Regional VFR Peer Engagement & Growth Specialist - New Jersey
Forge Health, Trenton, NJ, United States
Regional VFR Peer Engagement & Growth Specialist - New Jersey
New Jersey
About us Forge Health is a mission-driven outpatient mental health and substance use provider dedicated to providing the highest quality, affordable, and effective care to individuals, families, and communities in need. As the first and only behavioral healthcare provider with a proven, national payer‑validated ability to drive clinical outcomes across all areas of health, Forge Health is leading the charge in driving innovation, improving care delivery, and shaping the future of behavioral health care.
At Forge, clinical care is paramount – it’s the heartbeat of our operations and the driving force in everything we do. The skill and compassion of our staff are the crucial components to extraordinary experiences and outcomes for those we serve. With our current clinical footprint in the greater Northeast, we have offices in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire – and we’re growing! Come join us!
Who we’re looking for The Regional VFR Peer Engagement & Growth Specialist is a field‑based role for the state of New Jersey responsible for expanding access to behavioral health and substance use services for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.
This position drives referrals into Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Outpatient (OP), and psychiatric services by developing and activating referral relationships across Veteran and public safety systems. The role also supports the development and coordination of peer‑based programming within the assigned region.
This is not a traditional sales role. Success requires the ability to build trust within Veteran and First Responder communities, understand clinical pathways, and translate community relationships into consistent patient access and program utilization.
This role operates with a high degree of autonomy and is responsible for managing and growing a defined geographic territory.
Compensation range Compensation range: $60‑100k, this salary range reflects total compensation, which includes base compensation and bonus payouts, however it is not inclusive of benefits and other company perks. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.
What you’ll be doing Referral Development and Market Growth
Drive consistent referral volume into IOP, OP, and psychiatric services within the assigned territory
Develop, activate, and maintain referral pipelines specific to Veteran and First Responder populations
Execute territory‑based outreach strategies aligned with regional growth targets
Improve referral‑to‑intake conversion through targeted partner education and follow‑through
Identify and prioritize high‑value referral sources and underserved access points
Strategic Partnership Development
Establish and maintain relationships with Veterans Affairs (VA) and Community Care Network (CCN) providers
Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs)
Police, Fire, and EMS departments and leadership
Peer support teams and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) programs
Hospitals, primary care providers, detox programs, and behavioral health organizations
State and county agencies serving Veterans and public safety personnel
Serve as a trusted resource on behavioral health service access, navigation of care systems, and referral pathways
Community Engagement and Market Presence
Represent the organization within Veteran and First Responder communities
Participate in coalitions, regional initiatives, and public safety engagements
Plan and facilitate educational sessions, site visits, and outreach events
Maintain consistent visibility and credibility within assigned markets
Peer Programming Development and Support
Support the development and coordination of peer‑based programming in collaboration with clinical and operational leadership
Identify opportunities for embedded services, department‑based programming, and wellness initiatives
Align peer programming efforts with clinical care pathways and regional needs
Internal Collaboration and Market Intelligence
Collaborate with Clinical, Intake, Operations, and Marketing teams to improve access to care and remove referral barriers
Maintain accurate CRM documentation of outreach activity, referral pipelines, and partner engagement
Provide ongoing feedback regarding market conditions, referral trends, and growth opportunities
Support regional expansion initiatives and service line development
How you’ll be successful
Achieve defined monthly referral targets across Veteran, First Responder, and general behavioral health sources
Maintain target referral‑to‑intake conversion rates
Develop and sustain an active, engaged pipeline of referral partners (not passive relationships)
Demonstrate measurable growth in IOP and OP utilization within the assigned territory
Maintain consistent CRM documentation and pipeline visibility
What you'll need
3–5+ years of experience in behavioral health, healthcare outreach, provider relations, or business development preferred
Experience working with or supporting Veterans, First Responders, or public safety systems strongly preferred
Knowledge of behavioral health services, including substance use and co‑occurring conditions
Ability to establish credibility with Veteran and First Responder communities, including public safety leadership and peer support teams
Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with both clinical providers and organizational leadership (e.g., chiefs, command staff, administrators)
Strong communication, relationship‑building, and organizational skills
Experience with CRM systems or outreach tracking tools preferred
Experience working within or alongside public safety agencies, healthcare systems, or community‑based behavioral health programs preferred
Ability to work independently and manage a defined geographic territory
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Why Forge? The opportunity: Our team refuses to compromise on integrity, and we look for talented, driven hard workers who hold the same passion for the pursuit of high quality, evidence‑based mental health and substance use care that we do. Our collective passion is driven and embodied by our core values:
Fulfilling: Our work creates lives that are complete and self‑actualized, enabling stronger families and communities – and a therapeutic community rewarded by success
Optimistic: Our passionate positivity and empathy overcome setbacks and get you to your goals, scientifically and humanely
Reciprocal: Without mutual trust and commitment, there can be no progress
Grateful: We profoundly recognize and appreciate the trust of our patients and the commitment of our clinicians
Evidence‑Based: We are committed to measurable outcomes, which provide confidence to our patients and creates a standard of care for ourselves and others
The package At Forge, our people are our greatest asset. We’re collaborative, empathetic, and passionate. We learn from our mistakes, we carve out time to breathe, and we are celebrated for our wins. In short, we know that we can’t do what we do without you! So we designed a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that reflects our appreciation of our people:
Competitive salary aligned with your experience
Comprehensive paid time off package
Annual time off to volunteer
Parental leave
Annual continuing education allocations
Competitive medical, dental, and vision package
Annual subscription to a leading meditation app
An environment that fosters professional development including financing for advanced licensure and certifications
Internal supervision opportunities
Dedicated, motivated team and chance to be part of a highly ambitious medical startup
Modern, elegant, and high‑end work environment
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We are committed to equal employment opportunity. We give equal consideration to all applicants when filling positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, actual or perceived disability, genetic information, marital status, and/or any other status not related to an applicant’s ability to perform the job duties. All employment practices will be carried out in accordance with federal, state and local laws. We will also fully comply with regulations and requirements set out by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). We will not discriminate against applicants or other individuals with real or perceived disabilities. When needed, we will provide reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified candidates so that they are able to perform the essential functions of the position.
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About us Forge Health is a mission-driven outpatient mental health and substance use provider dedicated to providing the highest quality, affordable, and effective care to individuals, families, and communities in need. As the first and only behavioral healthcare provider with a proven, national payer‑validated ability to drive clinical outcomes across all areas of health, Forge Health is leading the charge in driving innovation, improving care delivery, and shaping the future of behavioral health care.
At Forge, clinical care is paramount – it’s the heartbeat of our operations and the driving force in everything we do. The skill and compassion of our staff are the crucial components to extraordinary experiences and outcomes for those we serve. With our current clinical footprint in the greater Northeast, we have offices in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire – and we’re growing! Come join us!
Who we’re looking for The Regional VFR Peer Engagement & Growth Specialist is a field‑based role for the state of New Jersey responsible for expanding access to behavioral health and substance use services for Veterans, First Responders, and their families.
This position drives referrals into Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Outpatient (OP), and psychiatric services by developing and activating referral relationships across Veteran and public safety systems. The role also supports the development and coordination of peer‑based programming within the assigned region.
This is not a traditional sales role. Success requires the ability to build trust within Veteran and First Responder communities, understand clinical pathways, and translate community relationships into consistent patient access and program utilization.
This role operates with a high degree of autonomy and is responsible for managing and growing a defined geographic territory.
Compensation range Compensation range: $60‑100k, this salary range reflects total compensation, which includes base compensation and bonus payouts, however it is not inclusive of benefits and other company perks. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.
What you’ll be doing Referral Development and Market Growth
Drive consistent referral volume into IOP, OP, and psychiatric services within the assigned territory
Develop, activate, and maintain referral pipelines specific to Veteran and First Responder populations
Execute territory‑based outreach strategies aligned with regional growth targets
Improve referral‑to‑intake conversion through targeted partner education and follow‑through
Identify and prioritize high‑value referral sources and underserved access points
Strategic Partnership Development
Establish and maintain relationships with Veterans Affairs (VA) and Community Care Network (CCN) providers
Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs)
Police, Fire, and EMS departments and leadership
Peer support teams and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) programs
Hospitals, primary care providers, detox programs, and behavioral health organizations
State and county agencies serving Veterans and public safety personnel
Serve as a trusted resource on behavioral health service access, navigation of care systems, and referral pathways
Community Engagement and Market Presence
Represent the organization within Veteran and First Responder communities
Participate in coalitions, regional initiatives, and public safety engagements
Plan and facilitate educational sessions, site visits, and outreach events
Maintain consistent visibility and credibility within assigned markets
Peer Programming Development and Support
Support the development and coordination of peer‑based programming in collaboration with clinical and operational leadership
Identify opportunities for embedded services, department‑based programming, and wellness initiatives
Align peer programming efforts with clinical care pathways and regional needs
Internal Collaboration and Market Intelligence
Collaborate with Clinical, Intake, Operations, and Marketing teams to improve access to care and remove referral barriers
Maintain accurate CRM documentation of outreach activity, referral pipelines, and partner engagement
Provide ongoing feedback regarding market conditions, referral trends, and growth opportunities
Support regional expansion initiatives and service line development
How you’ll be successful
Achieve defined monthly referral targets across Veteran, First Responder, and general behavioral health sources
Maintain target referral‑to‑intake conversion rates
Develop and sustain an active, engaged pipeline of referral partners (not passive relationships)
Demonstrate measurable growth in IOP and OP utilization within the assigned territory
Maintain consistent CRM documentation and pipeline visibility
What you'll need
3–5+ years of experience in behavioral health, healthcare outreach, provider relations, or business development preferred
Experience working with or supporting Veterans, First Responders, or public safety systems strongly preferred
Knowledge of behavioral health services, including substance use and co‑occurring conditions
Ability to establish credibility with Veteran and First Responder communities, including public safety leadership and peer support teams
Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with both clinical providers and organizational leadership (e.g., chiefs, command staff, administrators)
Strong communication, relationship‑building, and organizational skills
Experience with CRM systems or outreach tracking tools preferred
Experience working within or alongside public safety agencies, healthcare systems, or community‑based behavioral health programs preferred
Ability to work independently and manage a defined geographic territory
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Why Forge? The opportunity: Our team refuses to compromise on integrity, and we look for talented, driven hard workers who hold the same passion for the pursuit of high quality, evidence‑based mental health and substance use care that we do. Our collective passion is driven and embodied by our core values:
Fulfilling: Our work creates lives that are complete and self‑actualized, enabling stronger families and communities – and a therapeutic community rewarded by success
Optimistic: Our passionate positivity and empathy overcome setbacks and get you to your goals, scientifically and humanely
Reciprocal: Without mutual trust and commitment, there can be no progress
Grateful: We profoundly recognize and appreciate the trust of our patients and the commitment of our clinicians
Evidence‑Based: We are committed to measurable outcomes, which provide confidence to our patients and creates a standard of care for ourselves and others
The package At Forge, our people are our greatest asset. We’re collaborative, empathetic, and passionate. We learn from our mistakes, we carve out time to breathe, and we are celebrated for our wins. In short, we know that we can’t do what we do without you! So we designed a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that reflects our appreciation of our people:
Competitive salary aligned with your experience
Comprehensive paid time off package
Annual time off to volunteer
Parental leave
Annual continuing education allocations
Competitive medical, dental, and vision package
Annual subscription to a leading meditation app
An environment that fosters professional development including financing for advanced licensure and certifications
Internal supervision opportunities
Dedicated, motivated team and chance to be part of a highly ambitious medical startup
Modern, elegant, and high‑end work environment
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We are committed to equal employment opportunity. We give equal consideration to all applicants when filling positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, actual or perceived disability, genetic information, marital status, and/or any other status not related to an applicant’s ability to perform the job duties. All employment practices will be carried out in accordance with federal, state and local laws. We will also fully comply with regulations and requirements set out by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). We will not discriminate against applicants or other individuals with real or perceived disabilities. When needed, we will provide reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified candidates so that they are able to perform the essential functions of the position.
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