Care Specialist
Job description
About the role
Pelago seeks a Care Specialist to act as the first clinical contact for members and to coordinate onboarding within a digital clinic. This role delivers initial substance use support and ensures smooth transitions into ongoing treatment. The position blends direct clinical service with flexible coverage to sustain high-quality member experiences.
Healthcare and social care roles support people directly. Clinicians provide treatment and care. Support staff coordinate services and casework. The work is regulated, rewarding, and demanding. Safeguarding, documentation, and teamwork are part of every role. Care sector work is guided by codes of practice, and professional standards are taken seriously. Most employers provide supervision and regular check-ins for staff.
Key facts
What you'll do
A first point of contact is established to support members entering Pelago and to reduce barriers to engagement.
Members are guided toward the most appropriate level of care within Pelago pathways through clear communication about treatment options.
An ongoing caseload is maintained through individual counseling, progress monitoring toward behavior change goals, and responsive member support.
Temporary coverage is provided for clinicians during leave, staffing transitions, or other operational needs to sustain service continuity.
Member interactions are documented thoroughly to support continuity of care and quality improvement initiatives.
Requirements
The posting states a pay range of $59000 to $62000.
A minimum of 3+ years of clinical experience working with individuals with substance use disorders is required.
An active and unrestricted state license or certification is issued by a state credentialing board.
Multi-state licensure is preferred, and credentials must be recognized by IC&RC or NAADAC.
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required.
Experience delivering SBIRT care for people with substance use disorders is preferred.
Strong attention to detail, documentation skills, communication, and organization are required to manage competing priorities.
Technological proficiency is needed to virtual tools for care delivery.
A reliable home office setup with 50 100 Mbps internet bandwidth and a confidential workspace is required.
Nice to have
Experience in research, data analysis, or program evaluation is beneficial.
Practical notes
Typical interview steps
Care sector interviews usually include scenario questions, a values conversation, and checks of registration or qualifications. Candidates may be asked how they would handle a difficult case or manage risk. Empathy, boundaries, and clear communication are assessed. Interviewers often ask how you balance care with boundaries and risk. Reflecting on real cases you have handled, with the outcome, is the strongest preparation.
Good to know
Care specialists in digital clinics coordinate intake, documentation, and member support using secure platforms.
Evidence-based practice frameworks guide interventions for substance use and co-occurring conditions in structured programs.
Virtual care delivery relies on reliable internet, video tools, and private workspaces to maintain safety and engagement.
Clinical documentation standards support continuity, compliance, and quality improvement across teams.
Reliable technology and clear communication habits help manage shifting priorities and diverse member needs.
Questions to ask
Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.
Career growth
Careers in healthcare and social work grow through senior practitioner, team lead, and manager roles. Registration and continuous learning are required in many countries. Specialization is common, from mental health to children's services. Care careers reward reliability and reflective practice. Many senior practitioners move into supervision, training, or service leadership over time.