What are the responsibilities and job description for the Patient Care Specialist III - Ambulatory position at Pinnacle Treatment Brand?
Patient Care Specialist III – Ambulatory Services
Full‑Time | Richmond, VA
Shift: 4:00 pm - 12:30 am
We offer competitive compensation, schedule flexibility, and opportunities for leadership growth within a supportive, mission‑driven environment.
As a Patient Care Specialist III (PCS III – Ambulatory Services) at our Richmond, VA location, you will serve as a frontline leader within our ambulatory and transitional living programs. In addition to providing direct patient care, you will mentor PCS I and PCS II teammates, provide real‑time coaching, and collaborate with leadership to ensure patient care practices align with clinical best practices, regulatory standards, and organizational expectations.
Why Pinnacle
- Leadership‑focused role with defined career progression
- Collaborative, mission‑driven care environment
- Opportunities to directly impact patient outcomes and team performance
- Supportive culture emphasizing professionalism, growth, and recovery‑focused care
Teammate Benefits
- 18 days Paid Time Off (PTO) and 8 paid holidays
- Variable pay structure based on experience and education
- Shift differential for evening coverage
- 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 leadership growth
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a behavioral healthcare or substance use treatment setting
- Intermediate knowledge of addiction and the recovery process
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word)
- Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and support teammates
- 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 25%, including patient transportation
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate degree in a behavioral science discipline
- State‑recognized Peer Support Certification or addiction training certification
- Advanced knowledge of addiction treatment and recovery principles
- Advanced technology skills, including Microsoft Excel
Responsibilities
- Support patient engagement through role modeling, motivational interviewing, and reinforcement of program expectations
- Promote a trauma‑informed, recovery‑oriented environment through calm leadership and respectful enforcement of program guidelines
- Support AMA prevention and early intervention by monitoring risk indicators and communicating concerns to the treatment team
- Assist with admissions by monitoring patient safety, ensuring 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
- Search patients and belongings for contraband and manage valuables according to policy
- Monitor patient self‑administration of medications and obtain vital signs as required
- Maintain readiness for medical and behavioral emergencies, including overdose response and Narcan administration
- Complete timely and accurate EHR and facility documentation, including shift reports, incident reports, and patient observations
- Facilitate or support patient activities, recovery support groups, and life skills development
- Assist with meal planning, grocery orders, and independent living skill development
- Support patients with basic aftercare planning documentation and coordination with the treatment team
- Provide safe and compliant transportation for patients and maintain accurate mileage records
- Organize and facilitate store runs and community outings in accordance with established guidelines
- Maintain a clean, safe, and structured physical environment through routine inspections
- Ensure duties are performed in alignment with CARF standards to support accreditation readiness
- Provide peer mentorship and real‑time coaching to PCS I and PCS II teammates
- Support onboarding and development of new teammates through training and feedback
- Model professionalism, accountability, and best practices in patient care and documentation
- Collaborate with leadership to improve workflows, patient experience, and care quality
- Assist with scheduling support, shift coverage, special projects, or audits as needed
- Maintain required training and certifications
- Perform other duties as assigned
Join our team. Start saving lives today.