Patient Care Specialist I - Ambulatory

Patient Care Specialist I – Ambulatory Services
Full‑Time | Roanoke, VA
Shifts Available: 4 PM – 12:30 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 – Ambulatory Services (PCS I) at our Roanoke, VA location, 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 supporting individuals through the early stages of recovery.

Why Pinnacle
Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a mission‑driven organization dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence‑based addiction treatment. Patient Care Specialists play a critical role in creating safe, structured, and recovery‑focused environments.

• Supportive, team‑based work environment
• Entry‑level opportunity into behavioral healthcare
• Structured training and development
• Meaningful work supporting patient recovery

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) 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 through positive role modeling, encouragement, and motivational interviewing
• 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, infection control, and security protocols, including searches, drug screen observations, and heat treatments
• Conduct patient and belongings searches 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
• Ensure timely and accurate EHR and facility documentation, including shift reports and incident reports
• Facilitate or support recovery activities, support groups, and daily programming
• Assist patients in developing life and recovery skills through structured activities
• 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 patient transportation and maintain 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 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.