firsthand Health·Roanoke, Virginia
The Peer Recovery Specialist conducts community outreach to individuals with serious mental illness and serves as their primary point of contact for care coordination. They assist with scheduling appointments, advocating for individual needs, and facilitating access to social services and resources.
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.
We named our company firsthand because we believe that lived, or “firsthand,” experience is invaluable for gaining trust and building meaningful relationships.
While we are listing this role externally as Peer Recovery Specialist—a widely recognized term—internally we refer to this important role as firsthand Guide (fG), or a Core Guide.
In our peer-led model, fGs play a critical role in outreach and engagement, supporting individuals living with SMI to achieve and maintain both behavioral and physical wellness.
Trust is at the heart of everything we do, and fGs are uniquely empowered to connect with people who have disengaged from—or never accessed—the services and supports that can improve their quality of life.
This role carries the expertise of a Peer Recovery Specialist, but with our distinctive approach and mission woven into every interaction.
The Core Guide partners closely with other members of the firsthand Care Team to drive whole health wellness. This includes working closely with clinicians and other support team members to ensure individuals get the support they need. fGs act as the point of contact for individuals, helping them schedule appointments, advocate for their needs and set and achieve goals.
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
Hourly Pay Rate: $22—$22 USD
We firmly believe that great candidates for this role may not meet 100% of the criteria listed in this posting. We encourage you to apply anyway - we look forward to begin getting to know you.
For full-time employees, our compensation package includes base, equity (or a special incentive program for clinical roles) and performance bonus potential. Our benefits include physical and mental health, dental, vision, 401(k) with a match, 16 weeks parental leave for either parent, 15 days/year vacation in your first year (this increases to 20 days/year in your second year and beyond), and a supportive and inclusive culture.
Candidates must have lived experience with mental illness or substance abuse and possess a valid driver's license. A state Peer Recovery certification is required or must be obtained within six months of employment.
Market context
Behavioral-health roles in Virginia commonly draw steady demand as agencies and treatment programs look for clinicians who can support counseling, care coordination, and recovery services. These positions are competitive because a valid CSAC license is required, while a psychology or counseling degree and treatment-industry experience are preferred; benefits often include PTO and health-related coverage. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, and confirm your licensure details before applying.
