Intensive Peer Counselor - RISE Guide (Community Health)

firsthand Health; Vancouver (WA); Remote; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Mental wellness

401(k) match

Parental leave

Vacation

Job summary

firsthand Health in Washington state is seeking a High Intensity Peer Counselor (RISE Guide) to support individuals with serious mental illness in the community. You will provide hybrid in-person and virtual care, coordinating discharge transitions, treatment plans, and medication adherence while building trust and empowerment.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed peer support, living experience, and mobility to cover 80%+ of time in the field; compensation includes benefits and a team-driven

Qualifications

• Lived experience with SMI and/or SUD and recovery.
• Two years 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 to move forward.
• Interest in gaining a Community Health Worker (CHW) Credential after hire, or already holds certification.
• Training or experience in de-escalation techniques or willingness to be trained in these methods.
• 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 80%+ of time in the community.
• Valid driver's license in good standing and ability to operate a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Provide intensive post-discharge management and transitions of care.
• Coordinate and support Substance Use Disorder treatment plans.
• Assist individuals in navigating medications and communication with prescribers.
• Develop safety and action plans for deterioration.
• Co-navigate systemic barriers to access care and enrollment.
• Resolve social challenges like housing, food, and transportation.
• Participate in daily huddles and regular IPRs.
• Potentially participate in after-hours rotation for crises.
• Maintain engagement with empathy and problem solving.
• Help prevent sentinel events to improve clinical outcomes.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Recovery knowledge

Patience

Teamwork

Advocacy

Boundaries

Tech literacy

Feedback minded

Education

State Peer Recovery certification

CHW credential eligibility

Tools

Smartphone

Email

Messaging apps

Job description

firsthand Health in Washington state is seeking a High Intensity Peer Counselor (RISE Guide) to support individuals with serious mental illness in the community. You will provide hybrid in-person and virtual care, coordinating discharge transitions, treatment plans, and medication adherence while building trust and empowerment.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed peer support, living experience, and mobility to cover 80%+ of time in the field; compensation includes benefits and a team-driven