Peer Counselor (CORE Guide)

firsthand Health • Olympia, WA

11h • Hybrid

About The Position

firsthand supports individuals living with SMI (serious mental illness) through a holistic approach involving peer recovery specialists, benefits specialists, and clinicians. The goal is to meet individuals where they are and guide them on their journey to better health. Team members leverage their lived experience to build trust, help individuals reconnect with healthcare, and minimize inappropriate utilization. The company aims to change how society supports those most impacted by SMI. This role is described as more than a job, but a calling, offering work with purpose, collaboration with motivated colleagues, and an environment that fosters learning, creativity, and fun. Internally, the role is referred to as a firsthand Guide (fG) or Core Guide, playing a critical role in outreach and engagement for individuals with SMI to achieve and maintain behavioral and physical wellness. The Core Guide partners with other members of the firsthand Care Team, including clinicians and support staff, to drive whole health wellness. They act as the primary point of contact, assisting with appointment scheduling, advocacy, and goal achievement.

Requirements

• 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 multidisciplinary team
• Basic proficiency with smartphone and computer technology
• Openness to receiving feedback and a commitment to professional growth
• Lived experience with SMI and/or SUD
• State Peer Recovery certification, or eligibility and willingness to obtain certification within six (6) months of employment
• Valid driver’s license in good standing, with the ability to operate a vehicle (company vehicle may be provided) and eligibility to drive under the company’s insurance policy
• Demonstrated proficiency with technical tools like email, messaging services, and apps
• Two (2) years demonstrated recovery time from a mental health and/or substance abuse disorder at the date of application

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 (e.g., mental health and drug courts)
• Eagerness to expand knowledge about a broad range of health conditions
• Interest in gaining a Community Health Worker (CHW) Credential after hire, or already holds one

Responsibilities

• Conduct community outreach to individuals with SMI in homes, community locations, and care settings like shelters, hospitals, and emergency departments
• Support individuals health needs by scheduling appointments, taking vitals, 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 advanced engagement techniques to facilitate ongoing connection and engagement in supportive services
• Help address social determinants of health, facilitating access to benefits, resources, and transportation
• Assist with care coordination, advocating for individual goals, accompanying individuals to appointments, and addressing post-discharge needs
• Provide timely and thorough documentation of encounters and participate in case reviews and team collaboration
• Perform initial and ongoing telephonic outreach
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development
• Understand that as firsthand learns and grows, your role will constantly evolve. This job description represents many key elements of this role, but they are subject to change

Benefits

• Base compensation
• Equity (or a special incentive program for clinical roles)
• Performance bonus potential
• Physical and mental health benefits
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with a match
• 16 weeks parental leave for either parent
• 15 days/year vacation in your first year (increases to 20 days/year in your second year and beyond)
• Supportive and inclusive culture

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees