High Intensity Peer Counselor (RISE Guide)

The role

RISE Guides provide intensive hybrid support to a small panel of individuals with high acuity levels. You will manage post-discharge transitions, coordinate substance use disorder treatment, and help navigate systemic barriers to care.

What you will do

• Provide intensive post-discharge management and transitions of care
• Coordinate and support Substance Use Disorder treatment plans
• Support individuals in navigating medication adherence and communication with prescribing teams
• Develop safety and action planning for individuals
• Co-navigate systemic barriers like appointments, transportation, and enrollment
• Resolve social challenges such as housing, food, and transportation
• Participate in daily huddles and regular IPRs
• Maintain engagement and build trusting relationships through empathy
• Support the RISE care team to help individuals avoid sentinel or traumatic events

Required qualifications

• Lived experience with SMI and/or SUD and recovery
• Two years demonstrated recovery time from a mental health and/or substance abuse disorder at the date of application
• State Peer Recovery certification, or eligibility and willingness to obtain certification within six months of employment
• Empathy, compassion, and approachability
• Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Personal knowledge of recovery and/or behavioral health
• Patience, persistence and a desire to help individuals experiencing SMI and/or SUD
• Comfort working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
• Comfort or willingness to be an advocate in acute healthcare settings
• Strong personal boundaries and ability to navigate high-stress situations
• Mastery with technical tools like smart phones, email, messaging services, and apps
• Openness to receiving feedback and commitment to professional growth

Nice to have

• 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
• Ability to thrive in a mobile environment, spending 80%+ of time in the community
• Eagerness to expand knowledge about a broad range of health conditions
• Valid driver’s license in good standing
• Ability to operate a vehicle
• Eligibility to drive under the company’s insurance policy
• Interest in gaining a Community Health Worker (CHW) Credential after hire, or already holds certification

Benefits

• Base salary
• Equity
• Performance bonus potential
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and mental wellness coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave for both parents
• 120 hours of vacation in the first year
• 160 hours of vacation after one year

Before you apply

• Agreement to complete a paid training period and pass assessments
• Employment is contingent upon attesting to medical clearance and vaccination requirements
• Not able to offer sponsorship at this time

About the company

firsthand supports individuals living with SMI through a holistic approach including peer recovery specialists, benefits specialists and clinicians. The company uses lived experience to build trust and support individuals in reconnecting to healthcare.