firsthand
Overview
Join to apply for the
Peer Specialist
role at
firsthand . firsthand supports individuals living with SMI (serious mental illness). 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. We are cultivating a team of deeply passionate problem-solvers to tackle significant and complex healthcare challenges with us. This is more than a job—it's a calling. Every day, you will engage in work that resonates with purpose, gain wisdom from motivated colleagues, and thrive in an environment that celebrates continuous learning, creativity, and fun. Role
The firsthand guide (a blended CPRS and Community Health Worker role) applies a hands-on approach to outreach, engagement, and ongoing support to address health related social needs (HRSN) to improve self-management of chronic conditions and navigation of the healthcare system. The firsthand Guide leverages their knowledge of the community and shared life experience to inform their interactions with the community members we serve. They serve as an essential member of the multi-disciplinary care team by partnering closely and collaborating with other firsthand roles such as the Health Guide and the central support team to drive social stability, sustained recovery, and optimal health outcomes for the communities we serve. Responsibilities
Perform community outreach to individuals with serious mental illness, including visiting their homes and other locations within the local community where they spend time, such as clubhouses, drop-in centers, homeless shelters, hospitals, and emergency departments. Empower individuals to identify and pursue their personal recovery goals by modeling and teaching safe and healthy coping strategies Engage in care coordination to identify health related social needs and connect individuals with local resources to address needs. Assist with gathering information required for obtaining benefits and services and facilitate warm hand-offs to other team members for assistance in navigating SSI/SSDI benefits and self-management support Address immediate follow-up needs identified by care team providers such as hospital post-discharge follow-up and support Promote and monitor individuals' adherence with their care plan and provide motivational interviewing to support medication and treatment adherence Qualifications
Empathy, compassion, and approachability A flexible, growth mindset; you embrace change and new ways of trying things Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills Personal knowledge of recovery; patience and persistence Desire to help people in need and support their path to wellness Comfort working as part of a multidisciplinary team Intermediate computer skills Experience
Lived experience with SMI and/or SUD Qualified as a Community Health or eligible and willing to complete coursework within first 3 months and pursue certification as soon as possible but no later than 1 year of employment Ability to operate a vehicle including a driver’s license that is active and in good standing; must be eligible to drive under Company insurance policy; intermediate working knowledge using Google Workspace Programs specifically Gmail, Sheets, and Docs Exceptional communication & interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with internal and external customers and stakeholders Decision making skills regarding own work approach/priorities, and work assignments, standards and resources Ability to multi-task and work in a very fast-paced environment Strong understanding and respect of all cultures and demographic diversity Preferred Experience
Prior experience performing direct in-person outreach and engaging individuals with SMI Currently holds Peer Recovery Specialist Certification; expertise in recovery education and coaching Knowledge of a whole health approach to peer support Knowledge of a trauma-informed approach to peer support Knowledge of local community resources, behavioral health system, and criminal justice system Desire to learn more about a broad range of health conditions Physical Requirements
Frequent standing, walking, sitting, crouching and using hands to type, feel, handle, and pick up objects Occasional climbing stairs and balancing; reaching with arms; stooping, bending, kneeling, and lifting up to 15 pounds Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions Benefits
For full-time employees, our compensation package includes base, equity (or a special incentive program for clinical roles) and performance bonus potential. Our 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 (increasing with tenure), and a supportive and inclusive culture. Vaccination Policy
Employment with firsthand is contingent upon attesting to medical clearance requirements, including vaccination for COVID-19 and other vaccines as advised by CDC guidelines. New hires may submit for consideration a request to be exempted from these requirements via forms provided by firsthand. Exemptions will be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis with reasonable accommodations where possible. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer sponsorship at this time.
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Join to apply for the
Peer Specialist
role at
firsthand . firsthand supports individuals living with SMI (serious mental illness). 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. We are cultivating a team of deeply passionate problem-solvers to tackle significant and complex healthcare challenges with us. This is more than a job—it's a calling. Every day, you will engage in work that resonates with purpose, gain wisdom from motivated colleagues, and thrive in an environment that celebrates continuous learning, creativity, and fun. Role
The firsthand guide (a blended CPRS and Community Health Worker role) applies a hands-on approach to outreach, engagement, and ongoing support to address health related social needs (HRSN) to improve self-management of chronic conditions and navigation of the healthcare system. The firsthand Guide leverages their knowledge of the community and shared life experience to inform their interactions with the community members we serve. They serve as an essential member of the multi-disciplinary care team by partnering closely and collaborating with other firsthand roles such as the Health Guide and the central support team to drive social stability, sustained recovery, and optimal health outcomes for the communities we serve. Responsibilities
Perform community outreach to individuals with serious mental illness, including visiting their homes and other locations within the local community where they spend time, such as clubhouses, drop-in centers, homeless shelters, hospitals, and emergency departments. Empower individuals to identify and pursue their personal recovery goals by modeling and teaching safe and healthy coping strategies Engage in care coordination to identify health related social needs and connect individuals with local resources to address needs. Assist with gathering information required for obtaining benefits and services and facilitate warm hand-offs to other team members for assistance in navigating SSI/SSDI benefits and self-management support Address immediate follow-up needs identified by care team providers such as hospital post-discharge follow-up and support Promote and monitor individuals' adherence with their care plan and provide motivational interviewing to support medication and treatment adherence Qualifications
Empathy, compassion, and approachability A flexible, growth mindset; you embrace change and new ways of trying things Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills Personal knowledge of recovery; patience and persistence Desire to help people in need and support their path to wellness Comfort working as part of a multidisciplinary team Intermediate computer skills Experience
Lived experience with SMI and/or SUD Qualified as a Community Health or eligible and willing to complete coursework within first 3 months and pursue certification as soon as possible but no later than 1 year of employment Ability to operate a vehicle including a driver’s license that is active and in good standing; must be eligible to drive under Company insurance policy; intermediate working knowledge using Google Workspace Programs specifically Gmail, Sheets, and Docs Exceptional communication & interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with internal and external customers and stakeholders Decision making skills regarding own work approach/priorities, and work assignments, standards and resources Ability to multi-task and work in a very fast-paced environment Strong understanding and respect of all cultures and demographic diversity Preferred Experience
Prior experience performing direct in-person outreach and engaging individuals with SMI Currently holds Peer Recovery Specialist Certification; expertise in recovery education and coaching Knowledge of a whole health approach to peer support Knowledge of a trauma-informed approach to peer support Knowledge of local community resources, behavioral health system, and criminal justice system Desire to learn more about a broad range of health conditions Physical Requirements
Frequent standing, walking, sitting, crouching and using hands to type, feel, handle, and pick up objects Occasional climbing stairs and balancing; reaching with arms; stooping, bending, kneeling, and lifting up to 15 pounds Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions Benefits
For full-time employees, our compensation package includes base, equity (or a special incentive program for clinical roles) and performance bonus potential. Our 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 (increasing with tenure), and a supportive and inclusive culture. Vaccination Policy
Employment with firsthand is contingent upon attesting to medical clearance requirements, including vaccination for COVID-19 and other vaccines as advised by CDC guidelines. New hires may submit for consideration a request to be exempted from these requirements via forms provided by firsthand. Exemptions will be reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis with reasonable accommodations where possible. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer sponsorship at this time.
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