Community Resources Guides

At firsthand, we believe that compassionate, holistic support can transform the lives of individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI).

As a Community Resources Guide (CRG), you will be a vital link, connecting people to essential community-based services, addressing social determinants of health, and fostering overall wellness. You’ll empower individuals by helping them access critical resources like housing, food, and Social Security benefits. The CRG role is not just about services; it's about building trust, fostering hope, and making a meaningful difference in your community. Join us in our mission to bring positive change to those most impacted by SMI.

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Our Mission

Build and scale a world-class team dedicated to delivering life-changing outcomes to individuals living with serious mental and physical illnesses.

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Our Vision

A world where individuals living with serious mental and physical illnesses live their best possible lives.

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Our Values

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Individuals at the Center

We always do the right thing and go the extra mile for the individuals we serve, prioritizing their well-being above all else.






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Bias Toward Action

We all take many small steps to stride towards our vision. We are quick to ask for help and to begin wading into new and often unfamiliar territory, knowing that our team has our back.


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Seek Understanding and Remain Teachable

We assume positive intent and we lead with curiosity. All questions are welcome; we love to learn, whether about one another or ourselves.


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Serious Fun

We work hard on an important mission, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We sprinkle fun in as much as possible!


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Deliver Value

Our customers’ endorsement, support and success enables us to further our mission.



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Candor and Kindness

We have an obligation to give timely, direct feedback - delivered with care for our colleagues. We sometimes disagree, but we work through our differences and grow together.

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    "As a CRG, I have the flexibility to take the time I need to truly make an impact on individuals' lives."

    Adeline, Community Resources Guide in Chattanooga

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    “I love the CRG role because I have had to apply for resources on my own, and it can be difficult to navigate."

    Shanice, Community Resources Guide in Cincinnati

  • Close-up of a smiling woman with long, wavy hair, wearing purple eyeshadow, a gold nose ring, a heart-shaped necklace, and a multicolored striped top, in front of a dark background.

    “At firsthand, I have opportunities and encouragement to grow, try new things, and thrive in ways that I never thought possible"

    Laura, SOAR Specialist and former Community Resources Guide in Cleveland

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Benefits include:

  • Up to 20 days vacation annually

  • 12 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays

  • Fully paid parental leave of 16 weeks

  • Generous sick & wellness leave

  • 401(k) match of up to 4% of your salary

  • Numerous healthcare options

  • Free, unlimited telehealth & talk therapy

  • Annual personal development stipend

Open Jobs

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Staff Testimonials:

  • "I have been working in case management for years and found my hands tied by company rules and insurance limitations and requirements. firsthand provides resources to help us be more available to our individuals as peers, not just social workers.

    It is an honor and a privilege to walk with our individuals through their trials and triumphs, helping them navigate the world of insurance, housing, food assistance, transportation, mental and physical health providers.

    Sometimes they need a voice to help them mend bridges in the community and give them support to learn how to advocate for themselves more effectively. Poor mental health is hard enough to deal with in your own mind, but to have to reach out and work with community resources and slog through paperwork and barriers is more than some folks can do on a consistent basis. A friend to walk with and help open those doors means the world to so many who have fallen through the cracks.

    Believing in the worth of our individuals makes all the difference in so many lives- it's so rewarding! My day today started with meeting one individual at the Social Security Office to help explain what was next and ended with a visit to someone who has gone on hospice and I have the honor of being one of their final visiting friends. The thanks and hugs are worth more than the pay and it fills the soul. “

    -Cat, Community Resources Guide in Johnson City, TN

  • "Having the opportunity to serve my local community as a Community Resources Guide with a group of passionate, driven teammates has been incredibly rewarding.

    firsthand serves individuals in a way that has never been done before and changes lives in communities across the country every single day.

    As a Community Resources Guide (CRG), I work closely with our firsthand Guides and our Guide Team Lead to connect our individuals with needed local resources to help improve their overall wellness and quality of life. This can include anything from food, utilities, and housing to assisting our individuals in navigating the physical and behavioral health care system.

    One of my most favorite parts of being a CRG is the way I am able to form relationships with our individuals and walk alongside them as they grow, gain independence, and build confidence in themselves.

    As an employee, firsthand's culture is absolutely unmatched. I have never served in a role where I felt so supported by every level of management in the organization. I look forward to coming to work every day! At firsthand, we take care of each other. Even on the hard days, our team rallies around each other. I can confidently say I see our values lived out in my teammates across the organization every single day.

    -Claire, Community Resources Guide in Kingsport, TN

  • “Working for a company like firsthand is a dream come true for me. I have a history of substance use as well as serious mental illness and spent four years in the prison system. Upon re-entering my community, I had a toolbox full of skills and certifications but no one was willing to give me a chance. Until firsthand.

    Working here, we are encouraged to be our true authentic self and we are given the space to be who we are, despite our past. I have never felt so welcomed and accepted. There is no judgement. When we encounter individuals in the community who need our help, we can honestly say, "I understand, I have been where you are". That builds trust with our individuals and encourages open communication. Being a part of my community in such a meaningful way is so fulfilling, and we are only growing as a company!”

    -Marybeth, Community Resources Guide in Columbus, OH

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A circular badge with the words 'The Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health' and '2024 Platinum' around it. The center features a bell outline with the logo of Mental Health America (MHA) beneath.
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The New York Digital Health 100 (DH100) celebrates the most innovative and exciting health start ups in the New York area.

DH100 Awarded

Platinum Bell Seal

Mental Health America’s top recognition of Workplace Mental Health