Core Guide: Empathetic Peer Recovery Specialist

Watershed; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) with company match

Parental leave

Generous vacation

Job summary

firsthand is seeking a Core Guide to support individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI) through outreach, engagement, and coordinated care. You will work with clinicians and a care team to schedule visits, advocate for needs, and help connect clients to benefits and resources.

You will bring lived experience, empathy, and a collaborative mindset to a multidisciplinary team, with paid training and growth opportunities in a mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Lived experience with SMI and/or SUD required or strongly preferred.
• State Peer Recovery certification or eligibility to obtain within six months.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle; company vehicle may be provided.
• Proficiency with common digital tools (email, messaging apps) and basic tech skills.
• Minimum two years of recovery time from a mental health and/or substance use disorder at application date.
• Paid training period and assessments before serving individuals.
• Ability to work Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm.

Responsibilities

• Conduct community outreach to individuals with SMI in homes, community locations, and care settings.
• Schedule appointments, take vitals, ensure visits are attended, and assist with telehealth access.
• Build trust and empower individuals to pursue personal recovery goals.
• Serve as primary touchpoint and facilitate ongoing connection to supportive services.
• Assist with access to benefits, resources, and transportation.
• Support care coordination, accompany to appointments, and address post-discharge needs.
• Document encounters and participate in case reviews.
• Perform initial and ongoing telephonic outreach.
• Engage in ongoing training and professional development.

Skills

Empathy

Listening skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Patience

Technology comfort

Education

State Peer Recovery certification

Tools

Email

Messaging apps

Smartphone

Job description

firsthand is seeking a Core Guide to support individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI) through outreach, engagement, and coordinated care. You will work with clinicians and a care team to schedule visits, advocate for needs, and help connect clients to benefits and resources.

You will bring lived experience, empathy, and a collaborative mindset to a multidisciplinary team, with paid training and growth opportunities in a mission-driven environment.