High Intensity Peer Counselor (RISE Guide)

firsthand Health; Spokane (WA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

16 weeks parental leave

15 days vacation increasing to 20

Job summary

firsthand Health is seeking a High Intensity Peer Counselor (RISE Guide) in Spokane, Washington. This role involves providing hybrid support to individuals living with serious mental illness and substance use disorders, ensuring effective care transitions and medication navigation.

The ideal candidate will have lived experience with SMI/SUD, excellent interpersonal skills, and a strong commitment to helping individuals. Comprehensive benefits include competitive pay and a supportive culture.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of recovery from SMI or SUD.
• Training or experience in de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to thrive in a mobile environment.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with SMI and SUD in person and virtually.
• Coordinate care and participate in daily huddles.
• Assist in navigating medication relationships and substance use treatment plans.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Recovery Knowledge

Problem-Solving

Education

State Peer Recovery Certification

Community Health Worker Credential

Tools

Smartphone

Email

Messaging Services

Job description

High Intensity Peer Counselor (RISE Guide)

Location: Spokane, Washington

The role focuses on supporting individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI) and substance use disorder (SUD). You will work with a small, high‑touch panel of people in community settings, providing hybrid support (in‑person and virtual) that includes post‑discharge management, care transitions, medication navigation, safety planning, and addressing social determinants such as housing, food, and transportation. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, coordinate services, and participate in daily huddles to ensure coordinated care. You may also support individuals during after‑hours crisis situations.

As a RISE Guide, you will:

• Support a small, high‑touch panel of individuals, providing comprehensive hybrid support tailored to complex acuity levels.
• Provide intensive post‑discharge management and transitions of care, ensuring stability after psychiatric hospitalization and supporting in‑hospital engagement and discharge planning.
• Coordinate and support their Substance Use Disorder treatment plan, if applicable.
• Assist individuals in navigating medication relationships, identifying barriers to adherence, and communicating with prescribing teams.
• Develop a deep understanding of each individual’s supports and triggers, quickly creating safety and action plans.
• Co‑navigate systemic barriers, ensuring access to appointments, transportation, and enrollment into care services.
• Actively problem‑solve and own resolution of social challenges such as housing, food, and transportation.
• Participate in daily huddles and regular IPRs to coordinate care for RISE individuals.
• Potentially participate in after‑hours rotations to support individuals experiencing a crisis outside standard business hours.
• Maintain engagement and build a trusting relationship with individuals, offering empathy and problem‑solving assistance.
• Work to prevent sentinel, traumatic events, thereby improving clinical outcomes and quality of life.

RISE guides should have:

• 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 collaborating within multidisciplinary teams, including clinicians.
• Willingness to advocate for individuals in acute healthcare settings such as ERs and hospitals.
• Strong personal boundaries and composure in high‑stress situations.
• Demonstrated mastery of technical tools such as smartphones, email, messaging services, and apps.
• Openness to receiving feedback and commitment to professional growth.

The required experience you bring to this role includes:

Lived experience with SMI and/or SUD and recovery

• At least 2 years of 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.
• Agreement to complete a paid training period prior to serving individuals and pass assessments.
• Interest in, or possession of, a Community Health Worker (CHW) credential.
• Training or experience in de‑escalation techniques (e.g., CPI, Mental Health First Aid) or willingness to be trained.
• 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%+ time in the community (homes, hospitals, streets) rather than an office.
• Eagerness to expand knowledge of 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.

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 getting to know you.

Benefits
For full‑time employees, our compensation package includes base pay, equity (or a special incentive program for clinical roles), and performance bonus potential. Benefits cover physical and mental health, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, 16 weeks parental leave for either parent, 15 days/year vacation in the first year (increasing to 20 days/year in the second year and beyond), and a supportive and inclusive culture.

Employment with firsthand is contingent upon attesting to medical clearance requirements, including evidence of vaccination for COVID‑19, hepatitis B, influenza, MMR, chickenpox, tetanus, and diphtheria. Employees may request exemptions based on valid religious or medical reasons; such requests are reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis.

As set forth in firsthand Health’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.