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Substance Use Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

$6.3K - $8.8K/mo

Provides substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment services under clinical supervision; Collaborates with other mental health professionals to ensure co-occurring issues; Serves as consultant ...

CO

$6.3K - $8.8K/mo

Provides substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment services under clinical supervision; Collaborates with other mental health professionals to ensure co-occurring issues; Serves as consultant ...

CO ยท On-site

$6.3K - $8.8K/mo

Provides substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment services under clinical supervision; Collaborates with other mental health professionals to ensure co-occurring issues; Serves as consultant ...

RN/LPN - Substance Abuse

Georgetown, CO ยท On-site

$37.50 - $47/hr

Registered Nurse Or Licensed Practical Nurse Valeo Resources is proud to partner with a new luxury women's substance use treatment center nestled in the beautiful mountains of Colorado. We are ...

Showing results 41-60

Substance Use information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance use counselor?

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 cities in Colorado are hiring for Substance Use jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Substance Use job openings:
Infographic showing various Substance Use job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Therapist - IOP Substance Use - Unlicensed or Licensed (0000U)

Axis Health System

Durango, CO โ€ข On-site

$23.50 - $34.86/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Therapist (IOP Substance Use) - Durango Integrated Healthcare - Durango, CO

Position Summary:ย The role of the Therapist is to participate as a member of the program team to design and implement the individual care plans for program patients in accordance with policies, rules, regulations, and directives which apply.ย  Our ideal candidate for this Therapist position will have experience with either adult or child & adolescent therapy, with expertise in evidence based mental health or substance use treatment models.

Qualifications: Candidate should hold a bachelor's degree in one of the recognized mental health professions and have a minimum of (2) two yearsโ€™ experience in mental health field. Preferred experience: Master's degreeย in one of the recognized mental health professions and be Colorado License Eligible/Licensed LPC, LMFT, LCSW or PsyD in the State of Colorado.

Salary:

  • Therapist-Unlicensed: Starts at $23.50ย - $26.52ย per hourย (Non-Exempt). This compensation range includes a locale differential of $2.50ย and considersย preferred experience and preferred education as described above.ย 
  • Therapist-Licensed: $63,440ย - $72,509ย (Exempt) based on annualized salary. This compensation range includes a locale differential of $2.50ย and considers preferred experience and preferred education.

Full-Time Benefits:

Medical (HDHP or PPO)Health Savings AccountDentalFlexible Spending AccountVisionDependent Care AccountLife InsuranceShort Term DisabilityPet InsuranceLong Term Disability401k offering up to 4% matchCollege Invest plansAnnual Wellness BenefitsProfessional development benefits(3) weeks of All Paid Leave (APL) for first 2 years with full-time employment.Personal Days(9) Company Paid HolidaysLoan Repayment Programs

Physical demands: Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Employee is frequently required to walk, sit, stand, or kneel and occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop. Must have ability to sit for longer periods at a computer. Employee must be able to travel between Axis Health System locations. Possible potential exposure to communicable disease. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Axis Health System may make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.ย 

Required Skills:

  • Knowledge and ability to operate standard office equipment including scanner, computer, calculator, copy machine, fax and multi-line telephone.
  • Working knowledge of Windows based computer applications including MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook and ability to access the internet.
  • Ability to be helpful and sensitive to the needs of all employees, while concurrently respecting corporate policies, procedures and priorities.
  • Interpersonal and communication skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external customers.
  • Ability to communicate job-related information to individuals and small groups.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; plan own work schedule effectively and multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced setting.
  • Ability to multi-task, organize and prioritize workload in a sometimes-hectic environment with frequent interruptions.
  • Ability to concentrate in sometimes hectic and stressful settings.
  • Ability to read and understand written materials.
  • Must regard work as confidential.
  • Must have current driverโ€™s license, qualify for commercial vehicle insurance, and maintain a driving record that allows insurability with Axis Health Systemโ€™ insurance agency.
  • Occasional travel required
  • Ability to take on additional duties when necessary.

Additional eligibility requirements:ย  Annual Flu immunization due on start date, Annual TB screening, de-escalation training within 90 days of hire, BLS certification required within 90 days of hire.

About our Axis Health System:ย  We are the leading provider of behavioral health and integrated (primary, dental, and behavioral health) care on the Western Slope of Colorado. As a therapist in our clinic, youโ€™ll have access to a wide range of resources for your patients. We have recovery groups, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), specialized mental health outpatient programs, primary care, diabetes education, crisis services, resource navigators, insurance enrollment specialists, tele-video systems to access our locations across the region and more. We work to make sure you have what you need at your fingertips to be successful in your position and support your patient in their road to recovery.

Commitment to Pay Standards: ย We are committed to fair and equitable hiring with salaries based on relevant factors, such as work experience, education, and certification/licensure (rather than wage history).ย 

About Durango/Pagosa Springs:

If youโ€™re interested in Rocky Mountain wildlife, white water rafting, hiking in to discover natureโ€™s most beautiful waterfalls, or a breathtaking car ride on the San Juan Skyway, then Durango and Pagosa Springs are the place for you!ย  As with so many areas on the Western Slope, you have now entered an outdoor enthusiastโ€™s paradise. Just minutes from zip lining through the treetops, to soaking in the Piedra River Hot Springs, located in the national forest, after a day of hiking any one of the many trails, and when the season is right, you can be snowboarding or camping in the mountains that surround this beautiful area.ย  Take a ride on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train and enjoy the stunning views of the San Juan National Forest.ย  Youโ€™re also a mere 35-minute car ride to Mesa Verde National Park. Just outside the doors of our clinics, youโ€™ll find beautiful parks with walking paths and opens spaces to enjoy. Durango has an airport located minutes from our clinics which has service to Denver, Phoenix and Dallas-Fort Worth daily. Learn more about our area here:ย  Visit Durango, CO | Official Tourism Site of Durango, Colorado.

Please visit our website atย http://www.axishealthsystem.orgย , to apply for this position and for more information about our organization.ย All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, transfer, or promotion opportunities.