Note: Provided below is a job class description and minimum qualification. To view this information for other State of Colorado positions, please visit the job classifications and minimum qualifications page.
Class Description
Valid as of: July 1, 2024
This series describes work in the field of addiction counseling. Positions provide substance use disorder treatment services. Work involves assisting with scheduling and facilitating substance use disorder treatment appointments, assessing treatment needs, and developing treatment plans. Certification (or current enrollment in a certification program) is required for positions in this class series.
ADDICTION SPECIALIST I C4N1XX
Concept of Class
Addiction Specialist I class describes the entry level. Entry level positions perform tasks that are structured and designed to provide training and experience. Tasks are performed under direct supervision and detailed instruction and guidance is received. Employees in this class learn to apply theories and principles of the field. Positions used for training purposes do not remain at this level indefinitely.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making
Defined. There is a choice in selecting alternatives that affect the manner and speed of a decision, but there is typically only one correct way to carry out the operation.
Complexity
Prescribed. Applies established, standard processes which cover work situations and alternatives. Chooses the correct action from specific guidelines that permit little deviation or change as tasks are repeated.
Line/Staff Authority
The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions have no supervisory accountability, however may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
ADDICTION SPECIALIST II C4N2XX
Concept of Class
Addiction Specialist II describes the fully-operational level. Fully operational positions operate independently in performing the full range of tasks. Work requires the use of discretion within the limits of theory and principles of the profession, management’s objectives, laws and regulations, and general systems and guidelines.
This class differs from the Addiction Specialist I class on Decision Making and Complexity.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making
Operational. In carrying out the process, there is a choice as to what and how operations will be completed. Although limits are set by the specific process, work requires reasoning to produce practical courses of action that are within the guidelines of the process. Decisions are made without prior approval however the focus is still on practical solutions. Defined. There is a choice in selecting alternatives that affect the manner and speed of a decision, but there is typically only one correct way to carry out the operation.
Complexity
Patterned. Studies and utilizes information to determine its meaning and identify practical solutions. Although guidelines exist for most situations, this level typically involves multiple choice situations where the guidelines are not as clear.
Line/Staff Authority
Individual Contributor. The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. Positions may explain work processes and train others, serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system, or serve as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.
Entrance Requirements
Minimum entry requirements and general competencies for classes in this series are contained in the State of Colorado Department of Personnel website. For purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the essential functions of specific positions are identified in the position description questionnaires and job analyses.
History of Changes Made to Class Description
The following is a summary of changes made to this class description.
- July 1, 2024 (Whole Document)
Effective 7/1/24: Class codes, job evaluation factors, and levels updated as a result of the Social Worker/General Counselor and Addiction Specialist system maintenance study.
Summary of Factor Ratings
| Class Level | Decision Making | Complexity | Line/Staff Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addiction Specialist I | Defined | Prescribed | Individual Contributor |
| Addiction Specialist II | Operational | Patterned | Individual Contributor |
Minimum Qualifications
Valid as of: July 1, 2024
This document includes the following levels:
| Class Title | Class Code |
|---|---|
| Addiction Specialist I | C4N1XX |
| Addiction Specialist II | C4N2XX |
ADDICTION SPECIALIST I (C4N1XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Applicant must possess a current, valid certification from the State of Colorado as:
- a Certified Addiction Technician (CAT) OR
- Currently enrolled in a CAT program
ADDICTION SPECIALIST II (C4N2XX)
Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience:
Applicant must possess a current, valid certification from the State of Colorado as:
- a Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) OR
- an Addiction Counselor Candidate (AC-C) OR
- a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
History of Changes Made to Minimum Qualification
The following is a summary of changes made to this minimum qualification.
- July 1, 2024 (Whole Document)
Class series was created per a 2023-2024 system maintenance study