Peer Support Specialist (CORE Guide)

About the role

firsthand supports individuals living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI). Our holistic approach includes a team of peer recovery specialists, benefits specialists, and clinicians. Our teams focus on meeting each individual where they are and walking with them side by side as a trusted guide and partner on their journey to better health.

Responsibilities

• Conduct community outreach to individuals with SMI in homes, community locations, and care settings like shelters, hospitals, and emergency departments
• Support individuals' health needs by scheduling appointments, taking vitals, ensuring clinical visits are attended and completed, and assisting with telehealth access
• Build trust and relationships by addressing immediate needs and empowering individuals to identify and pursue personal recovery goals
• Serve as the primary point-of-contact, using advanced engagement techniques to facilitate ongoing connection and engagement in supportive services
• Help address social determinants of health, facilitating access to benefits, resources, and transportation
• Aid in care coordination, advocating for individual goals, accompanying individuals to appointments, and addressing post-discharge needs
• Provide timely and thorough documentation of encounters and participate in case reviews and team collaboration
• Perform initial and ongoing telephonic outreach
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development

Requirements

• Lived experience with SMI and/or SUD
• State Peer Recovery certification, or eligibility and willingness to obtain certification within six (6) months of employment
• Valid driver's license in good standing, with the ability to operate a vehicle (company vehicle may be provided)
• Demonstrated proficiency with technical tools like email, messaging services, and apps
• Two (2) years demonstrated recovery time from a mental health and/or substance abuse disorder at the date of application

Qualifications

• Empathy, compassion, and approachability
• Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Personal knowledge of recovery
• Patience, persistence, and a desire to help individuals experiencing SMI and/or SUD on their wellness journey
• Comfort working collaboratively within multidisciplinary team
• Basic proficiency with smartphone and computer technology
• Openness to receiving feedback and a commitment to professional growth

Skills

• Experience with direct in-person outreach and engagement for individuals with SMI and SUD
• Expertise in recovery education and coaching
• Understanding of whole health and trauma-informed approaches to peer support
• Familiarity with local community resources, behavioral health systems, and the criminal justice system (e.g., mental health and drug courts)
• Eagerness to expand knowledge about a broad range of health conditions
• Interest in gaining a Community Health Worker (CHW) Credential after hire, or already holds one

Benefits

• Hourly Pay Rate: $20—$20 USD
• Compensation package includes base, equity (or a special incentive program for clinical roles) and performance bonus potential
• Benefits include physical and mental health, dental, vision, 401(k) with a match, 16 weeks parental leave for either parent, 15 days/year vacation in your first year (this increases to 20 days/year in your second year and beyond), and a supportive and inclusive culture

Pay

Hourly Pay Rate: $20—$20 USD

Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm