Trauma-Informed Addictions Counselor (CAC)

Volunteers of America Colorado; Lakewood (CO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation Time/Separate Sick Time

Paid Holidays/Floating Holidays/Family

Health, Dental, Vision

Pension Plan

403b Retirement Plan with Agency Match

Life Insurance/Disability

Job summary

Volunteers of America Colorado Navigation Center seeks a full-time Addictions Specialist / CAC to provide assessment, counseling, and case management for individuals with substance use disorders. The role emphasizes trauma-informed care, recovery planning, and strong connections to community resources.

The position requires CAC licensure, 2+ years of case management experience in behavioral health, and a valid Colorado driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Active and fully licensed Chemical Addiction Counselor (CAC) or equivalent State of Colorado credential; Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) preferred where applicable.
• Minimum two years of case management experience, preferably in behavioral health, homeless services, housing, shelter, or closely related human services settings.
• Strong clinical understanding of substance use disorders, treatment modalities, diagnostic criteria, stages of change, harm-reduction principles, and motivational engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals across all stages of change, including those who may be resistant, ambivalent, or not ready for abstinence-based treatment.
• Must possess a Colorado driver's license and state-mandated automobile insurance if driving is required for the position.
• Must complete agency and program credentialing, background checks, and required training within established timelines and maintain credentialing standards thereafter.

Responsibilities

• Assess and provide treatment planning through comprehensive substance use screenings and assessments.
• Counsel and engage participants using evidence-informed approaches such as Motivational Interviewing and harm reduction.
• Apply a trauma-informed lens to services and respond to crises as appropriate to role and training.
• Coordinate referrals and warm handoffs to appropriate levels of care based on participant needs.
• Maintain case management, documentation, and compliance per regulatory, contractual, and agency standards.

Skills

Case management

Motivational engagement

Trauma-informed care

Communication

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Colorado CAC/LAC licensure

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Teams

Electronic documentation systems

Job description

Volunteers of America Colorado Navigation Center seeks a full-time Addictions Specialist / CAC to provide assessment, counseling, and case management for individuals with substance use disorders. The role emphasizes trauma-informed care, recovery planning, and strong connections to community resources.

The position requires CAC licensure, 2+ years of case management experience in behavioral health, and a valid Colorado driver’s license.