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Substance Use Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Brighton, CO · On-site

$26/hr

Description Position at BAART Programs Compassionate Substance Use Counselor Needed! Position Overview: Substance abuse counselor will be in charge with assisting patients through medically assisting ...

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Substance Use information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substance Use Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substance Use Counselor, you need a background in psychology, social work, or counseling, often supported by state licensure or certification in addiction counseling. Familiarity with treatment planning software, electronic health records (EHRs), and evidence-based intervention techniques is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, empathy, and strong communication abilities are essential for building trust and supporting clients through recovery. These competencies are crucial for effectively guiding individuals through treatment, ensuring ethical care, and fostering positive outcomes in challenging environments.

What is a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor is a professional who helps individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. They provide support through assessment, treatment planning, counseling sessions, and recovery strategies. Substance use counselors may work in various settings, such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or private practices, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Their goal is to guide clients toward recovery and help them develop healthier coping mechanisms.

What is the difference between Substance Use vs Substance Use Counselor?

AspectSubstance UseSubstance Use Counselor
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certificationCertification required (e.g., CADC, CSAC)
Work EnvironmentCommunity clinics, hospitals, outreach programsRehabilitation centers, clinics, private practice
Industry UsageRefers to the issue or topic of substance useRefers to professionals providing treatment and support

Substance Use describes the issue or behavior related to the consumption of substances, while a Substance Use Counselor is a trained professional who provides treatment and support for individuals struggling with substance use problems. The counselor's role involves assessment, counseling, and developing recovery plans, whereas Substance Use refers to the broader topic or problem itself.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in substance use counseling, and how can they be effectively managed?

Substance use counselors often encounter challenges such as managing client relapse, navigating complex co-occurring mental health disorders, and maintaining clear professional boundaries. Building strong therapeutic alliances, participating in regular supervision, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams can help address these difficulties. Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and self-care strategies are also essential for sustaining effectiveness and personal well-being in this emotionally demanding field.
What are popular job titles related to Substance Use jobs in Colorado? For Substance Use jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substance Use jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Substance Use jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Substance Use jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Substance Use job openings:
Substance Use jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substance Use job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Correctional Substance Use Counselor

Correctional Substance Use Counselor

CoreCivic

Las Animas, CO • On-site

$29.81/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 hours ago

CoreCivic rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 42 rated prisons

Job description

CoreCivic is seeking a Correctional Substance Use Counselor for a job in Las Animas, Colorado.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Substance Use Counselor
  • Discipline: Therapy
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • Employment Type: Staff

$29.81 per hour  

At CoreCivic, we do more than manage inmates, we care for people. CoreCivic is currently seeking Treatment Counselor who has a passion for making lasting changes in the lives of offenders, as we set the standards of care in the industry.

The successful candidate should be able to perform ALL of the following functions at a pace and level of performance consistent with the actual job performance requirements.

  • Interviews and assesses prospective program participants, and gathers data using appropriate screening and assessment instruments. Establishes rapport with participants and determines individual and group needs based on results of screening and assessment instruments and other collateral sources.
  • Facilitates individual and group treatment interventions, in accordance with CoreCivic partner agencies, and prevailing state regulations, statutes, policies and procedures. Uses standardized offender assessment information in developing treatment plans or specific programs.
  • Facilitates participant engagement in the treatment process, promoting positive attitudes, skills, coping mechanisms to encourage on-going recovery. Plans participant incentives and uses appropriate therapeutic tools to manage behavioral issues or concerns.
  • Maintains the confidentiality of clinical files for each participant to include, but not limited to, intake documents, assessment(s), and interview(s), treatment plan, treatment plan reviews, progress notes, discharge summary, and referrals, according to written protocols and in compliance with prevailing laws and regulation(s).
  • Documents and tracks treatment plans, monitors inmate progress and reviews status of inmates/residents to verify that treatment and therapeutic programs are completed.
    • 2025 CoreCivic Benefits Overview

    Qualifications: 

    • Graduate from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or a closely related field is required. 
    • One (1) year of experience in the mental health or substance use counseling field is required. 
    • Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. 
    • Must possess Colorado Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) certification.
    • A valid driver's license is required. 
    • Minimum age requirement: Must be at least 18 years of age.

    CoreCivic is a Drug-Free Workplace & EOE including Disability/Veteran.

    CoreCivic Job ID #req33601. Posted job title: Therapy Substance Use Counselor

    About CoreCivic

    CoreCivic is a diversified, government-solutions company with the scale and experience needed to solve tough government challenges in cost-effective ways. We provide a broad range of solutions to government partners that serve the public good through high-quality corrections and detention management, innovative and cost-saving real estate solutions, and a growing network of residential and non-residential alternatives to incarceration to help address America's recidivism crisis.

    Benefits
    • Holiday Pay
    • 401k retirement plan
    • Medical benefits
    • Dental benefits
    • Vision benefits
    • Life insurance

    What CoreCivic employees say

    Pay

    Benefits

    Hours and flexibility

    Workplace

    Get the full story on Breakroom

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    About CoreCivic

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    At CoreCivic , we do more than manage inmates, we care for people. CoreCivic is currently seeking Registered Nurses who have a passion for providing the highest quality care in an institutional setting.

    Industry

    Public safety administration

    Company size

    10,000+ Employees

    Headquarters location

    Brentwood, TN, US

    Year founded

    1983

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