Peer Recovery Specialist – Patient Services

University of Colorado; Aurora; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading medical campus is seeking a Peer Recovery Specialist within the Addiction Research and Treatment Services. This full-time position requires lived experience with substance use disorder to support patients in recovery. Responsibilities include case management, individual and group interventions, and community outreach. Ideal candidates should have at least a high school diploma, relevant experience, and excellent communication skills. Join a supportive environment committed to improving health outcomes for individuals with SUD.

Benefits

Employee development through training

Supportive work environment

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• One year of experience connecting individuals with SUD treatment.
• Experience in patient navigation for Medicaid/Medicare.
• Certified as Colorado Peer and Family Specialist preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Peer Recovery Specialist and educator.
• Conduct community outreach for SUD treatment engagement.
• Collaborate with supervisors and clinic staff regularly.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Critical thinking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in psychology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic health records

Job description

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

School of Medicine | Department of Psychiatry | Addiction Research & Treatment Services (ARTS) | Adult Outpatient Program

Job Title: Peer Recovery Specialist – Patient Services

Position: #00828232 – Requisition: #35187

Job Summary

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus seeks three full‑time, University Staff (non‑classified) Peer Recovery Specialists within the Addiction Research and Treatment Services (ARTS) Adult Outpatient Program, with clinic locations in Denver, Aurora, and Arvada. The ARTS Adult Outpatient Program is within the School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. ARTS Adult Outpatient clinics provide drug and alcohol assessment, psychosocial and pharmacological treatment for adults.

Programs in various clinic locations include traditional outpatient, intensive outpatient and may contain specialty services for clients referred by the criminal justice system, county departments of human services, and services for pregnant women, individuals who are HIV‑positive and gender‑responsive services.

The person in this position is an individual with lived substance use disorder (SUD) experience to support drug and alcohol assessment and psychosocial treatment for adults with SUD who first enter care at ARTS Adult Outpatient Program clinic locations, ARTS Medication Mobile Unit, or through other medical/clinical settings such as the UC Health hospital. Peer Recovery Specialists can use their own experiences to help patients navigate the journey of recovery from SUD by offering practical advice and emotional support, helping them feel empowered and not alone.

Peer Recovery Specialists help clients identify strengths and coping strategies, guide them on managing challenges, and provide support from an experienced, knowledgeable, compassionate ally dedicated to helping them live healthier lifestyles and achieve goals through recovery.

This full‑time, University Staff (non‑classified) position engages, educates, and supports adults with SUD, their families, and caregivers to connect patients to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow‑up sessions. It is also responsible for conducting outreach activities with patients, staff, community partners, subcontracted agencies, and other entities as appropriate, traveling to various sites, and performing other duties as assigned or required.

Working hours are based on a standard 40‑hour work week, including breaks, as follows:

• 6:00 am–2:30 pm on Mondays to Fridays.

Note: The above working hours and locations may change according to clinic needs, and this position may be required to work periodically on some weeknights and/or some Saturdays or Sundays to represent ARTS at outreach events.

Important: Applicants MUST have personal, lived experience with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and recovery from the SUD/addiction, with existing sustained sobriety and supports.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a Peer Recovery Specialist and peer educator to improve health outcomes for patients who enter care at ARTS Adult Outpatient Program (AOP) clinic locations in Denver, Arvada, Aurora, and/or the ARTS Medication Mobile Unit, and are identified for medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorder (SUD).
• Use a strengths‑based, patient‑focused approach with patients to identify problems or challenges.
• Conduct case‑management activities around social determinants of health such as housing, transportation, Medicaid/Medicare enrollment, food/nutrition, and health‑care access; provide referrals to community/partner agencies.
• Conduct peer‑led individual and group interventions focused on health education, care coordination, and reducing barriers to care; conduct community outreach to engage patients into SUD treatment and/or MAT.
• Collaborate with supervisors and clinic staff to coordinate timely, effective services and monitor progress relative to care or treatment plans.
• Attend and participate in all clinic meetings, huddles, trainings, etc.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records and notes as required by policy.
• Use electronic health record systems for documentation, communication tracking, and patient data.
• Schedule and maintain multiple internal and external appointments.
• Gather, analyze, and report patient statistical data.
• Maintain respectful, empathetic personal contact aligned with patient preferences (phone, text, email, in‑person).
• Respond courteously to queries and provide excellent customer service to patients, staff, stakeholders, and others associated with ARTS goals.
• Work with patients referred from parole/probation, social services, and other agencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors or management.

Work Location

On‑site – the person in this position is expected to work onsite in Denver, Aurora, or Arvada, Colorado.

Why Join Us

This position offers a unique opportunity for individuals with lived experience and recovery from SUDs to provide care and support to others living with SUD. Employees will be engaged in a supportive, professional, nurturing environment where diverse backgrounds collaborate to deliver evidence‑based, multi‑faceted treatment.

ARTS supports employee development through CCAR Recovery Coach Academy training and Colorado Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS) certification.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local non‑discrimination laws. We commit to treating all individuals with respect and dignity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
• One (1) year of professional experience connecting individuals with SUD treatment or addiction recovery to resources directly associated with SUD treatment, MAT, or addiction recovery. (Additional appropriate education can substitute for the required experience on a year‑for‑year basis.)

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in psychology, social work, counseling, human services, or related accredited field.
• Experience in patient navigation, enrolling patients for Medicaid/Medicare, or related resources.
• Certification as a Colorado Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS), or comparable peer specialist/coach certification.
• Experience with motivational interviewing techniques.
• Experience working with clients referred by criminal justice, drug courts, recovery courts, probation/parole, or social services agencies.
• Experience providing administrative support in an SUD or MAT setting.
• Experience working with diverse cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, and spiritual backgrounds.
• Experience working with LGBTQ+ community.
• Experience with electronic health records.
• Current valid registration with Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) as Certified Addiction Technician (CAT) license or higher.
• Multilingual ability (English and other languages).

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships at all institutional levels.
• Skill in managing difficult behaviors.
• Ability to engage patients in SUD treatment.
• Compliance with established rules, policies, and procedures.
• Open‑mind and non‑judgmental attitude.
• Capacity to develop healthy client relationships.
• Discretion and confidentiality maintenance.
• Knowledge of basic care coordination, medical/hospital, and community resources.
• Knowledge of basic therapeutic confrontation and structures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Excellent data entry skills.
• Critical thinking skills, meeting deadlines and multitasking in high‑pressure environments.

Conditions of Employment

• Applicants must have lived experience with SUD or addiction recovery, with existing sobriety supports.
• Minimum thirteen (13) months of continuous, sustained sobriety with sobriety supports.
• Complete CCAR Recovery Coach Academy training within 12 months of hire.
• Obtain CPFS certification within 6 months of hire.
• Agree to fingerprinting and criminal background check prior to hiring (CBI and FBI).
• Subject to pre‑employment, post‑accident, incident, and/or drug and alcohol testing per UCAMC policies.
• Possession of valid driver’s license and automobile insurance per Colorado requirements.
• May be required to work periodic weeknights, Saturdays, Sundays, and occasional on‑call.

How to Apply

For full consideration, please submit:

1. A letter of interest describing relevant experiences and interest in the position. Candidate’s cover letter must adequately describe how their work/life experiences satisfy the Conditions of Employment. If omitted, the application will be removed from consideration.
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume.
3. Three to five professional references with name, address, phone, and email.

Direct questions to: Heidi McKinnon – [e-mail]

Screening of Applications Begins

Applications are accepted until finalists are identified; preference is given to complete applications received by January 31st, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range

The starting salary range for this position is $43,806 – $50,822.

Position may be eligible for overtime compensation based on level.

ADA Statement

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [e-mail].

Background Check Statement

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus conducts background investigations for all prospective employees to ensure a safe environment.

Vaccination Statement

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against COVID‑19 and other vaccine‑preventable diseases. Employees working in healthcare facilities must comply with vaccination and medical surveillance policies of those facilities. Certain research areas or safety‑sensitive duties require enrollment in a occupational health medical surveillance program.

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

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125