Peer Helper Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

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

Job Title: Peer Support Lead

Position #: 00683753 - Requisition #: 39950

Job Summary

The Peer Support Lead provides sober living support services to adult men and women living in ARTS Recovery Homes, Gratitude House, and Lighthouse. The program is designed to help residents sustain sobriety while building and maintaining a productive, responsible lifestyle. This position will assist with screening and admissions of prospective residents and responsible for delivering individual and group peer support, along with case management services, for up to 20 men and 15 women, in alignment with standards established by Addiction Research and Treatment Services (ARTS) and relevant licensing bodies.

As a lead role within the program, the Peer Support Lead reports directly to the Program Manager and may step in to facilitate staff meetings, coordinate team responsibilities, and address program needs in the Manager's absence. Th risole also includes supervising and supporting the performance of up to four Peer Support Specialists within the Recovery Homes.

This is a full-time, on-site position based at the Ft. Logan campus in southwest Denver. Weekend availability is required, and participation in an on-call rotation is part of the role. Typical schedules may run Sunday through Thursday or Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervision of Peer Support staff and Recovery Home program oversight.

• Resident engagement and program coordination.

• Providing recovery-oriented services.

• Case management oversight.

• Recovery Home operations including health and safety.

• Coordinate outreach efforts to referral partners.

• Meetings and professional development for staff.

• Provide leadership and decision making.

Work Location:

Onsite - This role is expected to work onsite at ARTS Recovery Homes, located in southwest Denver, CO on the Ft. Logan campus.

Why Join Us:

Addiction Research and Treatment Services (ARTS) is the clinical program of the Division of Addiction Science, Prevention and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado, School of Medicine. ARTS has provided residential and outpatient empirically supported substance use treatment services in Colorado for over 50 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.

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.

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

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

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

• 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).

• Two (2) years of experience working closely with patients and connecting them to resources.

  • The required work experience may be substituted with successfully completed college or university courses that are appropriate to this position's work assignment on a year-for-year basis.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, nutrition, nursing, health, human services, psychology, counseling, social work, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

• Three (3) years of experience working closely with patients and connecting them to resources.

• Five (5) years of experience with supervision of Peer Recovery Specialists or Case Managers in a substance use disorder program.

• Extensive experience engaging with and supporting recovery communities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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 multi-task and pay attention to details.

• Ability to observe and evaluate behavior that is abnormal or concerning.

• Ability to develop healthy relationships with residents.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to establish boundaries with residents and manage difficult behaviors.

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

• Ability to be open-minded and non-judgmental.

• Proficient in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Conditions of Employment:

• Certified Peer Recovery Specialist training that meets State of Colorado requirements.

• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Colorado Driver's License. Position may be required to drive residents to appointments or to do home checks.

• 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 Central Registry of Child Protection (Trails).

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

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

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: Heidi McKinnon, heidi.mckinnon@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by September 30, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $46,468 - $55,764.

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.