Peer Recovery Specialist (I – II) – Resident Services

University of Colorado; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 41,736 - 50,830; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical: Multiple plan options

Dental: Multiple plan options

Paid Time Off: Accrual-based

Tuition Benefit: Available

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Aurora seeks a Peer Recovery Specialist (I – II) to provide essential peer support for adults in recovery. Responsibilities include conducting outreach, assisting clients with appointments, and leveraging lived experience with substance use disorders. The role requires a high school diploma and offers a full-time position with generous benefits including tuition support and medical plans.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience connecting patients to resources.
• Must have lived experience with SUD or addictions and recovery.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to individuals in Recovery Residences.
• Assist residents with attending community appointments.
• Conduct outreach activities to support clients.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Experience with SUD

Motivational interviewing

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certified Addiction Technician (CAT)

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Peer Recovery Specialist (I – II) – Resident Services role at University of Colorado.

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
School of Medicine | Department of Psychiatry | Addiction Research & Treatment Services (ARTS) | Recovery Residences

Job Title: Peer Recovery Specialist (I – II) – Resident Services
Position: 00677702 – Requisition: 37576

Job Summary

The Peer Recovery Specialist is instrumental in providing peer support for adult females and/or adult males residing in the Recovery Residences program. This is a full-time University Staff (non-classified) position that provides activities to engage, educate, and offer support to clients as they navigate steps to embrace a sober lifestyle. This position assists clients with attending appointments in the community once admitted. This position also provides positive support and resources to clients who are transitioning to aftercare programming. This role is responsible for conducting outreach activities, assisting with following up on intake inquiries, keeping clients engaged while awaiting a treatment bed, providing support services and coordination to recovery support services, and traveling to various referral sites such as hospitals, DHS offices, and other community locations to meet clients, and perform other duties as assigned or required. Standard working days are Tuesday through Saturday, and extended hours may be required for clinic coverage, helping clients access treatment, or appointments.

About ARTS: Addiction Research and Treatment Services (ARTS) is the clinical program of the Department of Psychiatry, Division of Substance Dependence at the University of Colorado, School of Medicine. ARTS has provided residential and outpatient empirically supported substance abuse treatment services in Colorado for over 45 years with a focus on psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for diverse populations. The Recovery Residences program provides a safe place to live for up to 20 women (some with children) and 20 men (in a separate house) while they learn skills to stay sober in the community. The program is grant and Medicaid funded and includes drug and alcohol assessment, psychosocial and educational services, and links to medication management if needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support to individuals living in Recovery Residence(s) by engaging them in activities and education.
• Offer support to residents struggling to enroll in treatment and follow through with intake appointments.
• Assist resident with attending appointments in the community once admitted.
• Assist residents with making community linkages as they transition into the community.
• Assist with coordination to recovery support services, including traveling to various referral sites such as hospitals, DHS offices, and community locations to meet clients.
• Leverage lived experience with SUD and recovery to encourage and support individuals who may be reluctant to embrace a sober lifestyle.
• Be responsive to and affirm the individualized needs of each patient under care.

Work Location

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite at the Ft. Logan Grounds, Denver, CO.

Why Join Us

ARTS is the clinical program of the Division of Substance Dependence, Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado, School of Medicine. ARTS has provided residential and outpatient empirically supported substance abuse treatment services for over 45 years, with emphasis on psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for diverse populations affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Why work for the University

We offer AMAZING benefits and a generous leave package. Benefits include:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accrual-based
• Vacation Days: 22/year
• Sick Days: 15/year
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Available on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD bus and light rail

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Level I: High school diploma or GED.

Level II: High school diploma or GED plus one year of experience with patients and connecting them to resources, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Education may substitute for work experience on a year-for-year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Peer Specialist (e.g., Colorado Peer and Family Specialist/CPFS).
• Current, valid DORA registration as a Certified Addiction Technician (CAT) or higher.
• Experience with motivational interviewing techniques.
• Experience in Patient Navigation and connecting patients to required services or resources.
• Experience providing support to individuals with substance use disorders.
• Experience with electronic health records.
• Experience with clients involved with the criminal justice system or related referral sources.
• Experience providing administrative support in a substance abuse treatment setting.

Conditions of Employment

• Applicants must have lived experience with SUD or addictions and recovery with existing sobriety supports.
• Minimum two years of sobriety with sober supports.
• Must complete CCAR Recovery Coach Academy training within 6–12 months of hire (training costs covered by employer).
• Must obtain Peer Specialist certification within one year of hire.
• Must consent to fingerprinting and background checks (CBI, Trails, FBI) prior to hire.
• Subject to pre-employment, post-accident, incident, and/or reasonable suspicion drug testing per ARTS policies.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and written/oral communication skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with treatment-seeking clients and adhere to policies and deadlines.
• Ability to develop healthy client relationships and maintain confidentiality.
• Experience with electronic health records; proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Strong critical thinking skills.

How to Apply

To be considered, submit: a letter of interest, a CV/resume, and three to five professional references with contact information. Questions can be directed to: Irene Arguelles, [e-mail]

Screening and Pay

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified; preference will be given to complete applications received by September 30, 2025. Anticipated pay range: Level I: $41,736 – $48,413; Level II: $43,812 – $50,830. Total compensation includes benefits; see the university calculator for details.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Additional Information

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a respectful, inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations under the ADA are available. Background checks and vaccination requirements may apply depending on role and facilities. Posting Date: Aug 18, 2025. Unposting Date: Ongoing. Posting Contact: Irene Arguelles, [e-mail].

Position Number: 00677702