Case Manager (CORE Guide)

firsthand Health • Saginaw, MI

2d

About The Position

The Core Guide, also externally listed as a Peer Recovery Specialist, is part of firsthand’s peer-led care model supporting people living with serious mental illness (SMI) and/or substance use disorder (SUD). The role uses lived experience to build trust, connect individuals with healthcare and supportive services, and support behavioral and physical wellness. Core Guides work closely with clinicians and other members of the Care Team, serving as a primary point of contact and helping individuals schedule and attend appointments, advocate for their needs, and pursue personal recovery goals.

The work includes community-based and telephonic outreach, care coordination, support with social determinants of health, documentation, case reviews, and team collaboration. Team members complete paid training and must pass assessments before serving individuals. The role may evolve as firsthand grows. The hourly pay rate is $20.

Requirements

• Lived experience with SMI and/or SUD.
• Hold or obtain active National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) credentialing through NAADAC; apply and have the application in process within 90 days to 6 months of hire, and achieve full certification within 1 year.
• 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.
• At least two years of demonstrated recovery time from a mental health and/or substance abuse disorder at the date of application.
• 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, 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, and emergency departments.
• Support individuals’ health needs by scheduling appointments, 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 engagement techniques to promote ongoing connection with supportive 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.
• Complete paid training and pass assessments before serving individuals.

Benefits

• Equity and potential performance bonus.
• 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 in the first year, increasing to 160 hours annually after one year.

What This Job Offers

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