Care Manager for SUD and OCR Educator

paragon; Lakewood (CO); On-site; USD 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, life and short

Flexible work hours

DTO (Discretionary Time Off)

401(k) retirement plan

EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

Professional development support

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Paragon Behavioral Health Connections seeks a Bachelor Level Care Manager to provide Substance Use Disorder care management within our Intensive Outpatient Program. The role includes Outpatient Competency Education for clients ordered into competency restoration, with travel to homes and communities in the Lakewood/Denver Metro area.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field and at least one year of behavioral health or case management experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field (required).
• Minimum one year of relevant behavioral health or case management experience.
• Experience with housing navigation is a plus.
• Spanish-speaking/bilingual candidates preferred.
• Valid driver's license and auto insurance.

Responsibilities

• Lead psychoeducational groups and co-facilitate sessions focused on skills.
• Coordinate care with social services and document contacts.
• Develop service and transition plans with clients.
• Assist with housing navigation and barriers.

Skills

Communication skills

HIPAA knowledge

Time management

Cultural sensitivity

Conflict resolution

Judicial system experience

Care coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field

Job description

About Paragon Behavioral Health Connections

Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is a comprehensive behavioral health organization on a mission to positively impact individuals and families through compassionate, and client-centered care. Our mission is to deliver personalized care that uplifts our clients and builds supportive connections in communities. Through community based or in-home services, and digital solutions as needed, we meet clients where they are, both physically and emotionally, to provide the right support at the right time. Serving communities across Colorado, we deliver equitable and creative “one-stop” behavioral health services, providing in-home mental health and substance use treatment, crisis stabilization, early childhood support, intensive outpatient programs, assertive community treatment, medication management, wrap around support and more. We believe care should meet people where they are, both physically and emotionally. Our approach is rooted in understanding, respect, innovation, and community collaboration.

Our vision is to empower individuals and families with complex needs, helping them overcome challenges, build essential skills, and access the resources necessary to achieve long-term well-being. We offer a wide range of services, including step-down care from inpatient hospitalization for youth and adults, comprehensive support for children and families, and specialized treatment for adults facing depression, trauma, substance use, and other mental health needs.

Our programming includes intensive care management supports for families and adults, Crisis Stabilization programming, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) for individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness, Child First for young children and caregivers, integrated co-occurring Intensive Outpatient treatment, individual and family therapy, medication management (including MAT), peer support, supported employment/housing, and holistic recovery services for mental health and substance use disorders.

Why Work With Paragon

• Statewide Reach - Deliver care where it’s needed most. We’re not region-limited—serve communities across Colorado, including rural and frontier areas with limited access to care.
• Flexibility & Work–Life Balance - Own your schedule. Partner with families to set visit times that work for them (and you), so you can enjoy Colorado’s trails, slopes, and sunshine during off-peak hours.
• Clinical Leadership & Support - Clinicians lead here. Our executive team includes licensed providers who shape business decisions with a care-first lens. We provide licensure supervision and regular consultation to support your growth as a clinician.
• Comprehensive, Company-Paid Benefits - We cover health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance—company-paid—so there are no premium deductions from your paycheck. Keep your full salary and your peace of mind.
• Career Growth Opportunities - Grow with us. Explore new modalities and specializations and advance into leadership as we expand statewide.

Position Summary

Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is seeking a Bachelor Level Care Manager to provide Substance Use Disorder (SUD) care management services within our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). This role also includes providing Outpatient Competency Education to metro area Paragon clients who have been ordered into competency restoration. The care manager will work in or near the designated locations and travel to homes and communities of the clients we serve.

Key Responsibilities

Behavioral Health

• Psychoeducational groups: Lead or co-facilitate structured groups focused on skill-building (e.g., coping skills, communication, goal setting), based on approved curriculum.
• Substance use interventions: Co-facilitate or lead non-clinical groups and individual client support focused on education, relapse prevention, or targeted care management support under supervision.
• Collaborate in a shared caseload model to ensure consistent care for clients across the team.
• Support clients in developing and achieving treatment goals using motivational interviewing and strengths-based practices.
• Offer assistance with activities of daily living, skill building, and developing home routines that foster independence and stability.
• Provide individual and/or group Outpatient Restoration Services (Education and Case management) with clients that have been deemed incompetent by the Court.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Case Management

• Coordinate and navigate social service systems such as Medicaid/Medicare, social security, housing supports, Medicaid waivers and CDHS.
• Maintain thorough documentation of all service-related contacts.
• Develop service and transition plans in collaboration with clients.
• Provide community-based services in natural settings, supporting clients in real-life environments.
• Connect clients with necessary resources and assist with obtaining such resources. (PCP, dentist, legal support, vocational support)

Housing

• Assist clients with navigating housing systems, including completing applications for subsidized housing, transitional housing, or supportive housing programs.
• Collaborate with team members to identify barriers to housing, such as credit issues, criminal history, or lack of documentation, and develop plans to address them.
• Provide accompaniment to housing appointments or inspections, when necessary, to support client self-advocacy and engagement.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of HIPAA, confidentiality, and protected health information.
• High level of independence, time management, and ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Commitment to cultural awareness, equity, and working with diverse populations.
• Strong conflict resolution and decision‑making skills.
• Experience working or collaborating with the judicial system
• Understanding of the full cycle of care from initial intake through discharge, including developing care plans.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field (required).

Experience

• Minimum one year of relevant experience in behavioral health and/or case management (required).
• Experience working with individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions
• Experience with housing navigation is a plus
• Spanish‑speaking/bilingual candidates preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
• Must live in or near the community served.
• Driving clients in a personal vehicle is an expectation.

Job Details

• Reports To: Director of Community‑Based Clinical Programs
• Department: Community‑Based Clinical Services
• Position Type: Full-Time, Non‑Exempt
• Location: Lakewood/Denver Metro
• Salary: $26.44-$31.25 per hour

Benefits

• Paid health, dental, vision, life, short- and long‑term disability insurance.
• Flexible work hours
• Discretionary Time Off (DTO)
• 401(k)retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development support
• Referral bonuses

Diversity & Inclusion

Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.