Patient Care Specialist I - Ambulatory

Pinnacle Treatment Centers • Merrillville, IN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a leading provider of comprehensive addiction treatment services, committed to transforming lives through compassionate care. Their approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, focusing on the holistic well-being of patients, and treating teammates with individualized compassion and empathy. Pinnacle believes in providing a supportive and inclusive environment for both patients and dedicated team of professionals, transforming the lives of more than 35,000 individuals daily across a nationwide network of care. As a Patient Care Specialist– I of Ambulatory Services (PCS-I AMB), you will be an active member of the multidisciplinary team, directly involved in providing quality care for patients in a transitional living addiction recovery environment. This position provides continuous patient care, monitoring, interaction, and role modeling, and ensures a safe, positive, supportive, and structured environment for patients enrolled in and/or entering ambulatory treatment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic computer skills including general knowledge of or willingness to learn Microsoft Office suite (including Outlook, Teams, and Word).
• Valid driver’s license in state of employment.
• CPR/MANDT certification – training provided locally and updated as required.
• Ability to travel up to 20% in local area

Nice To Haves

• At least six (6) months experience working in a behavioral healthcare setting.
• Basic knowledge of addiction and the recovery process.

Responsibilities

• Support patient engagement by modeling positive behaviors, encouraging program participation, applying motivational interviewing, and guiding individuals through program expectations with empathy, respect, and professionalism.
• Promote a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented environment by maintaining a calm presence, supporting recovery goals, and enforcing program rules consistently and respectfully.
• Support AMA prevention and early intervention by monitoring risk indicators, engaging patients in supportive conversations, and promptly communicating concerns to the treatment team.
• Assist with the admission process by monitoring new patients for safety and security, ensuring they are comfortable, safe, and informed about program guidelines and completing the required documentation.
• Facilitate patient cellphone access in accordance with Transitional Living Playbook, ensuring proper documentation.
• Follow all safety, medical, and infection control protocols, including handling sharps, conducting searches, observing drug screens, and administering heat treatments
• Search patients and belongings diligently for contraband, managing valuables with respect and documenting according to procedure.
• Monitor patient self-administration of medications and obtain and record vital signs, reporting changes to medical staff as needed.
• Maintain readiness to respond to medical and behavioral emergencies through up-to-date certifications in CPR, MANDT, and overdose response including Narcan administration.
• Ensure timely, accurate EHR and facility documentation, including shift reports, critical incident reports, maintenance requests, and patient care observations in alignment with policy and accreditation standards.
• Facilitate or support patient activities and recovery support groups and encourage participation and engagement.
• Support patients in developing essential life and recovery skills through guidance, encouragement, and structured activities.
• Assist with the development of weekly meal plans and grocery orders in alignment with established guidelines and budgets, using the process to teach and reinforce independent living skills through hands-on practice.
• Support patients in facilitating their aftercare plans by helping gather and document basic information (i.e., appointment dates, referrals, or resources) and communicate any concerns or barriers to the treatment team.
• Provide safe and compliant transportation for patients, maintaining accurate mileage and travel records.
• Follow all established safety guidelines for group outings.
• Organize and facilitate store runs for or with patients in accordance with established guidelines, ensuring safety and adherence to procedures.
• Maintain a clean and safe physical environment by performing recovery home and bedroom inspections, practicing universal precautions, and reporting or addressing facility concerns
• Perform all duties in alignment with CARF standards to support continuous accreditation readiness.
• Maintain ongoing, current, and required training for best practice service delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Variable Pay Structure: Competitive compensation based on experience, education, and licensure.
• Defined Career Pathing: Clear advancement opportunities through our Residential Aide Tier Program.
• STAR LRP Eligibility: 90% of our facilities are eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program.
• Continuing Education: Access to over 600 free CEU courses to enhance your skills and knowledge.
• Partnership with Capella University to offer discounted tuition to PTC teammates.
• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 18 days of PTO and 8 paid holidays to maintain work-life balance.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives: Be part of a workforce that reflects the diversity of our patient population.
• Schedule Flexibility: We offer flexibility to accommodate different schedules and preferences.
• Merit-Based Increases: Opportunities for merit-based salary increases to recognize your contributions and growth.

What This Job Offers

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