Patient Care Specialist II - Ambulatory

Position Overview

As a Patient Care Specialist– II of Ambulatory Services (PCS-II AMB), you are an active member of the multidisciplinary team, directly involved in providing quality care for patients in a transitional living addiction recovery environment. This position provides continuous patient care, monitoring, interaction, and role modeling and provides a safe, positive, supportive, and structured environment for patients enrolled in and/or entering ambulatory treatment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Basic computer skills including general knowledge of or willingness to learn Microsoft Office suite (including Outlook, Teams, and Word)
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in a similar position in a behavioral healthcare setting
• Basic knowledge of addiction and recovery process
• Valid driver’s license in state of employment
• CPR/MANDT certification – training provided locally and updated as required
• Ability to travel up to 30% in local area
• One and a half years’ (1 ½) experience working in a behavioral healthcare setting preferred
• Intermediate knowledge of addiction and the recovery process
• Strong computer skills

Responsibilities

• Support patient engagement by modeling positive behaviors, encouraging program participation, applying motivational interviewing, and guiding individuals through program expectations with empathy, respect, and professionalism.
• Promote a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented environment by maintaining a calm presence, supporting recovery goals, and enforcing program rules consistently and respectfully.
• Support AMA prevention and early intervention by monitoring risk indicators, engaging patients in supportive conversations, and promptly communicating concerns to the treatment team.
• Aid in the admission process by monitoring new patients for safety and security, ensuring they are comfortable, safe, and informed about program guidelines and completing the required documentation.
• Facilitate patient cellphone access in accordance with Transitional Living Playbook, ensuring proper documentation.
• Follow all safety, medical, and infection control protocols, including handling sharps, conducting searches, observing drug screens, and administering heat treatments.
• Maintain readiness to respond to medical and behavioral emergencies through up-to-date certifications in CPR, MANDT, and overdose response including Narcan.
• Ensure timely, accurate EHR and facility documentation, including shift reports, critical incident reports, maintenance requests, and patient care observations in alignment with policy and accreditation standards.
• Facilitate or support patient activities and recovery support groups and encourage participation and engagement.
• Support patients in developing essential life and recovery skills through guidance, encouragement, and structured activities.
• Assist with the development of weekly meal plans and grocery orders in alignment with established guidelines and budgets, using the process to teach and reinforce independent living skills through hands-on practice.
• Support patients in facilitating their aftercare plans by helping gather and document basic information (i.e., appointment dates, referrals, or resources) and communicate any concerns or barriers to the treatment team.
• Provide safe and compliant transportation for patients, maintaining accurate mileage and travel records.
• Follow all established safety guidelines for group outings.
• Organize and facilitate store runs for or with patients in accordance with established guidelines, ensuring safety and adherence to procedures.
• Maintain a clean and safe physical environment by performing recovery home and bedroom inspections, practicing universal precautions, and reporting or addressing facility concerns.
• Support the development of PCS-I teammates by providing guidance, answering questions, and assisting with skill-building and role acclimation, promoting understanding of policies, procedures, and available tools that support effective patient care.
• Model best practices in all areas of patient care, documentation, and communication, setting a consistent example of professionalism, compassion, and acumen.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team culture through respectful, solution-oriented communication and a commitment to shared goals.
• Maintain ongoing, current, and required training for best practice service delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned.