firsthand supports individuals living with SMI (responsible mental illness). Our teams focus on meeting each individual where they are and walking with them side by side as a trusted guide and partner on their journey to better health. firsthand's team members use their lived experience to build trust with these individuals and support them in reconnecting to the healthcare they need, while minimizing inappropriate healthcare utilization. Together with our health plan partners, we are changing the way our society supports those most impacted by SMI.

We are cultivating a team of deeply passionate problem-solvers to tackle significant and complex healthcare challenges with us. We named our company firsthand because we believe that lived, or “firsthand,” experience is invaluable for gaining trust and building meaningful relationships. Because of that, we have many Peer Recovery Specialists that play a critical role in both outreach and long term engagement, supporting individuals living with SMI to achieve and maintain both behavioral and physical wellness.

This is a role that will be performed in Community, working alongside our CORE firsthand guides, but serving a different panel of individuals than our core Community team. Support a small, high-touch panel of individuals, providing comprehensive hybrid support (in-person and virtual) tailored to complex acuity levels to: Provide intensive post-discharge management and transitions of care, ensuring stability post psychiatric hospitalization and supporting them, ideally with in-hospital engagement and discharge planning Develop a deep understanding of the individual’s supports and triggers for deterioration, and be able to quickly develop safety & action planning to support them Actively problem solve and own to resolve social challenges, such as housing, food, transportation Potentially participate in (Post-Pilot)



after-hours rotation to support individuals experiencing a crisis or urgent need outside of standard business hours. Support our individual, and our broader RISE care team, with ensuring our individuals avoid any sentinel, traumatic events – leading to better clinical outcomes and quality of life 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 or willingness to be an advocate for individuals in acute healthcare settings such as ERs and hospitals.

Strong personal boundaries and the ability to navigate high-stress situations while maintaining a calm, grounded presence Demonstrated mastery with technical tools like smart phones, email, messaging services, and apps Two (2) years demonstrated recovery time from a mental health and/or substance abuse disorder at the date of application 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 (e.g., CPI, Mental Health First Aid) or a willingness to be trained in these methods Bonus points for: 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 (e.g., mental health and drug courts) Ability to thrive in a mobile environment, spending 80%+ of your time in the community (homes, hospitals, streets) rather than an office Eagerness to expand knowledge about 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) and eligibility to drive under the company’s insurance policy Hourly Pay Rate: $28 — $28 USD Our full-time compensation package includes a base salary, equity, and performance bonus potential, supported by comprehensive health, dental, vision, and mental wellness coverage.

We offer a 401(k) with company match and 16 weeks of paid parental leave for both parents. In your first year, you will accrue 120 hours of vacation annually (4.62 hours per pay period), which steps up to 160 hours annually (6.15 hours per pay period) after one year—all within a welcoming, inclusive culture.

Vaccination Policy

Employment with firsthand is contingent upon attesting to medical clearance requirements, which include, but may not be limited to: evidence of vaccination for/immunity to COVID-19, Hepatitis B, Influenza, MMR, Chickenpox, Tetanus and Diphtheria. All employees of firsthand are required to receive these vaccinations on a cadence/frequency as advised by the CDC, whereas not otherwise prohibited by state law. New hires may submit for consideration a request to be exempted from these requirements (based on a valid religious or medical reason) via forms provided by firsthand. firsthand Health will only contact candidates from email addresses ending in @ firsthandcares.com .

Any communication from another domain claiming to represent firsthand is fraudulent. If you receive suspicious outreach, please do not respond. #

📌 High Intensity Peer Counselor (RISE Guide) (Vancouver)
🏢 firsthand
📍 Vancouver