About Search Firm

This position is being facilitated by Pathway Talent Solutions Group, a specialized recruitment and talent advisory firm. We partner with organizations to identify, engage, and place exceptional talent. Candidates will be supported throughout the process with clear communication, guidance, and advocacy to ensure the best fit for both client and candidate.

Company Overview – Rooted Life
At Rooted Life, we believe healing doesn’t end when someone leaves the hospital. We provide a supportive, transitional environment where individuals recovering from medical or mental health crises can stabilize, heal, and build toward lasting independence. Our clients receive not only temporary recuperative care but also wraparound services that address the root causes of instability.

We deliver trauma-informed, whole-person care that includes follow-up medical attention, mental health support, substance use recovery, life skills development, and assistance securing IDs, benefits, and housing. Our goal is simple yet powerful: to ensure every client leaves in a healthier, more stable condition than when they arrived equipped to succeed long after discharge.

If you’re passionate about systems change, equity, and creating real impact in the lives of vulnerable populations, Rooted Life offers you the chance to lead with purpose and grow with intention.

Our Mission
Our mission is simple - provide stable, safe facilities that promote mental health stabilization and addiction relapse prevention.

Position Summary

The Recuperative Care Liaison is responsible for managing referral relationships, coordinating admissions, supporting discharge planning, and ensuring smooth transitions into Rooted Life’s recuperative care services. The role works closely with hospitals, Managed Care Plans (MCPs), case managers, social workers, and internal clinical/program teams to ensure timely placement and continuity of care.

This is a highly collaborative, field-based role requiring strong communication skills, healthcare coordination experience, and a deep commitment to trauma-informed and dignity-centered care.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between hospitals, health systems, Managed Care Plans, shelters, and Rooted Life programs
• Coordinate recuperative care referrals, screenings, admissions, and transitions of care
• Collaborate with discharge planners, social workers, case managers, and ECM teams to support safe patient discharge planning
• Review referral documentation for appropriateness, eligibility, and authorization requirements
• Facilitate communication between referral sources and internal care teams regarding placement availability and client needs
• Maintain accurate documentation in the organization’s EHR and tracking systems
• Support census management and timely bed utilization
• Assist with resolving barriers related to transportation, benefits, housing placement, and follow-up care
• Participate in interdisciplinary huddles and care coordination meetings
• Build and maintain strong referral partner relationships across San Diego County
• Support compliance with HIPAA, Medi-Cal, CalAIM, and organizational policies and procedures
• Maintain and manage a detailed calendar of hospital visits, partner meetings, outreach activities, and community engagement efforts
• Accurately track and submit mileage and travel documentation related to field-based responsibilities
• Perform in-service presentations and program education sessions for hospitals, community partners, and referral sources both in person and virtually
• Provide education to referral partners regarding Rooted Life services, admission criteria, referral processes, and available community support resources
• Maintain accurate documentation of outreach activities, referrals, and client interactions in the organization’s electronic systems and tracking spreadsheets
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including case management, behavioral health support, and operations staff to coordinate client care and placement needs
• Follow up with referral sources and clients to ensure smooth transitions into recuperative care and ongoing services
• Support crisis intervention and de-escalation efforts when working with high-acuity or vulnerable populations
• Monitor bed availability and communicate census and placement updates to referral partners in a timely manner

• Other duties that may not be listed.

   

Qualifications

Required

• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, homeless services, recuperative care, care coordination, or case management
• Strong understanding of hospital discharge planning and community-based care systems
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health conditions, and/or substance use disorders
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across clinical and non-clinical teams
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHRs) and documentation systems
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally throughout San Diego County

Preferred

• Experience with CalAIM, Enhanced Care Management (ECM), or Community Supports programs
• Knowledge of Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans and authorization workflows
• Background in recuperative care, medical respite, housing navigation, or care transitions
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Experience in outreach or provider relations

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary (Target Range: $80,000 – $90,000)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

Work Environment
This position operates in a fast-paced, mission-driven healthcare and housing services environment supporting staff who work directly with vulnerable populations. 

• Fully onsite, field-based role. (RCIs are expected to be on-site and in office, not WFH); Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Pacific Time, GMT -8:00)
• Daily travel within the service area required
• Work conducted in community settings including shelters, encampments, clinics, and client residences

Why Join Rooted Life
At Rooted Life, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team working at the forefront of whole-person care. This role offers the opportunity to make a direct, tangible impact in the lives of individuals who need it most—while helping shape innovative care models that are transforming the system.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Rooted Life is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.