Case Manager (CORE Guide)

firsthand Health • Fairfax, VA

6h

About The Position

The Core Guide, also described externally as a Peer Recovery Specialist, is a peer-led role supporting individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI) and/or substance use disorder (SUD). Using lived experience to build trust, the Guide works alongside individuals to reconnect them with healthcare and other supports, pursue personal recovery goals, and improve behavioral and physical wellness. The role is part of a multidisciplinary Care Team and involves close collaboration with clinicians and other support team members.

Core Guides serve as a primary point of contact, helping individuals access care, benefits, community resources, and transportation. Work includes community-based outreach in homes and locations such as shelters, hospitals, and emergency departments; appointment and telehealth support; care coordination and advocacy; and follow-up after discharge. Guides document encounters, participate in case reviews and team collaboration, and complete ongoing training. A paid training period and successful assessments are required before serving individuals. The role may evolve as firsthand develops.

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.
• Comfort working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Basic proficiency with smartphone and computer technology.
• Openness to feedback and commitment to professional growth.

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, including 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, and emergency departments.
• Support individuals' health needs by scheduling appointments, helping ensure clinical visits are attended and completed, and assisting with telehealth access.
• Build trust and relationships by addressing immediate needs and helping individuals identify and pursue personal recovery goals.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and use advanced engagement techniques to support ongoing connection with services.
• Help address social determinants of health by facilitating access to benefits, resources, and transportation.
• Coordinate care, advocate for individual goals, accompany individuals to appointments, and address post-discharge needs.
• Document encounters promptly and thoroughly, and participate in case reviews and team collaboration.
• Conduct initial and ongoing telephonic outreach.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development.
• Complete paid training and pass assessments before serving individuals.

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 vacation accrued annually during the first year, increasing to 160 hours annually after one year.

What This Job Offers

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