Open Rank Adolescent Behavioral Health Therapist (MST) (Entry – Senior)

• University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
• Department: Psychiatry - Addiction Research & Treatment Services (ARTS) – Synergy
• Job Title: Open Rank Adolescent Behavioral Health Therapist (MST) (Entry – Senior)
• Position: #00844864 – Requisition: #38860

Job Summary

Synergy, the adolescent component of Addiction Research and Treatment Services, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, seeks to fill a full-time (1.0 FTE) Adolescent Behavioral Health Therapist position in a community-based substance use treatment program. The therapist will be delivering an evidenced-based family therapy model called Multisystemic Therapy (MST). MST is an evidenced-based model with the largest body of evidence of successful interventions for high-risk youth and has been recognized as a highly effective treatment by NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) and NIH (National Institute of Health). The model is present focused/action-oriented and focuses on strength-based, preventive strategies within the youth’s natural ecology targeting family, peers, school, and neighborhood support systems.

This is an amazing opportunity to receive comprehensive training in the MST model. The Adolescent Behavioral Health Therapist will implement this community-based treatment by providing MST to families of adolescent substance misusers with a goal to retain youth in their homes and avoid out-of-home placement and involvement in the criminal justice system. This position will utilize the MST principals to develop interventions with the input and support of their supervisor and MST consultant. The implementation of this clinical model requires adherence and fidelity to the MST model, which the supervisor and MST consultant help guide. This position works independently but always has the support of their supervisor and has flexibility with their schedule as they schedule their own therapy appointments based on the family’s availability. The therapist is very well supported through weekly group supervision and consultation, in addition to individual supervision occurring weekly to every two weeks.

Key Responsibilities

Provide intensive treatment services using Multisystemic Therapy principles to a caseload of 6 active MST clients, which include daily contact via individual and family counseling, case management, staffing, advocacy, etc. in their home environment and community.

Provide home-based family therapy twice weekly utilizing the MST treatment model. Therapists may also participate in school meetings, staffing and court; these activities also require driving.

Available to clients and their families Monday through Friday, 24 hours a day via cell phone and participate in a weekend on-call coverage rotation.

Provide transition services to clients when they leave other formal residential/day treatment programs.

Complete all documentation (session notes, CM notes, GRRS evaluations, monthly reports, treatment plans, DACODS) by established deadlines.

Provide clinical evaluations and/or intake screenings to assess clinical appropriateness, individual treatment needs, and recommendations.

Administer weekly urinalysis screens for (same sex) clients to track treatment progress/challenges.

Work Location

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 1-3 days per week on campus (Ft. Logan campus) and as needed for in-person meetings and remote work in the community.

Why Join Us

This is an incredible opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team of therapists (LPCC & LSW), supervisors (LCSW, LPC, LAC), and psychiatrists. The team works collaboratively and closely to provide comprehensive evaluations, psychiatric evaluations, ongoing substance use and mental health treatment, and referrals as necessary. The team is committed to helping adolescents and their families create positive changes, prevent out of home placement, reduce involvement in the criminal justice system and most importantly, reduce morbidity and mortality. The very small caseload provides a unique opportunity to provide the intensity needed to dive deep into individual and family issues to create lasting changes.

ARTS will provide comprehensive training in the multisystemic therapy (MST) intervention model for at-risk youth with substance issues. Our passion for recovery is second to none and we strive to offer the best treatment and long-term success. This is an autonomous position with opportunities to work remotely and allowing for some flexibility within your schedule.

Additionally

Synergy is able to offer the unique opportunity to receive licensure supervision, for LPC licensure, LCSW licensure as well as LAC licensure.

Synergy staff are eligible for the Public Service Loan forgiveness.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation, and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10%25 of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
• There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Entry Level

Master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, human services, or related field from an accredited institution.

Registration with the Department of Regulatory Agencies to practice in Colorado.

Eligibility to be credentialed as LAC, LPC, LCSW or LMFT with the State of Colorado within two (2) years of hire.

Intermediate Level

Master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, human services, or related field from an accredited institution.

Registration with the Department of Regulatory Agencies to practice in Colorado.

One (1) year of professional/post graduate level experience working in the field of counseling, social work, or substance use.

Eligibility to be credentialed as LAC, LPC, LCSW or LMFT with the State of Colorado within one (1) year of hire.

Senior Level

Master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, human services, or related field from an accredited institution.

Registration with the Department of Regulatory Agencies to practice in Colorado.

Two (2) years of professional/post graduate level experience working in the field of counseling, social work, or substance use.

Currently eligible to be credentialed (or already licensed) as LAC, LPC, LCSW or LMFT with the State of Colorado.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish/English.
• Experience in treating substance use disorders.
• Clinical experience treating adolescents and/or families.
• Experience using an Electronic Health Record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

Outstanding customer service skills.

Ability to engage and develop appropriate therapeutic relationships with clients, which includes establishing clear boundaries with clients.

• Ability to remain objective while managing conflicting points of view.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs with the ability to learn software programs.

Ability to maintain professional boundaries and conduct self in an ethical & professional manner with clients, colleagues, and outside organizations, and in accordance with licensing board ethical/professional standards.

Ability to engage and develop appropriate therapeutic relationships with clients, which includes establishing clear boundaries with clients.

Ability to balance job expectations around caseload, clinical contact and outcomes, and case management which includes paperwork.

How to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.

Curriculum vitae / Resume

Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address.

Questions should be directed to: Heidi McKinnon, heidi.mckinnon@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by November 30, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range

• The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as:
• Entry Level: $56,555 – $71,939
• Intermediate Level: $61,546 – $78,286
• Senior Level: $66,536 – $84,634

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilitie