We named our company firsthand because we believe that lived, or “firsthand,” experience is invaluable for gaining trust and building meaningful relationships. Because of that, we have many Peer Recovery Specialists that play a critical role in both outreach and engagement, supporting individuals living with SMI to achieve and maintain both behavioral and physical wellness. Internally, we refer to this important role as a firsthand Guide (fG). While our fGs in many markets ably support these individuals with the initial outreach and long term engagement within our care model, we are introducing a new role: an Outreach Specialist (oS).
Our Outreach Specialists carry much of the same expertise as a Peer Recovery Specialist, however they will focus uniquely on making outreach to our newest individuals – and ensuring they get connected to their local fG. This is a role that will be performed entirely telephonically or remotely. The oS will partner closely with the firsthand care team to drive long term engagement into our care model – working closely with our local Managers of Community Operations (MCOs) and local fGs. They will act as the point of contact to make the initial outreach, ultimately ensuring they understand the firsthand care model, and are connected to their local team to engage longitudinally.
As an OS, you will:- Perform initial and ongoing telephonic outreach to our individuals and community providers
- Support individuals health needs by scheduling appointments with the local team, such as an initial engagement session
- Build trust and relationships by addressing immediate needs and empowering individuals to identify and pursue personal recovery goals by teaching them about the firsthand care model
- Serve as the primary point-of-contact, using advanced engagement techniques to facilitate ongoing connection and engagement in supportive services
- Provide timely and thorough documentation of encounters and participate in case reviews and team collaboration, as needed
- 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
- 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 on their wellness journey
- Comfort working collaboratively within multidisciplinary team
- Demonstrated mastery with technical tools like smart phones, email, messaging services, and apps
- Openness to receiving feedback and a commitment to professional growth
Lived experience with SMI and/or SUD and recovery.
- State Peer Recovery certification, or eligibility and willingness to obtain certification within six (6) months of employment
- Team members will complete a paid training period prior to serving individuals and must pass assessments to move forward.
- 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
- 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
- Interest in gaining a Community Health Worker (CHW) Credential after hire, or already holds one
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.
Benefits
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.
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What We Do
firsthand is transforming the way individuals living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) receive care. We are focused on delivering real outcomes for a cohort that has historically been underserved, stigmatized, and deprioritized. By building a service focused on whole-person care, firsthand aims to find, establish a trusting relationship with, and support quality care for individuals living with complex experiences of SMI. Most importantly, our goal is to be the trusted guide, partner, and first call for individuals we serve, guiding them to a life of stability and independence. In doing so, we will not only improve lives, but also improve the economics for managed care plans and states responsible for providing care to this community. This enables us to build solutions that scale and, as a result, change the way our society supports those most impacted by serious mental illness.
Why Work With Us
Our frontline colleagues bring lived experience with serious mental illness to their work- they’ve walked in the shoes of those we serve. They can build trust in a way many others cannot. Much of our team has a personal connection to the mental illness space, and we come together from a wide variety of backgrounds to unite in this common mission.
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firsthand Health Inc Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Our Support team (Tech, Operations, G&A) members can work remotely anywhere in the U.S or from our NYC office.
