ASAM Implementation Specialist — Clinical Workflow & Training

Jefferson Center for Mental Health; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Jefferson Center for Mental Health in Colorado is seeking an ASAM Implementation Specialist who brings deep knowledge of ASAM Criteria to guide assessment, placement, and level of care across programs.

The role blends clinical expertise with project management, training staff, workflow development, and cross‑functional collaboration to support ongoing ASAM implementation. This is a two‑year, fixed‑term, hybrid position. Travel between sites is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in behavioral health, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field.
• Current Colorado clinical license (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, Psychologist, or equivalent) required.
• Certified Addictions Specialist (CAS) required; Licensed Addiction Specialist (LAC) preferred.
• Minimum three years of clinical experience with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders.
• Experience utilizing ASAM Criteria in assessment, treatment planning, and level of care determination.
• Experience coordinating projects involving multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the organization's clinical resource and ASAM expert regarding ASAM Criteria and placement practices.
• Provide consultation to clinical teams regarding ASAM multidimensional assessments, level of care recommendations, treatment planning, continued stay criteria, transfer criteria, and discharge planning.
• Assist clinicians in applying ASAM principles consistently across programs and levels of care.
• Maintain current knowledge of ASAM standards, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration requirements, and industry best practices.
• Supports clinical decision-making related to placement, service intensity, and care transitions.
• Coordinates and supports ASAM implementation projects across multiple programs and service lines.
• Develops project plans, timelines, milestones, and implementation tracking tools.
• Monitors project progress and identifies implementation barriers, risks, and opportunities.
• Assists leadership with implementation planning, prioritization, and execution activities.
• Provides regular status reports and recommendations regarding project outcomes and implementation progress.
• Facilitates workgroups and stakeholder meetings related to ASAM implementation initiatives.
• Assists in the design and refinement of ASAM-aligned workflows, assessment processes, and clinical documentation practices.
• Supports development of tools, forms, reference guides, and clinical resources to promote ASAM-consistent practice.
• Collaborates with Quality, Compliance, and Clinical Operations teams to align workflows with organizational standards.
• Assists with implementation of ASAM-related documentation and decision-support tools within the electronic health record.
• Delivers education, consultation, and technical assistance related to ASAM implementation and application.
• Supports onboarding and ongoing training for clinical staff regarding ASAM standards.
• Develops training materials, job aids, and clinical reference tools.
• Responds to staff questions regarding ASAM assessment, documentation, and level of care determination.
• Identifies trends, practice gaps, and workflow challenges related to ASAM implementation.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives designed to improve consistency and effectiveness of ASAM utilization.
• Collaborates with Quality teams regarding corrective action planning and process improvement opportunities.
• Supports implementation of evidence-based practices related to substance use disorder treatment.
• Collaborates with clinical leaders, operational departments, revenue cycle teams, quality staff, and information technology staff on ASAM-related initiatives.
• Participates in organizational workgroups, committees, and implementation teams.
• Maintains productive relationships with community partners and state stakeholders as directed.
• Serves as a liaison between clinical operations and project teams to support successful implementation efforts.

Skills

ASAM Criteria expertise

Clinical assessment

Project management

Stakeholder collaboration

Quality improvement

Education

Master's degree in behavioral health, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field

Current Colorado clinical license (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, Psychologist, or equivalent)

Certified Addictions Specialist (CAS) required; Licensed Addiction Specialist (LAC) preferred

Job description

Jefferson Center for Mental Health in Colorado is seeking an ASAM Implementation Specialist who brings deep knowledge of ASAM Criteria to guide assessment, placement, and level of care across programs.

The role blends clinical expertise with project management, training staff, workflow development, and cross‑functional collaboration to support ongoing ASAM implementation. This is a two‑year, fixed‑term, hybrid position. Travel between sites is required.