Peer Recovery Navigator

Job Summary:

The Peer Recovery Navigator supports drug and alcohol treatment for adult patients in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment at ARTS clinic locations (Denver, Aurora, and Arvada) and the Medication Mobile Unit (MMU). ARTS is a part of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. This is a full-time, grant-funded, University Staff (non-classified) position that provides activities to engage, educate, and offer support to patients in SUD treatment, their family members, and caregivers to connect patients to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up sessions. This position is responsible for conducting outreach activities with patients, staff, community partners, subcontracted agencies, and/or other entities as appropriate, travel to various sites, and perform other duties as assigned or required.

The Peer Recovery Navigator will work with ARTS clinics and with other Opioid Treatment Providers (OTPs) within the Signal ("Signal," formerly Signal Behavioral Health Network) region to assist individuals requiring SUD treatment to connect with community services and treatment agencies. This position will build and maintain relationships with medical and clinical care providers, work groups, task forces, community agencies, harm reduction centers, and law enforcement authorities to educate and provide information regarding substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. This position will support effective treatment referrals and serve as a conduit between patients who need treatment and treatment providers.

Key Responsibilities:

* Implement peer-led interventions to improve outcomes for patients in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and traditional outpatient treatment.

* Conduct structured individual and/or group interventions that focus on topics such as health education, care coordination, as well as identifying and reducing barriers to care for patients.

* Manage and conduct outreach activities in the community to engage patients in SUD treatment.

* Provide referrals of appropriate resources, as well as establish and maintain weekly communication, either on-site, or by phone with Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs), other MAT providers, hospital Emergency Departments, harm reduction organizations, and law enforcement to educate each about the availability of treatment and treatment referrals.

* Identify problems, challenges, and/or obstacles in coordination of patient services, identify potential solutions, and resolve such problems, challenges, or obstacles in a timely manner.

* Ensure confidentiality of patient health information and patient health records,

* Complete paperwork, including consent/participation forms for every patient served, as required by Signal, federal and/or state regulations, and/or any applicable grant-specific requirements.

* Attend and participate in Signal and/or grant-specific meetings and events, work-related trainings, clinic team/staff meetings, and other events as directed by supervisor.

* Perform and accomplish all duties and responsibilities in a timely and effective manner.

* Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor or their designee.

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located at the Westside Clinic, Arvada CO.

Why Join Us:

Addiction Research and Treatment Services (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 in Colorado for over 45 years, with an emphasis on psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for adolescents, women, men, families, and those involved in the criminal justice system. It is the mission of ARTS to improve the quality of life and productivity of individuals and families affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders through the application of scientifically supported prevention, education, and treatment services.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation, and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

* Medical: Multiple plan options

* Dental: Multiple plan options

* Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

* Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

* Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

o Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

o Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

o Holiday Days: 15/year

* Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

* ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

* High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).

* One (1) year of experience working closely with patients and connecting them to resources, or related work experience.

o Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Associate's degree or higher in psychology, social work, counseling, human services, or related field from an accredited institution.

* Prior experience in Patient Navigation and connecting patients to required services or resources.

* Possess certification as a Colorado Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS), Peer Recovery Specialist or Peer Recovery Coach.

* Experience working with clients who are involved with the criminal justice system, probation/parole, human services, and/or other similar referral sources.

* Experience providing administrative support to clients, families, staff, and other stakeholders in a substance abuse treatment setting.

* Experience working with electronic health records and Patient Health Information management systems.

* Current and valid registration in good standing with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) as Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) license or higher.

* Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Excellent interpersonal skills.

* Excellent written and oral communication skills.

* Ability to engage successfully with substance use disordered clients in treatment.

* Ability to comply with established rules, policies and procedures and meet deadlines.

* Ability to develop healthy relationships and boundaries with clients.

* Ability to exercise discretion and maintain patient confidentiality.

* Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Excel to create, revise, update and maintain spreadsheets.

* Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Outlook to create, send and receive e-mail communication.

* Demonstrated critical thinking skills.

Conditions of Employment:

* Must possess personal, lived experience with SUD or addictions, and maintain continuous recovery with existing sobriety supports.

* Must be willing and able to obtain the one of the following certifications within six (6) months of hire; Colorado Family and Peer Specialist (CFPS), Peer Recovery Specialist, or Peer Recovery Coach.

o In order for services delivered to be reimbursable, Peer Recovery Navigators must either be certified or in the process of becoming certified.

o More information on certification can be found here: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/peerservices

o Costs associated with certification training may be covered by the University/ARTS. Costs associated with the exam and continuing education will be the responsibility of the candidate.

* Must possess and maintain a valid State of Colorado Driver's License or obtain one within 30 days from the date when the position is offered (this position will be required to go outside of the clinic to order and pick up purchases/supplies for the work unit or clinic).

* Must agree to fingerprinting and criminal background check prior to being hired. Required background checks include a review with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

* Subject to pre-employment, post-accident, incident, and/or reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing per University of Colorado and/or Addiction Research and Treatment Services Policies.

* Must be willing and able to work Monday through Friday, 7:00 am - 4:30 pm; some days may begin at 6:00am.

* Must be willing and able to work on some Saturdays and Sundays for events and/or clinic coverage.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position. This letter must adequately describe how the applicants work/life experiences satisfy the SUD, addictions, and continuous recovery with sobriety supports Condition of Employment. If candidates do not satisfy this condition and/or fail to attach a cover letter to their application, then their application will be removed from consideration.

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address.

Questions should be directed to: Shingo Ishida, shingo.ishida@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by May 30, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $43,812 - $50,830.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.