High Intensity Peer Counselor (RISE Guide)

About the role

firsthand’s mission is to support individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI) through a holistic, peer‑driven approach. The RISE Population Guide (RISE Guide) is a specialized Peer Recovery Specialist who provides intensive, high‑touch support to a small panel of individuals with the highest level of care needs. This role blends in‑person and virtual engagement, working alongside CORE firsthand guides and multidisciplinary clinical teams to ensure stability, recovery, and overall wellness.

Responsibilities

• Provide intensive post‑discharge management and transitions of care, ensuring stability after psychiatric hospitalization and supporting in‑hospital engagement and discharge planning.
• Coordinate and support Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment plans, when applicable.
• Assist individuals in navigating medication regimens, identifying barriers to adherence, and facilitating communication with prescribing teams.
• Develop a deep understanding of each individual’s supports and triggers, quickly creating safety and action plans as needed.
• Co‑navigate systemic barriers (appointments, transportation, enrollment in services, etc.) to ensure access to care.
• Problem‑solve and resolve social challenges such as housing, food, and transportation.
• Participate in daily huddles and regular IPRs to maintain coordinated care for RISE individuals.
• Potentially join a post‑pilot after‑hours rotation to support crises or urgent needs outside standard business hours.
• Maintain engagement and build trusting relationships, offering empathy and assistance with problem‑solving.
• Help the RISE care team prevent sentinel or traumatic events, improving clinical outcomes and quality of life.

Requirements

• Lived experience with SMI and/or SUD and recovery.
• At least two (2) years of demonstrated recovery time from a mental health and/or substance‑use disorder at the date of application.
• State Peer Recovery certification, or eligibility and willingness to obtain certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Agreement to complete a paid training period and pass assessments before serving individuals.
• Interest in obtaining a Community Health Worker (CHW) credential after hire, or existing certification.
• Training or experience in de‑escalation techniques (e.g., CPI, Mental Health First Aid) or willingness to be trained.
• Empathy, compassion, and approachability with excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Personal knowledge of recovery and/or behavioral health, patience, persistence, and a desire to help individuals experiencing SMI and/or SUD.
• Comfort working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, including clinicians.
• Willingness to advocate for individuals in acute healthcare settings such as ERs and hospitals.
• Strong personal boundaries and ability to remain calm in high‑stress situations.
• Proficiency with smartphones, email, messaging services, and apps.
• Openness to feedback and commitment to professional growth.
• Vaccination or immunity to COVID‑19, Hepatitis B, Influenza, MMR, Chickenpox, Tetanus, and Diphtheria, with compliance to CDC‑recommended schedules (exemptions considered on a case‑by‑case basis).

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with direct in‑person engagement for individuals with SMI and SUD.
• Expertise in recovery education and coaching.
• Understanding of whole‑health and trauma‑informed peer support approaches.
• Familiarity with local community resources, behavioral health systems, and the criminal‑justice system (e.g., mental health and drug courts).
• Ability to thrive in a mobile environment, spending 80%+ of time in the community (homes, hospitals, streets) rather than an office.
• Eagerness to expand knowledge about a broad range of health conditions.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing and ability to operate a vehicle (company vehicle may be provided) under the company’s insurance policy.

Benefits

• Base salary, equity, and performance‑bonus potential.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and mental‑wellness coverage.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave for both parents.
• 120 hours of vacation annually (4.62 hours per pay period) in the first year, increasing to 160 hours (6.15 hours per pay period) after one year.
• Inclusive, supportive culture that emphasizes continuous learning, creativity, and fun.