Strive Guide

firsthand Health•New York, NY

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

firsthand supports individuals living with SMI (serious mental illness). Our holistic approach includes a team of peer recovery specialists, benefits specialists and clinicians. Our teams focus on meeting each individual where they are and walking with them side by side as a trusted guide and partner on their journey to better health. firsthand's team members use their lived experience to build trust with these individuals and support them in reconnecting to the healthcare they need, while minimizing inappropriate healthcare utilization. Together with our health plan partners, we are changing the way our society supports those most impacted by SMI. We are cultivating a team of deeply passionate problem-solvers to tackle significant and complex healthcare challenges with us. This is more than a job—it's a calling. Every day, you will engage in work that resonates with purpose, gain wisdom from motivated colleagues, and thrive in an environment that celebrates continuous learning, creativity, and fun. The STRIVE Guide is a critical role in firsthand’s long-term care model, focused on building trusted, ongoing relationships with individuals living with serious mental illness to support their physical and behavioral health. By guiding members toward self-management, efficiently connecting them with local resources, and managing timely care escalations, STRIVE Guides empower those we serve. We are looking for creative, collaborative candidates with lived experience who embody our core values and thrive on finding innovative solutions for underserved populations.

Requirements

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
Team members will complete a paid training period prior to serving individuals and must pass assessments to move forward.

Nice To Haves

Experience with direct in-person 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)
Ability to thrive in a mobile environment, spending 80%+ of your time in the community (homes, hospitals, streets) rather than an office
Eagerness to expand knowledge about a broad range of health conditions
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

Responsibilities

Perform virtual outreach to individuals with serious mental illness and work closely with community fH teams to establish trust with individuals approaching self-management
Conduct warm introduction sessions to describe fH STRIVE services and ensure individuals have a desire and understanding of moving to STRIVE
Be accountable to completion of initial introductory meetings with individuals, quarterly completion of assessments, ongoing continuous engagement, and scheduling and completion of HG visits for a panel of STRIVE individuals
Empower individuals to identify and pursue their personal recovery goals, and complete quality documentation
Ensure individuals are quickly connected with local resources in times of social or clinical crisis
Serve as primary point-of-contact for individuals, facilitating ongoing engagement
Communicate key information, progress, and pain points to integrated care team
Support the implementation of STRIVE operational processes to drive the fH vision of a world where individuals with serious mental and physical illnesses live their best possible life