Patient Care Specialist I - Ambulatory

Pinnacle Treatment Brand

2d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Patient Care Specialist I – Ambulatory Services (PCS I) at our Roanoke, VA
location, you will be an essential member of the multidisciplinary treatment
team providing direct patient care in a transitional living and ambulatory
recovery environment. This role focuses on patient safety, engagement, and
structure while supporting individuals through the early stages of recovery.

Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a mission‑driven organization dedicated to
providing compassionate, evidence‑based addiction treatment. Patient Care
Specialists play a critical role in creating safe, structured, and
recovery‑focused environments.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Basic computer skills or willingness to learn Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word)
• Valid driver’s license in the state of employment
• CPR and MANDT certification (training provided and maintained as required)
• Ability to travel locally up to 20%, including patient transportation

Nice To Haves

• At least six (6) months of experience in a behavioral healthcare or substance use treatment setting
• Basic knowledge of addiction and the recovery process

Responsibilities

• Support patient engagement through positive role modeling, encouragement, and motivational interviewing
• Promote a trauma‑informed, recovery‑oriented environment through calm presence and respectful enforcement of program guidelines
• Support AMA prevention efforts by monitoring risk indicators and communicating concerns to the treatment team
• Assist with admissions by monitoring patient safety, providing orientation, and completing required documentation
• Facilitate patient cellphone access in accordance with the Transitional Living Playbook
• Follow all safety, medical, infection control, and security protocols, including searches, drug screen observations, and heat treatments
• Conduct patient and belongings searches for contraband and manage valuables according to policy
• Monitor patient self‑administration of medications and obtain vital signs as required, reporting concerns to medical staff
• Maintain readiness for medical and behavioral emergencies, including overdose response and Narcan administration
• Ensure timely and accurate EHR and facility documentation, including shift reports and incident reports
• Facilitate or support recovery activities, support groups, and daily programming
• Assist patients in developing life and recovery skills through structured activities
• Support meal planning, grocery organization, and independent living skill development
• Assist patients with basic aftercare information gathering and communication with the treatment team
• Provide safe and compliant patient transportation and maintain accurate mileage records
• Organize and support store runs in accordance with established guidelines
• Maintain a clean, safe, and secure physical environment through routine inspections
• Perform duties in alignment with CARF standards to support accreditation readiness
• Maintain required training and certifications
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• 18 days Paid Time Off (PTO) and 8 paid holidays
• Shift differentials for evening and overnight schedules
• Defined career pathing through the Patient Care Specialist Tier Program
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program (STAR LRP) at eligible facilities
• Access to 600+ free CEU courses
• Discounted tuition opportunities through Capella University
• Schedule flexibility to support work‑life balance
• Merit‑based increases recognizing performance and growth
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees