Peer Recovery Specialist - Patient Services

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

School of Medicine | Department of Psychiatry | Addiction Research & Treatment Services (ARTS) | Adult Outpatient Program

Job Title:
Peer Recovery Specialist - Patient Services

Position: # - Requisition: #35187

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (UCAMC) seeks three full‑time, University Staff (non‑classified) Peer Recovery Specialists for the ARTS Adult Outpatient Program. Clinics are located in Denver, Aurora, and Arvada. The program provides drug and alcohol assessment, psychosocial, and pharmacological treatment for adults, including traditional outpatient, intensive outpatient, specialized services for patients referred by criminal justice and county departments of human services, pregnant women, HIV‑positive patients, and gender‑responsive services.

The role requires a lived experience of substance use disorder (SUD) to support patients entering care at ARTS clinics or other UC health settings. Peer Recovery Specialists provide practical advice, emotional support, and empower patients, helping them navigate recovery, identify strengths, and overcome life challenges. The position also engages families, caregivers, community partners, and performs outreach activities.

Working hours:

6:00 am–2:30 pm, Monday to Friday (standard 40‑hour week). Periodic evening and weekend work may be required for outreach events.

• Serve as a Peer Recovery Specialist and peer educator to improve outcomes for patients in the Adult Outpatient Program and Mobile Unit.
• Use a strengths‑based, patient‑focused approach to identify problems and challenges.
• Conduct case‑management activities addressing social determinants of health and provide referrals to community resources.
• Facilitate structured peer‑led individual and group interventions focused on health education, care coordination, and barrier reduction.
• Collaborate with supervisor and clinic staff to coordinate services and monitor patient progress.
• Participate in all clinic meetings, huddles, and trainings.
• Maintain accurate records and use electronic health record systems for documentation.
• Schedule and manage internal and external appointments.
• Collect, analyze, and report patient data.
• Maintain respectful, empathetic contact with patients via phone, text, email, or in‑person communication.
• Provide customer service to patients, staff, and stakeholders.
• Work effectively with patients and agencies in the criminal justice system and county social services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Onsite in Denver, Aurora, or Arvada, Colorado.

• Opportunity to use lived experience to help patients recover.
• Supportive, professional, and nurturing environment with multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Access to CCAR Recovery Coach Academy training and Colorado Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS) certification.
• Exceptional benefits: medical, dental, disability, life, vision, 401(a) retirement (10% employer match), paid time off, vacation, sick days, holidays, tuition, and ECO Pass.
• Additional perks through the CU Advantage program.

The University of Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment. We are committed to a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.

• High school diploma or GED.
• One year of professional experience connecting individuals in SUD treatment or addictions recovery to associated resources, or equivalent educational experience on a year‑for‑year basis.

• Associate’s degree or higher in psychology, social work, counseling, human services, or related field.
• Experience in patient navigation or enrolling patients for Medicaid/Medicare.
• Certification as a Colorado Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS) or comparable peer specialist certification.
• Experience with motivational interviewing.
• Experience working with criminal justice, drug courts, probation/parole agencies, or similar sources.
• Experience providing administrative support in SUD or MAT…