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Job: Addiction Specialist I

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State of Colorado

Addiction Specialist I

State of Colorado

Job Description

Job Type: Full time, Salaried

Wage: $61,656-$86,316/yr.

Location: Canon City, CO.

Job Description:


**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and build greater public confidence in good government, consider joining the dedicated people of the State of Colorado. Our professionals strive to support state government and the citizens of Colorado. Customer service is a key component for every position in state government as is the focus on ideas and ways to redesign the delivery of services in making state government more effective and efficient.

In addition to a rewarding, meaningful career, state employment offers:

  • Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system;

  • Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined; 

  • Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans. Member Contribution Rates. Correctional Officers I-IV qualify as "Safety Officers" and are eligible for increased PERA benefits;

  • Medical and dental health plans; 

  • Short and long term disability coverage;

  • Paid life insurance;

  • 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave;

  • Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more;

  • Visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits. for more information.


For questions regarding this job announcement please reach out to Kaylie Purcell at kaylie.purcell@state.co.us or 719-714-5230
 

Description of Job


This position provides substance use disorder services to the inmate population, to include formal and informal behavioral health evaluations, diagnostic assessments, and clinical interventions. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Provides substance use disorder treatments services to inmates under the supervision of licensed addiction professionals and in compliance with guidelines;
  • Participate in  treatment services to include providing input into substance use disorder treatment assessments, participating in recreation groups, in-reach and tele-health sessions;
  • Provide psychoeducational groups, co-facilitate therapeutic activities under clinical supervision, and facilitate other therapeutic activities;
  • Assist with crisis management with supportive activities and referral to Mental Health;
  • Schedule and facilitate tele-health services, provide consultation and guidance to correctional staff and administrators about substance use disorder treatment needs;
  • Participate as a member of an interdisciplinary clinical team which provides substance use disorder treatment;
  • Provide input needed for treatment and management planning;
  • Inform inmates regarding substance use disorder treatment care supervision and treatment;
  • Listen to inmate concerns and provide counseling and direction;
  • Communicate regarding complaints, problems, incidents and inmate behavioral management issues;
  • Respond to complaints, problems, actions, or behaviors within scope of practice;
  • Document both handwritten and electronically in an accurate and timely manner to maintain inmate mental health records under the supervision of a work leader.

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

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Applicant must possess a current, valid certification from the State of Colorado as: 

    • a Certified Addiction Technician (CAT)
OR
    • Currently enrolled in a CAT program 

You must attach a copy of your transcripts that contain your name, name of the accredited institution, type of degree received and date degree was conferred. 
  

Ensure that the 'Work Experience" section of the application is complete and contains all relevant 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 for compensation purposes.   

Employees who are rehired or reinstated within six months of their separation will return at either their previous pay rate if hired into the same class level or based on their time in the class series, whichever is higher.
 

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;
  • 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.


Preferred Qualifications:

  •  Experience providing addiction treatment to an incarcerated population;
  •  Experience providing addiction treatment to a diverse population;
  •  Experience working with highly resistive clients;
  •  Experience administering multidimensional substance use assessments 

ONLY APPLICANTS WHO MEET THE MINIMUM AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS SHALL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION:  
The Assessment Process: Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum Qualifications (MQ's). Applicants that meet MQ’s will be included in the Comparative Analysis process. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis which may include, but is not limited to, a suitability screening, eSkills Assessment, oral assessment, written performance assessment or it may include a review of your application material and your responses to any supplemental questions by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants in order to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.

Be sure the "Work Experience" section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job, Minimum Qualifications, Required Competencies and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Resumes and "see resume" statements will not be accepted in lieu of the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your score, rank or inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants.

If you have transcripts, a license or other relevant documentation regarding your qualifications, upload and attach copies to your application.

If an unofficial copy of transcripts is being submitted at the time of application, transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.

Under the Job Application Fairness Act (SB 23-058), applicants may redact information from certifications and transcripts that identify their age, date of birth or dates of attendance from an educational institution. 



In order to process a background investigation, your application must include at least (10) ten years of the most current work experience unless experience related to the job for which you are applying is later than (10) years. Failure to provide this information could result in delays and/or elimination from the background investigation process.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

Conditions of Employment: All job offers are contingent upon a successful medical screening by a healthcare professional, certifying candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position.  Applicant must consent to hold harmless CDOC and its agents and staff from any liability arising in whole or in part from the testing and the use of this information in connection with CDOC’s consideration of application for employment.


  • Employees may be required to submit to regular serial testing and reporting for COVID-19;
  • Must be 21 years of age;
  • Possess a valid driver’s license. Drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver’s 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.

  • Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; DOC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.

  • Successfully pass all modules of the Colorado Department of Corrections 6 week Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics;
  • 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.


***BASIC TRAINING: Basic training is at the Corrections Training Academy (CTA) located at 1150 Academy Park Loop, Colorado Springs, CO, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm for the first 5 business days. You will then report at your assigned facility for two weeks before returning to CTA in Colorado Springs for the remaining three weeks. A detailed schedule will be provided to you on day one for planning purposes.  You must attend and pass all phases of training, as required, which includes Defensive Tactics. The training location is subject to change however all participants will be notified via email of any modifications. For out of state applicants:  There is no paid lodging when you report to your facility. You will be expected to and are responsible for having secured housing within a commutable distance. 

Appeal Rights:

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.


As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.


Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action.


For further information on the Board Rules, you can 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/board-rules.


Supplemental Information

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 info@governmentjobs.com  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, please contact the "Department Contact" listed in this announcement.

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 opportunities. 


The Colorado Department of Corrections is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Employee Relations Specialist, Kristen Lange, at doc_employeerelations@state.co.us or call 719-728-0270.

ALL DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS ARE TOBACCO FREE. 

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PROTECTED CLASSES TO APPLY. 

Application Link

Apply By: May 19, 2026

View Application