Mental Health SUD Counselor

University Staff Description

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department : Psychiatry - Addiction Research & Treatment Services (ARTS) - Adult Outpatient Program

Job Title : Mental Health SUD Counselor

Position # : 00826593 - Requisition # : 38351

Job Summary :

This position provides behavioral health assessments (mental health and drug and alcohol) to adults who are living with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and dually diagnosed and having difficulty maintaining their mental health needs. This clinical position is responsible for performing counseling duties and will be supervised by a faculty member This position will work with patients who are in need of mental health treatment.

Key Responsibilities :

Perform mental health and admission assessments for dually diagnosed population, as well as other therapeutic interventions such as individual and group therapy.

Monitor patients' psychiatric needs and coordinates treatment, patient care, and / or appointments as necessary.

Maintain accurate and timely documentation in patient charts, according to policy and rules.

Develop and carry out individualized treatment plans and case management duties as needed, to meet the needs of external sources as well as linking client's treatment progress to referral sources.

Provide on-site oversight of clinical interns.

Perform other work as assigned or required.

Work Location :

Onsite - The position will be assigned to an ARTS clinic location in Denver, Aurora, or Arvada, Colorado.

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 outpatient and residential empirically supported substance abuse treatment services in Colorado for over 53 years, with an emphasis on psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for adults and adolescents. 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.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a public education, clinical and research facility serving 4,500 students, and a world-class medical destination at the forefront of life-changing science, medicine, and healthcare. CU Anschutz offers more than 42 highly rated degree programs through 6 schools and colleges and receives over $500 million in research awards each year. We are the single largest health professions education provider in Colorado, awarding nearly 1,450 degrees annually. Powered by our award-winning faculty, renowned researchers and a reputation for academic excellence, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus drives innovation from the classroom to the laboratory to the delivery of unparalleled patient care. Read CU Anschutz Quick Facts here.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offerexceptional 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

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

Sick Days : 15 / year (unlimited maximum accrual)

Holiday Days : 10 / 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 :

Master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling or a closely-related field from an accredited college or university.

Two (2) years of experience working with the dually diagnosed and / or substance use disorder population.

A valid license in good standing issued by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor (MFT), or Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC).

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications :

Three (3) or more years of experience working with the dually diagnosed population.

Three (3) or more years of experience working with substance use disorder population.

Experience working with probation, human services, social services, criminal justice programs, and / or other referral sources.

Experience conducting individual and / or family counseling.

Experience creating individualized treatment plans and other clinical documentation (for example, DAP notes).

Experience working in a counselor role with opioid-dependent, adult clients.

Experience observing, monitoring, and intervening in drug / alcohol treatment.

Experience with and knowledge of running evidence-based treatment groups with dually diagnosed patients.

Experience with and knowledge of conducting individual therapy with dually diagnosed patients.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Well-developed knowledge and skills in determining dually diagnosed patients coordinates with other staff to provide effective treatment interventions.

Ability to apply critical thinking and conflict resolution skills using creative approaches.

Well-developed knowledge and skill in utilization and diagnosis using DSM V including incidence(s) of trauma.

Strong organizational and time management skills to meet deadlines.

Ability to work with diverse patient populations and be nonjudgmental and respectful of other's beliefs, values, and culture.

Ability to comply with established rules, policies, and procedures.

Ability to effectively and efficiently manage a diverse workload in a fast-paced, rapidly changing regulatory environment.

Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and ability to learn software programs.

Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

Outstanding customer service skills.

Ability to establish boundaries with clients and exercise discretion (e.g. patient confidentiality).

Conditions of Employment :

Must agree to undertake and successfully pass a fingerprint check.

Must agree to undertake and successfully pass a criminal background check and motor vehicle records check.

Must agree to undertake and successfully pass professional references check.

Must possess a driver's license to operate a passenger vehicle in the State of Colorado or obtain a driver's license within thirty (30) days from hire date.

Must maintain a valid DORA license that is required for this position, during the entirety of employment in this position.

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.

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 :

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by January 31st, 2025 .

Anticipated Pay Range :

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $66,536 - $84,634 .

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 :

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 Medical Campus 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.

Application Materials Required : Cover Letter, Resume / CV, List of References Job Category : Health Care Primary Location : Aurora Department : U0001 Anschutz Med Campus or Denver - 20280 - SOM-PSYCH-ARTS SP / G Schedule : Full-time Posting Date : Nov 21, 2025 Unposting Date : Ongoing Posting Contact Name : Shingo Ishida Posting Contact Email : shingo.ishida@cuanschutz.edu Position Number : 00826593