SOCIAL WORK/COUNSELOR II - Substance Use Disorder - Denver

Salary: $6,307.00 - $8,831.00 Monthly
Location : Denver, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: Denver 404 SWC II D&A 5.2026
Department: Department of Corrections
Division: Clinical and Correctional Services
Opening Date: 04/29/2026
Closing Date: 7/8/2026 4:00 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: Current Vacancy: Denver
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: Kaylie Purcell at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io
Type of Announcement: A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.


Department Information

Position located in Denver, Colorado
Who May Apply: A residency waiver has been granted for this announcement. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
However, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications listed in this job announcement.
This posting may be used to fill future vacancies at these locations.
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.
• This position is compensated on a bi-weekly pay cycle.

For questions regarding this job announcement please reach out to Kaylie Purcell at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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 and co-occurring disorder treatment services under clinical supervision;
• Collaborates with other mental health professionals to ensure co-occurring issues;
• Serves as consultant for unit staff regarding assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning;
• Monitors inmate treatment and documentation to assure compliance with standards and to assure continuity of care;
• Assures accurate Information System behavioral health needs levels, and provides group, brief, and individual treatment;
• Provides clinical direction to non-clinical staff in behavioral health care and treatment of inmates.
• Assures continuity of care for inmates by making appropriate referral and providing necessary information and documentation for receiving units, facilities, or agencies;
• Provides crisis intervention in conjunction with clinical standards regarding mental health professional privilege level;
• Documents both handwritten and electronically in an accurate and timely manner to provide comprehensive inmate behavioral health records;
• Communicates directly with inmates regarding their behavioral health care such as consequences of maladaptive behavior and desired and undesirable effects of prescribed behavioral health medication;
• Listens to inmate concerns and provides counseling and direction;
• Communicates to advise, counsel, inform and/or guide staff within the clinical unit, the facility, clinical and administrative supervisors and outside agencies to ensure continuity and direction of behavioral health care;
• Communicates and responds to complaints, problems, transfers, classifications, and inmate behavioral management issues;
• Responsible for maintaining standards of the program or work unit through compliance with all applicable professional, departmental, organizational and unit standards;
• Promotes and is accountable for the safety and security of the clinical and correctional environment through conscientious observations, and sensitive item contraband control.

**You are encouraged to print a copy of this announcement for your records**
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications:

• Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
  
  • Applicant must possess a current, valid license from the State of Colorado as:
    
    • A Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) or Addiction Counselor Candidate (ADDC)

OR

• • • Applicant must possess a certification as a Certified Addiction Specialist (CAT) and a license as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CSW), or Licensed Psychologist (PSY).

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:

• Ability to provide direct behavioral health care to inmates;
• Ability to provide comprehensive clinical documentation;
• Ability to work independently;
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across facility programs and with external stakeholders;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must maintain certification/licensure as an addiction counselor;
• Ability to work with a diverse population of inmates;
• Strong organizing, planning and prioritizing skills;
• Keen ability to multi-task and demonstrate flexibility;
• Ability to provide addiction counseling as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Ability to be creative when implementing therapeutic interventions;
• 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.
• 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.

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;
• Experience providing addiction counseling in an inpatient and outpatient setting.

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.
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.

• Must be 21 years of age;
• Possess a valid driver's license.Drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver 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 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 six-week Colorado Department of Corrections 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.

APPEAL RIGHTS:
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email ( View email address on click.appcast.io ), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed View phone number on click.appcast.io) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov ; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at View phone number on click.appcast.io; or 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 under 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.


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 View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io.

ALL DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS ARE TOBACCO FREE.


WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PROTECTED CLASSES TO APPLY.
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information:


Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01


The assessment process for this position will consist primarily of a review of your application materials and responses to supplemental questions against minimum qualifications, preferred qualifications and required competencies . Your responses will also be evaluated on ability to follow instructions, clarity, conciseness, organization, grammar, spelling and word choice. Application materials and responses will be reviewed by Subject Matter Experts to assess and rank applicants . Do you acknowledge this?

• I so acknowledge this statement.

02


Ensure the "Work Experience" section of your application is complete and contains all information needed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications and contains at least 10 years of work experience, if applicable. Resumes and "see resume" statements cannot be accepted in lieu of the "Work Experience" section of the application being completed. If you are utilizing education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must attach a copy of your transcripts that contain your name, name of the college, type of degree received and date the degree was awarded. Do you acknowledge this?

• I so acknowledge this statement

03


I acknowledge that time sensitive correspondence will be sent via email from the Office of Human Resources and/or the Background Investigation Unit throughout the application process. YOU ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO CHECK YOUR E-MAIL DAILY.

• I understand time sensitive correspondence will be sent via email and that I should check my email daily.

04


Are you 21 years of age at the time of submitting this application?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you possess a current, valid license as an Addiction Counselor Candidate (AC-C), or a Licensed Addiction Counselor(LAC)?

• Yes
• No

06


Enter your Colorado issued license number for your Addiction Counselor Candidate (AC-C) or Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC).
07


Based on the job description, required competencies and preferred qualifications as listed in the job announcement, clearly describe why you are the best candidate for this position. Include how your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, other characteristics, etc., make you the best fit candidate for this position.
08


Please detail your experience as an addiction counselor. Include years of experience, programs, environments/settings, populations served, roles held, assessment tools, major responsibilities and supervision provided if applicable.
09


Describe, in detail, your experience treating a highly resistive client. What did you observe and what were some of the interventions utilized.
10


Describe therapeutic interventions that you have utilized with individuals who have cognitive deficits.
11


I acknowledge that the 'Work Experience" section of the application is complete and contains all relevant work experience related to the position that I am 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.

• I so acknowledge

12



Certification and Confidentiality Statement
I certify that:


--I understand that this, my completed Application, the attached Supplemental Questions, and my responses are confidential and that I have neither consulted with others nor received assistance in the preparation, writing, or editing of my responses and the information contained herein is in my own words and was prepared and completed solely by me and only me.


--All the information I have provided herein is true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and is made in good faith.


--I have not communicated the confidential information of this, my Application and the attached Supplemental Questions in any way to other candidates or potential candidates, subject matter experts, or any person.


--I understand that if the confidential information in this, my Application and the attached Supplemental Questions and/or my responses, are found to have been falsified, plagiarized, or shared in any way, I may be disqualified or removed from the position if appointed.

• I agree to the terms and conditions of this Certification and Confidentiality Statement.

Required Question