High Intensity Peer Counselor – RISE Guide

About the role

firsthand Health is seeking a High Intensity Peer Counselor (RISE Guide) to provide intensive, hybrid support to individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI) and/or substance use disorder (SUD). You will work directly in the community, often meeting clients multiple times per week, to ensure stability after psychiatric hospitalization and promote long‑term wellness.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver post‑discharge management, coordinating care transitions and supporting in‑hospital engagement.
• Assist clients with substance‑use treatment plans, medication navigation, and barrier removal.
• Develop safety and action plans, identify triggers, and address social challenges such as housing, food, and transportation.
• Participate in daily huddles, IPRs, and potentially an after‑hours rotation for crisis support.

Required profile

• Empathy, compassion, strong listening and interpersonal skills.
• Lived experience with SMI and/or SUD, with at least two years of recovery.
• State Peer Recovery certification (or willingness to obtain within six months).
• Comfort advocating for clients in acute settings such as ERs and hospitals.

Required skills

• Proficiency with smartphones, email, and messaging applications.
• De‑escalation techniques (e.g., CPI, Mental Health First Aid) or willingness to be trained.

What we offer

• Hourly pay of $28 USD with equity and performance‑bonus potential.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and mental‑wellness coverage.
• 401(k) with company match, 16 weeks paid parental leave, and generous vacation accrual.
• Supportive, inclusive culture that values continuous learning and community impact.