Peer Counselor (CORE Guide)

firsthand Health•Bellingham, WA

27d•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 team focuses on meeting individuals where they are, acting as trusted guides on their journey to better health. Using lived experience, team members build trust, help individuals reconnect with healthcare, and minimize inappropriate utilization. firsthand aims to change how society supports those most impacted by SMI. The company seeks passionate problem-solvers for significant healthcare challenges, offering a role with purpose, motivated colleagues, and an environment celebrating learning, creativity, and fun. The role, internally known as a firsthand Guide (fG) or Core Guide, is crucial for outreach and engagement, supporting individuals with SMI in achieving and maintaining behavioral and physical wellness. Core Guides are empowered to connect with individuals who have disengaged from or never accessed services that can improve their quality of life, bringing the expertise of a Peer Recovery Specialist with firsthand's distinctive approach and mission.

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

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, 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