Peer Support Specialist

Full Job Description

This position is ONLY open to current Colorado state residents.

This position is a hybrid position.

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 conditions 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a TERM-LIMITED position and funding cannot be guaranteed beyond 12/31/2027. The incumbent in this position must be willing and able to resign on this date or when funds run out, whichever comes first.

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.

Please Note - As of August 27, 2025, a hiring freeze is in effect for the Colorado Executive Branch.

State agencies will be allowed to finalize the hiring process only if a position has been posted by August 26, 2025.

Any positions that are posted after August 26, 2025 have been either exempted from the hiring freeze or have been approved for a waiver and the hiring process may proceed.

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

Be BOLD.....Make a REAL difference . . .and join us in serving our communities advancing Colorado's health and protecting the places we live, work, learn, and play, to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

Our mission… is to advance Colorado's health and protect the places we live, work, learn, and play.

Our vision… is to create a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations thrive.

In addition to free parking, access to RTD bus lines, Cherry Creek bike path and flexible working arrangements, click the link below to review additional benefits and perks!!! https://cdphe.colorado.gov/careers

Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, go to:https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/pslfFlow.action#!/pslf/launch

The referral list generated by this position announcement may be used to fill multiple position vacancies and may be extended.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) serves Coloradans by providing high-quality, and cost-effective public health and environmental protection services that promote healthy people in healthy places.

Staff members focus on evidence-based best practices in the public health and environmental fields and play a critical role in educating people in Colorado so they can make informed choices.

In addition to maintaining and enhancing our core programs, the Department continues to identify and respond to emerging issues affecting Colorado's public and environmental health.

Requirements

The Work Unit:

The Office of STI/HIV/VH is committed to high-quality services, innovative public health practice and community partnerships. We work to ensure quality and medically accurate STI/HIV/VH related prevention, care, and treatment services for all people in Colorado. Functions include public health surveillance of STI/HIV/VH; follow-up of people newly diagnosed with a STI/HIV/VH to ensure adequate treatment and referrals to care; access to care, partners services, and treatment as appropriate; developing comprehensive prevention programs; and conducting program evaluation to enhance the use of STI/HIV/VH data to direct prevention and care activities. The Care and Services Program exists within the Office of STI/HIV/VH to provide access to health care, support for clients and linkage to care, and intensive case management among clients with needs related to HIV and STI. The Program has three units: Health Care Access, Linkage to Care, and Client Support. The Linkage to Care unit exists to prevent the spread of HIV and its complications by providing a bridge to HIV care and treatment for People Living with HIV (PLWH) not currently receiving HIV care. The Office of STI/HIV/VH is committed to disrupting inequities and operates on the belief that all people across the state should have equitable opportunities to live healthy lives. The Client Support unit exists to improve the health outcomes of PLWH as well as to prevent the spread of HIV through the provision of intensive case management and counseling.

What you will be doing

The Peer Support Specialist works to provide coordinated, trauma informed, high quality, and coordinated, strength-based, social peer services support consistent with the agency’s mission. This person works in collaboration with HIV Community Based Organizations in the Denver Metro area to guide and support individuals living with HIV through the continuum of HIV-related care. The Peer Support Specialist provides support to clients who are facing challenges such as: being newly diagnosed, being non-virally suppressed, being out of care or at risk of falling out of care, being justice-involved, experiencing language or cultural barriers, experiencing housing instability, and/or experiencing a life disruption or event that is impacting their self-regulation (e.g., mental/behavioral health, substance use or recovery, HIV related stigma, social isolation). This position also assist clients to navigate the healthcare, behavioral/mental healthcare, and substance use recovery systems. The Peer Support Specialist will maintain an intentional focus on the client’s maintaining connection to healthcare and treatment, medication adherence to strive towards viral suppression and/or best health outcomes impacting their span and quality of life. Achieve viral load suppression. This position works with clients to reduce stigma and isolation, build social connections, and assist in creating referrals to psychosocial supports and other social service supports. This position is asked to mindfully use their personal lived experience to support clients facing the challenges of living with HIV. This requires maintaining an awareness of social, systemic, and cultural challenges to and developing equitable and effective relationships with a diverse client population.

Job Duties:
Care Navigation and Support

• Under the direction of upper level Health Professionals, this position receives training and guidance on the appropriate navigation and support for persons living with HIV who are newly diagnosed, have lapsed in care, are medically vulnerable, or pregnant.
• Assists clients in understanding and processing a new HIV diagnosis
• Assists clients in scheduling health care or other social support appointments
• Assists clients in attending health care or other social support appointments
• Assists clients in refilling medications
• Assists clients in applying for SDAP
• Assists clients in preparing for staying engaged in HIV care and treatment
• Assists clients in finding additional HIV related resources and supports that are of interest to the client o Document client encounters, activities and interventions in the designated client database

Case Management Collaboration

• Under the direction of upper level Health Professionals, this position learns to collaborate with Ryan White case managers in an effort to connect and support clients in navigating the Ryan White resources and services available to them.
  
• Learn about all of the Ryan White CM agencies in Colorado and the different resources they offer
  
• Assist clients in selecting the appropriate Ryan White CM agency for their needs
  
• Attend case management meetings (in-person/virtual) with clients to provide support and advocacy
  
• Assist clients in completing budgeting if clients are on restricted income or are not self-sufficient
  
• Meet clients in the field for scheduled appointments, when assistance is requested by the client
  
• Follow up with and check in on clients regarding any tasks they have been asked to complete
  
• Assist clients in completing any forms or paperwork required in Ryan White case management
  
• Document client encounters, activities and interventions in the designated client database

Community Engagement

• Under the direction of upper level Health Professionals, this position receives training and guidance on the conducting community engagement activities for persons living with HIV. This includes the following tasks:
  
• Assist in the coordination of offsite community engagement activities/events.
  
• Assist in providing logistical support, including audiovisual equipment, physical space reservation, meeting materials, and means for remote participation (phone, webinar, etc.)
  
• Assists in recruitment for community engagement activities/events
  
• Assist in evaluation of planning events in terms of desired outcomes and satisfaction of participants.
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

NOTE: An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience.

Experience Only:

Four (4) years of relevant experience in public health, healthcare navigation, healthcare administration, community engagement, social work, HIV/STI peer support services, or other closely related experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.

OR:

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education from an accredited institution in Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Psychology/Social Work, Communications, Nursing, or a field of study closely related to the work assignment.

AND/OR Relevant experience in public health, healthcare navigation, healthcare administration, community engagement, social work, HIV/STI peer support services, or other closely related experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to four (4) years.

**This experience must be substantiated within the Work Experience section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.**

**A copy of your unofficial (or official) transcript OR a copy of your official diploma is required by the application deadline. You must attach this transcript or diploma to your application electronically.**

NOTE: Click on the link here How to Apply to submit a complete application that documents your work history giving details of your qualifications, including how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications for this position when listing your work history.

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:

• Relevant experience with the State of Colorado.
• Experience working with communities impacted by STI/HIV/VH.
• Experience conducting educational and outreach activities to help reduce common stigmas and foster program participation.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Excellent communication skills in building trust and rapport, motivating, and problem-solving.
• Excellent planning and organizing skills and be able to adapt to a constantly changing environment.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize work, including planning and organizing work assignments effectively.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pursuant to CDPHE policy, a background check is required for all positions at CDPHE.
• Critical Status: Must be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
• Critical Status: Must be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
• This is a term-limited position. Funding cannot be guaranteed beyond 12/31/2027. The incumbent in this position must be willing and able to resign on this date or when funds run out, whichever comes first.

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 (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) 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 tospb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; 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.

Additional Information

A complete application packet must include:

1. A completed State of Colorado application.
2. A cover letter that describes how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position.
3. If using education to qualify, a copy of your college/university transcripts or diploma. Transcripts or diploma must be attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application. (unofficial transcripts copy acceptable)
4. If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 attached to your colorado.gov/jobs application.

The Selection Process:

All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement.

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.If you submit more than one application, before the closing deadline, only the most recent application submitted will be used in the recruitment process.

All applications and materials are considered final when the posting has closed.

Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

• Part of, or all of, the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.

A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

E-Verify: CDPHE uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more aboutE-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

You must currently reside and be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDPHE does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.

ADAAA Accommodations:

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 Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment 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 ADAAA Coordinator, Dan McKenna, at daniel.mckenna@state.co.us or call 303-692-2060, option 5.