Case Manager (CORE Guide)

firsthand Health • Saginaw, MI

6h

About The Position

The Core Guide (internally referred to as a firsthand Guide, or fG, and externally listed 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 serves as a primary point of contact and partners with clinicians and other Care Team members to support individuals’ behavioral and physical wellness, recovery goals, and access to appropriate care. The role includes community-based and telephonic outreach, care coordination, advocacy, and support accessing healthcare, benefits, transportation, and other resources. Team members complete paid training and must pass assessments before serving individuals. The role may evolve as firsthand grows.

Requirements

• Lived experience with SMI and/or SUD; personal or family lived experience in recovery and willingness to constructively share that journey with individuals.
• Must hold or obtain active credentialing as a National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) through NAADAC. The candidate must 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.
• 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 receiving feedback and commitment to professional growth.
• Must meet employment medical clearance requirements, including applicable vaccination or immunity requirements, unless an exemption is approved.

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, ensuring 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 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.
• Provide timely and thorough encounter documentation 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

• 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.
• Equity and performance bonus potential.
• Paid training period.
• Welcoming, inclusive culture.

What This Job Offers

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