firsthand Guides

At firsthand, we believe that lived experience is an invaluable asset. Our firsthand Guides are the heart of our team, bringing empathy, compassion, and their own firsthand knowledge to support individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI).

As a firsthand Guide, you will perform community outreach, build trust, and support individuals in their journey to wellness, helping them reconnect with primary and behavioral care. Your unique perspective as someone with lived experience allows you to empower others by guiding them through the complexities of healthcare and socio-economic assistance. Join us in making a real difference and transform the way our society supports those most impacted by SMI.

Our Mission

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

Our Vision

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

Our Values

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.






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.


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.


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!


Deliver Value

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



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.

  • “I'm able to embrace who I am every day- even on the bad days, at firsthand.”

    Jen, firsthand Guide in Cincinnati

  • “It's hard to believe I can spend my days helping others who experienced many of the same difficulties that I experienced in my own life."

    Asa, firsthand Guide in Memphis

  • “My worst day now beats my best day back then. I just love helping people.”

    Dennis, firsthand Guide in Akron

  • "It's amazing to get people the actual help they need and see them start to get better."

    Ismail, firsthand Guide in Memphis

  • "Peer support is so rewarding. I'm helping my individuals, and they're also helping me."

    David, firsthand Guide in Chattanooga

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

Staff Testimonials:

  • “My time at firsthand has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career in behavioral health.

    Recovery holds a special place in my heart, and at firsthand, I genuinely feel that I am able to walk alongside individuals on their recovery journey.

    This role has not only allowed me to support others, but has also helped heal a part of me that I didn't realize needed attention. firsthand's commitment extends beyond their individuals to their employees, creating an environment where both can thrive and heal.

    -Tiffani, firsthand Guide- Chattanooga, TN

  • “Working here has changed my life in more ways than one.

    This job has been continuously rewarding to me. The individuals I get to work with on a daily basis leave me feeling whole at the end of my work day, and that is what I would call a dream job!

    Yes, it's a bit overwhelming at times with high demands and busy schedules, but we are changing lives. If you are looking for a job that is fulfilling and enjoy watching people flourish, then give it a go-you can make a difference. Change starts with you!”

    -Tonya, firsthand Guide- Orlando, FL

  • "I can say from the bottom of my heart, working for firsthand has been a gift. It has been a fulfilling and enriching experience."

    One of the things I love most about working here is the sense of community and collaboration that exists among our team. Everyone is passionate about the work we do and is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care to our individuals. This makes for a dynamic and supportive work environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their best ideas and talents to the table.

    Another aspect of working here is the opportunity to directly witness the impact of our work that we have on our individuals. Through home visits and regular check-ins, we are able to provide support and assistance that allows them to maintain their independence and dignity. It is truly gratifying to see the smiles and gratitude on the faces of those we serve, and to know that we are making a positive difference in their lives.

    I can say from the bottom of my heart, working for firsthand has been a gift. It has been a fulfilling and enriching experience. It helps me in my recovery from mental illness and substance use disorder each and every day. The team, the Values, our mission and the impact we can make tells me this is the beginning of a truly rewarding and satisfying career.”

    – Tony, Senior firsthand Guide- Nashville, TN

  • “Aside from the usual benefits, firsthand offers a unique opportunity to connect to the Individuals we serve in a non-traditional atmosphere; grounded in case management, medical and social service.

    As a bonus, the flexible daily workflow & interactive communication support, makes firsthand one of the best work environments to thrive in and achieve broader skill sets in various disciplines of peer support overall.

    -Andre, firsthand Guide- Orlando, FL

  • “I love being a Guide at firsthand because I pour into the individuals I serve and firsthand pours into me.

    This company is employee-friendly and provides so much to ensure that I can accommodate my own needs and well-being while serving others. The witness of suffering that comes with being a guide can be intense and I appreciate that I'm sincerely encouraged to take care of myself.

    I also really enjoy the adventure that comes with being a Guide! Every day is different, our individuals' needs are different, and firsthand gives me the ability to meet those needs in creative ways. Being a Guide is rewarding as I go out into the community and meet individuals where they are!”

    -Andrea, firsthand Guide-Akron

  • "I truly love my job and I love firsthand. I have worked for 43 yrs and I have never worked for a company that is so compassionate with our individuals and peers working in our community to better the lives of others.

    I have never had 1:1 meetings with supervisors before just to check in on me and to ask “how are you doing? Is their anything that firsthand can help you with?” I am very moved by it.

    firsthand has helped me grow as an individual and a Guide in a short period of time. Being able to change an individual’s life is so rewarding. firsthand is the best job I’ve ever had and I would recommend it to anyone who is truly interested in giving back to our community and helping others.”

    -Penny, firsthand Guide- Knoxville, TN

  • "This job doesn't feel like a job. It feels like I am giving back to the community.

    Our Individuals need various things. Rides to appointments, help with insurance or just a peer to talk to. A few of them have no one, and my visits brighten their days. It's so nice to know you made someone's day by just showing up and listening.

    I never dread work. I get up excited to see my individuals as well as my coworkers. Our team has become family to me!! firsthand is the job I always dreamed of. The company treats me so well. It's so refreshing to have management that really care about your wellbeing. I never thought it was possible to love something called work so much!!!”

    -Crystal, firsthand Guide- Johnson City, TN

  • “I fell for firsthand when I read the job description of a firsthand Guide. It led me to peer support, which is now my passion.

    Living “guide life” has challenged me in ways I never imagined. The support I have had facing every challenge has been equally unimaginable.

    firsthand functions in a way that feels more ideal than real. We share a passion and a purpose that drives us toward our mission. Being a bringer of hope to those in great need has been such a privilege, and having a team to share every moment with has been such a joy.

    I am thrilled to see how we will continue to reshape the world’s approach to wellness. It’s such a trip, to watch us blaze a new trail in the world of mental health. I’m so fortunate to have a ticket to enjoy the ride!”

    -Lloyd, firsthand Guide- Knoxville, TN

  • "Since my first day, I’ve loved being a part of this company. From the moment I walked through the door I have felt heard and respected.

    I’m provided with the tools and trust needed to excel in my role, which makes a world of difference. Helping individuals find stability and empowering them to reach a point of self-efficiency is the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done.

    I wake up excited to come to work, to do what I love, and to be around such amazing co-workers. It’s incredibly rewarding to know I’m part of an organization that not only makes a meaningful impact but also makes sure I feel valued in the process.”

    -Jennifer, firsthand Guide- Columbus, OH

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DH100 Awarded

Platinum Bell Seal

Mental Health America’s top recognition of Workplace Mental Health