Patient Care Specialist I

Patient Care Specialist I – Ambulatory Services
Full-Time
Shifts Available: 3:30 PM – 12:00 AM or 12:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Shift Differential Available

We offer competitive compensation, schedule flexibility, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive, mission-driven environment.

As a Patient Care Specialist I (PCS I – Ambulatory), you will be an essential member of the multidisciplinary treatment team, providing direct patient care in a transitional living and ambulatory recovery environment. This role focuses on patient safety, engagement, and structure while modeling appropriate behaviors and supporting individuals throughout early recovery.

Why Choose Pinnacle Treatment Centers
At Pinnacle, Patient Care Specialists are vital to creating safe, recovery-focused environments. The PCS I role is an excellent entry point into behavioral healthcare, offering hands-on experience, structured training, and opportunities to grow within our Patient Care career pathway. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals while making a meaningful difference in patients’ daily recovery journey.

Teammate Benefits

• 18 days Paid Time Off (PTO) and 8 paid holidays
• Shift differentials for evening and overnight schedules
• Defined career pathing through the Patient Care Specialist Tier Program
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program (STAR LRP) – available at eligible facilities
• Access to 600+ free CEU courses
• Discounted tuition opportunities through Capella University
• Schedule flexibility to support work-life balance
• Merit-based increases recognizing performance and growth
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Basic computer skills or willingness to learn Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word)
• Valid driver’s license in the state of employment
• CPR and MANDT certification (training provided and maintained as required)
• Ability to travel locally up to 20%, including patient transportation

Preferred Qualifications

• At least six (6) months of experience in a behavioral healthcare or substance use treatment setting
• Basic knowledge of addiction and the recovery process

Responsibilities

• Support patient engagement by modeling positive behaviors, encouraging participation, and applying motivational interviewing techniques
• Promote a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented environment through calm presence and respectful enforcement of program guidelines
• Support AMA prevention efforts by monitoring risk indicators and communicating concerns to the treatment team
• Assist with admissions by monitoring patient safety, providing orientation, and completing required documentation
• Facilitate patient cellphone access in accordance with the Transitional Living Playbook
• Follow all safety, medical, and infection control protocols, including searches, drug screen observations, and heat treatments
• Search patients and belongings for contraband and manage valuables according to policy
• Monitor patient self-administration of medications and obtain vital signs as required, reporting concerns to medical staff
• Maintain readiness for medical and behavioral emergencies, including overdose response and Narcan administration
• Complete timely and accurate documentation in the EHR and facility records, including shift reports and incident reports
• Support or facilitate patient activities, recovery support groups, and daily programming
• Assist patients in developing life skills through structured activities and encouragement
• Support meal planning, grocery organization, and independent living skill development
• Assist patients with basic aftercare information gathering and communication with the treatment team
• Provide safe and compliant transportation for patients, maintaining accurate mileage records
• Organize and support store runs in accordance with established guidelines
• Maintain a clean, safe, and secure physical environment through routine inspections
• Perform all duties in alignment with CARF standards to support accreditation readiness
• Maintain required training and certifications
• Perform other duties as assigned

Join our team. Start saving lives today.