CDOC (SOCIAL WORK/COUNSELOR III) - Substance Use Disorder Treatment - (LIMON)

State of Colorado; Limon (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Colorado is seeking qualified behavioral health professionals to provide services at the Limon Correctional Facility in Limon, CO. The role involves evaluations, clinical interventions, and coordination of care for inmates with substance use and co‑occurring disorders, in line with behavioral health guidelines.

Candidates must hold a current Colorado license (LAC, CSW, LPC, Psychologist, or MFT) and have at least one year of licensed or license candidacy experience in substance use

Qualifications

• Licensed professional in Colorado with one of the listed licenses.
• At least 1 year of licensed or license candidacy experience in substance use or mental health.
• Ability to work with offenders and in secure environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional behavioral health services to offenders, including evaluations and clinical interventions.
• Consult with unit staff on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
• Provide crisis intervention in line with clinical standards and duties.
• Ensure continuity of care through referrals and proper documentation.

Skills

English communication

Crisis intervention

Team collaboration

High-stress performance

Education

Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CSW)

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensed Psychologist

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)

Job description

Who May Apply

A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed below to include licensure through the State of Colorado.

Location

There are multiple positions located at the Limon Correctional Facility in Limon, CO. This posting may be used to fill future vacancies at this location.

Position provides professional behavioral health services to a population of offenders with substance use and co‑occurring disorder treatment needs in compliance with behavioral health guidelines.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to

• Provides professional behavioral health services to the offender population, to include formal and informal behavioral health evaluations, diagnostic assessments, and clinical interventions.
• Serves as consultant for unit staff regarding assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
• Provides clinical direction to non‑clinical staff in behavioral health care and treatment of offenders.
• Assures continuity of care for offenders by making appropriate referral and providing necessary information and documentation for receiving units, facilities, or agencies.
• Provides crisis intervention in conjunction with clinical standards regarding mental health professional privilege level.
• Informs offenders regarding substance use treatment.
• Communicates regarding complaints, problems, transfers, classifications, and offender behavioral management issues as it relates to substance use treatment.
• Monitors inmate treatment and documentation to assure compliance with standards, assures continuity of care, completes assigned tasks in compliance with overtime exempt status.

You are encouraged to print a copy of this announcement for your records.

Only applicants who meet the minimum qualifications shall be considered for this announcement

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicant must possess one or more of the following current, and valid licenses from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies:
• Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential issued by the Colorado State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners or
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CSW) or
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or
• Licensed Psychologist or
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
• AND
• Applicant must have one (1) year of licensed or license candidacy experience (e.g., Addiction Counselor Candidate) with substance use and/or mental health.

Ensure that the 'Work Experience' section of the application is complete and contains all relevant part‑time and full‑time work experience related to the position that you are applying for. This information will be used to help determine compensation for the position. "See resume" statements cannot be accepted in lieu of the "work experience" section of the application. Additional work experience will not be accepted after the job announcement close date.

Required Competencies

• Self‑control, a strong sense of ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations;
• Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout their shift;
• Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high‑stakes interaction.
• Knowledge and a thorough understanding of Substance Use Disorder treatment standards and guidelines;
• Knowledge and a thorough understanding of Mental Health standards and guidelines;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language;
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind.
• Ability to provide direct patient care to inmates;
• Must maintain required licensure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of a current, valid Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential issued by the Colorado State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners
• Possession of a current, valid Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) credential issued by the State of Colorado.
• Experience providing mental health treatment and discharge planning with the severely mentally ill and developmentally disabled population;
• Experience providing Substance Use Disorder treatment;
• Experience providing Substance Use Disorder treatment to justice involved population.
• Experience conducting suicide risk assessments;
• Experience working as a member of a multidisciplinary team.

Important Information

For questions regarding this job announcement, contact Stacey Hibpshman at [e-mail] or 719-723-3973.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be 21 years of age;
• Possess a valid driver's license; Drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver license, obey traffic laws, and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. State drivers are expected to maintain a safe driving record consistent with Colorado Division of Human Resources Universal Policy Driving Standards. Eligibility to drive a State‑owned vehicle, includes holding a valid Colorado driver's license within 30 days of employment or residency change and meeting specific driving record criteria. Serious traffic violations, including DUIs or reckless driving, can disqualify drivers for up to seven years. All State Vehicles are monitored by telematics for safe operation and employees have no reasonable expectation of privacy while using an agency State Fleet vehicle.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED;
• Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601-15609. The CDOC shall not hire nor promote anyone who may have contact with an offender who has engaged in sexual abuse which includes acts, activity, and sexual behavior, in a prison or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997; or has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the above paragraph. The agency shall consider any incidents of sexual harassment in determining whether to hire anyone who may have contact with offenders or residents.
• Successfully pass all modules of the 6 week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics;
• Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; DOC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics;
  • Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist;
  • Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down;
  • Use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows;
  • Withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows;
  • Swing a baton in a striking technique;
  • Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;
  • Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions;
• Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment;
• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security;
• Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury;
• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently;
• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations;
• Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner;
• Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed inmates;
• Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments;
• Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings;
• Willing and able to travel;
• Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule;
• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required. Should applicant's background reveal criminal charges, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to provide the Department of Corrections with written/official disposition of any charges.

The CDOC is committed to a work environment free from illegal drugs and alcohol. Employees (see exception below) may use marijuana in their personal time but are prohibited from working while under the influence of any substance, including marijuana. A drug test will be administered to all new employees; employees must successfully pass. Random drug screening will occur throughout employment.

Exception: Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified employees are prohibited from the use of marijuana. Health care professionals must check their licensing requirements regarding marijuana use.

Appeal Rights

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email ([e-mail]), postmarked in U.S. Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at [phone]; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

After submitting an application, you should receive an immediate email acknowledging your submission. If you do not get the email, please check to ensure you have actually submitted the application and typed the correct email address on the application.

Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked daily as time sensitive correspondence WILL take place via email. You may receive email notifications from a Colorado Dept. of Corrections employee or from this email address: [e-mail]. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email; if you do not receive correspondence soon after the closing date or if you have questions about this job announcement, please contact Stacey Hibpshman at [e-mail].

SCHEDULED DATES OF POSSIBLE APPLICANT ASSESSMENTS (I.E., EXAMS, ORAL BOARDS, WRITTEN EXAMS) WILL NOT BE MADE UP. IF YOU FAIL TO SHOW AT THE APPOINTED DATE/TIME, MAKE-UPS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement