employment start date.
• Physical ability to perform required duties, including lifting, restraint, and defensive tactics as outlined in training modules.
• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking).
• 2‑step tuberculosis screening required upon hire; annual influenza vaccination required.

• Experience working with mental health, substance use disorder, and dual diagnosis populations.
• Relevant years of state service experience.

• Full background and reference check.
• State of Colorado residency requirement.
• Motor vehicle check if the employee will drive a state‑owned vehicle.
• Will require completion of CMHHIP New Employee Orientation core curriculum, including English reading comprehension, competency assessments, and defensive tactics exams.
• Physical requirements:
  
  lift, kick, stabilise, defend, and perform defensive tactics as described in the training modules.
• Must observe safety protocols and be able to respond to potential…