Master's Level SUD Clinician

Paragon•Lakewood, CO

8d•$60,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is seeking a master’s-level clinician to provide substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in its Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and conduct clinical crisis assessments as needed. The role delivers care in accordance with ASAM Level 2.1 guidelines, including group, individual, and family therapy. Treatment may involve 9 to 20 hours of services per week. The clinician works in or near the designated location and travels to clients’ homes and communities. Substance use and crisis assessments may also be conducted as needed in a local emergency department. The clinician assesses clients, develops treatment and safety plans, coordinates with care managers, peers, families, referring agencies, and multidisciplinary team members, and documents contacts and progress. The work includes supporting client autonomy, building on clients’ strengths, connecting families with community resources, and helping develop and adapt the program to support best practices. Paragon describes itself as a Colorado-wide behavioral health organization providing community-based, in-home, and digital services. It offers clinical consultation and licensure supervision at no extra cost, company-paid health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance, as well as opportunities for career growth.

Requirements

Confirmed master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field.
Current, valid licensure during employment as an LPCC, LSW, LMFTC, or similar.
Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.
Ability to travel to clients’ homes and community locations.
Understanding of ASAM Level 2.1 criteria.
Familiarity with assessment tools, including Columbia (CSSR) and 20-point assessments.
Understanding of the care cycle from intake through discharge, including developing treatment and safety plans.
In-depth understanding of SUD and evidence-based modalities such as DBT, psychoeducation, and attachment/relationships therapy.
Ability to communicate effectively with clients while respecting their autonomy and individual needs.
Clinical judgment to make informed treatment decisions based on assessments and client progress.
Ability to handle emergencies and provide support by phone or in person within specified time frames.
Ability to adjust treatment schedules and methods to meet individual client needs and program criteria.
Ability to conduct group and individual therapy sessions effectively.
Ability to assess progress, ensure program compliance, and establish aftercare plans.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including by phone and face to face.
Understanding of HIPAA, protected health information, and confidentiality.
Ability to work independently, maintain confidentiality, prioritize assignments, and manage time effectively.
Strong conflict-resolution skills.
Commitment to building trust and engagement with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
Rational decision-making skills and sensitivity to individual experiences.
Knowledge of parenting skills and childhood developmental stages.

Nice To Haves

Two years of relevant experience in behavioral health and SUD treatment.
Working knowledge of Colorado Medicaid.
Bilingual Spanish-speaking ability, depending on position location.

Responsibilities

Conduct SUD and crisis assessments to determine the presence, nature, and extent of clients’ substance use challenges.
Deliver treatment services in accordance with ASAM Level 2.1, involving 9 to 20 hours of treatment per week.
Facilitate group therapy sessions.
Conduct individual therapy sessions.
Conduct family sessions.
Respect clients’ autonomy in starting or stopping services.
Assign clients to appropriate treatment schedules and coordinate with care managers and peers to provide holistic support.
Leverage clients’ strengths to develop skills that improve symptoms and overall well-being.
Assist clients in improving self-concept, social skills and awareness, healthy relationships, and educational or employment achievement.
Direct families in arranging community support services, including mental health services, public assistance, and vocational training.
Document direct and indirect contacts with clients, their families, and community support services.
Identify and recommend solutions to multidisciplinary team members.
Submit progress summaries with ongoing recommendations to referring agencies and make weekly contact with those agencies.
Support the development and adaptation of the program to ensure best practices.
Conduct substance use and crisis assessments in a local emergency department as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.