Patient Care Specialist I

Job Description

Job Description

Patient Care Specialist I- Ambulatory

Pinnacle’s Voice: A Tale of Transformation & Recovery

“I found myself like a lot of people in a position I never thought I would be in. I needed help bad… It all started with a call… one of the easiest and hardest things I’ve ever done. Every day I wake up and think how good it feels and how lucky I am to have found this place.”

-Patient, Pinnacle Treatment Centers

About Us: Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a leading provider of comprehensive addiction treatment services, committed to transforming lives through compassionate care. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, focusing on the holistic well-being of our patients, and treating our teammates with the same level of individualized compassion and empathy. We believe in providing a supportive and inclusive environment for both our patients and our dedicated team of professionals. Pinnacle transforms the lives of more than 35,000 individuals daily resulting in a network of care spanning across the country.

Position Overview: As a Patient Care Specialist– I of Ambulatory Services (PCS-I AMB) , you are an active member of the multidisciplinary team, who is directly involved in providing quality care for patients in a transitional living addiction recovery environment. This position provides continuous patient care, monitoring, interaction, and role modeling and provides a safe, positive, supportive, and structured environment for patients enrolled in and/or entering ambulatory treatment.

Teammate Appreciation Benefits: At Pinnacle Treatment Centers, we value our teammates and offer a variety of benefits to support their personal and professional growth.

1. Variable Pay Structure: Competitive compensation based on experience, education, and licensure.

1. Defined Career Pathing: Clear advancement opportunities through our Residential Aide Tier Program.

1. STAR LRP Eligibility: 90% of our facilities are eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program.

1. Continuing Education: Access to over 600 free CEU courses to enhance your skills and knowledge. Partnership with Capella University to offer discounted tuition to PTC teammates.

1. Paid Time Off: Enjoy 18 days of PTO and 8 paid holidays to maintain work-life balance.

1. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives: Be part of a workforce that reflects the diversity of our patient population.

1. Schedule Flexibility: We offer flexibility to accommodate different schedules and preferences.

1. Merit-Based Increases: Opportunities for merit-based salary increases to recognize your contributions and growth.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Basic computer skills including general knowledge of or willingness to learn Microsoft Office suite (including Outlook, Teams, and Word).

• Valid driver’s license in state of employment.

• CPR/MANDT certification – training provided locally and updated as required.

• Ability to travel up to 20% in local area

Preferred:

• At least six (6) months experience working in a behavioral healthcare setting.

• Basic knowledge of addiction and the recovery process.

Responsibilities:

• Support patient engagement by modeling positive behaviors, encouraging program participation, applying motivational interviewing, and guiding individuals through program expectations with empathy, respect, and professionalism.

• Promote a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented environment by maintaining a calm presence, supporting recovery goals, and enforcing program rules consistently and respectfully.

• Support AMA prevention and early intervention by monitoring risk indicators, engaging patients in supportive conversations, and promptly communicating concerns to the treatment team.

• Assist with the admission process by monitoring new patients for safety and security, ensuring they are comfortable, safe, and informed about program guidelines and completing the required documentation.

• Facilitate patient cellphone access in accordance with Transitional Living Playbook, ensuring proper documentation.

• Follow all safety, medical, and infection control protocols, including handling sharps, conducting searches, observing drug screens, and administering heat treatments

• Search patients and belongings diligently for contraband, managing valuables with respect and documenting according to procedure.

• Monitor patient self-administration of medications and obtain and record vital signs, reporting changes to medical staff as needed.

• Maintain readiness to respond to medical and behavioral emergencies through up-to-date certifications in CPR, MANDT, and overdose response including Narcan administration.

• Ensure timely, accurate EHR and facility documentation, including shift reports, critical incident reports, maintenance requests, and patient care observations in alignment with policy and accreditation standards.

• Facilitate or support patient activities and recovery support groups and encourage participation and engagement.

• Support patients in developing essential life and recovery skills through guidance, encouragement, and structured activities.

• Assist with the development of weekly meal plans and grocery orders in alignment with established guidelines and budgets, using the process to teach and reinforce independent living skills through hands-on practice.

• Support patients in facilitating their aftercare plans by helping gather and document basic information (i.e., appointment dates, referrals, or resources) and communicate any concerns or barriers to the treatment team.

• Provide safe and compliant transportation for patients, maintaining accurate mileage and travel records. Follow all established safety guidelines for group outings.

• Organize and facilitate store runs for or with patients in accordance with established guidelines, ensuring safety and adherence to procedures.

• Maintain a clean and safe physical environment by performing recovery home and bedroom inspections, practicing universal precautions, and reporting or addressing facility concerns

• Perform all duties in alignment with CARF standards to support continuous accreditation readiness.

• Maintain ongoing, current, and required training for best practice service delivery.

• Perform other duties as assigned

Join our team & Start Saving Lives Today