Case Manager (CORE Guide)

firsthand Health • Fairfax, VA

12d

About The Position

The Case Manager (internally called a Core Guide or firsthand Guide) supports individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI) and/or substance use disorder (SUD) through a peer-led model grounded in lived experience. Core Guides build trusted relationships, conduct outreach, and help individuals reconnect with healthcare and supportive services while working to improve behavioral and physical wellness and minimize inappropriate healthcare utilization.

Core Guides serve as a primary point of contact and partner with clinicians and other care-team members. They help individuals address immediate needs, set and pursue recovery goals, coordinate care, access benefits and community resources, attend appointments, and manage post-discharge needs. The role includes community-based and telephonic outreach, documentation, case reviews, collaboration, and ongoing training. The role may evolve as firsthand learns and grows.

Employment is contingent on meeting the company's medical clearance and vaccination requirements, subject to applicable law and any approved accommodation. The company does not offer sponsorship at this time.

Requirements

• Lived experience with SMI and/or SUD.
• State Peer Recovery certification, or eligibility and willingness to obtain certification within six months of employment.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing, ability to operate a vehicle, and eligibility to drive under the company’s insurance policy.
• Demonstrated proficiency with technical tools such as email, messaging services, and apps.
• Personal or family lived experience in recovery from SMI or SUD, and comfort and willingness to constructively share that journey with individuals.
• 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.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Basic proficiency with smartphone and computer technology.
• Openness to feedback and commitment to professional growth.
• Completion of paid training and passing assessments before serving individuals.

Nice To Haves

• 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, such as mental health and drug courts.
• Eagerness to expand knowledge about a broad range of health conditions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct community outreach to individuals with SMI in homes, community locations, shelters, hospitals, emergency departments, and other care settings.
• Support individuals’ health needs by scheduling appointments, helping ensure clinical visits are attended and completed, and assisting with telehealth access.
• Build trusting 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 support ongoing connection with services.
• Help address social determinants of health by facilitating access to benefits, resources, and transportation.
• Assist with care coordination, advocate for individual goals, accompany individuals to appointments, and address post-discharge needs.
• Document encounters in a timely and thorough manner and participate in case reviews and team collaboration.
• Perform initial and ongoing telephonic outreach.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development.

Benefits

• Base salary, equity, and performance bonus potential.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and mental wellness coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave for both parents.
• 120 hours of accrued vacation in the first year, increasing to 160 hours annually after one year.
• Paid training period.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed