Core Guide: Peer Recovery Specialist & Wellness Advocate

firsthand Health; Saginaw (MI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary

Equity

Bonus potential

Health/dental/vision & mental wellness

401(k) with company match

Parental leave (16 weeks)

Vacation accrual 120–160 hours/year

Job summary

firsthand Health is seeking a Core Guide (Peer Recovery Specialist) to engage individuals with serious mental illness in their community. You will schedule appointments, provide outreach, and advocate for wellness goals within a supportive care team.

Applicants should have lived experience, relevant certification or eligibility, and a valid driver’s license. The role emphasizes trauma-informed, whole-health approaches and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Lived experience with SMI and/or SUD.
• State Peer Recovery certification, or eligibility and willingness to obtain certification within six months.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing and ability to operate a vehicle.
• Demonstrated proficiency with email, messaging apps and similar tech.
• Two years of recovery from a mental health and/or substance use disorder.
• Ability to work Monday–Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm.
• Experience with direct in-person outreach and engagement for individuals with SMI/SUD.
• Recovery education and coaching expertise.
• Understanding of whole health and trauma-informed peer support.
• Familiarity with local community resources and behavioral health systems.
• Interest in obtaining CHW credential after hire or already holds one.

Responsibilities

• Conduct community outreach to individuals with SMI in homes and care settings.
• Schedule appointments, take vitals, ensure visits attended, assist telehealth access.
• Build trust and empower individuals to pursue personal recovery goals
• Serve as primary point-of-contact to facilitate ongoing connection to services
• Help address social determinants of health and facilitate access to resources
• Assist with care coordination and accompanying to appointments
• Provide documentation of encounters and participate in reviews
• Perform initial and ongoing telephonic outreach
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development
• Role evolves with the organization’s needs

Skills

Empathy

Excellent listening

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Technology proficiency

Outreach experience

Education

State Peer Recovery certification or eligibility

Tools

Email and messaging apps

Job description

firsthand Health is seeking a Core Guide (Peer Recovery Specialist) to engage individuals with serious mental illness in their community. You will schedule appointments, provide outreach, and advocate for wellness goals within a supportive care team.

Applicants should have lived experience, relevant certification or eligibility, and a valid driver’s license. The role emphasizes trauma-informed, whole-health approaches and ongoing professional development.