What are the responsibilities and job description for the Skills Trainer (Secure) position at Cascadia Health?

Skills Trainer (Secure)

Job Overview

Location / Schedule : This position floats across three secure residential treatment programs in the Portland metro area. Location is based, and will be established based on, programmatic demand / need. The schedule for this position is Wednesday through Sunday, day shift, 7 : 00 a.m. to 3 : 30 p.m.

Position : Skills Trainer

Program : Secure

Mission and Vision : Mission

Cascadia Health delivers whole health care - integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing - to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.

Vision

We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life.

Description : Cascadia operates three locked residential homes in the Portland Metro area. These are homes for adults who experience severe and persistent mental health challenges. Employees work as a team to provide comprehensive services that focus on psychiatric treatment, personal care, skills training, and case management. Our residents are referred from the counties or the state and must either be under commitment or have a guardian. The focus of treatment is on immediate safety and preparing individuals to live in a less restrictive environment. Our work is important, impactful, and rewarding to those we are lucky enough to serve. Sites include Faulkner Place, Arbor Place, and Barbara Roberts House.

Position Overview : As a Skills Trainer in a residential setting, you will play a pivotal role in supporting residents with mental health challenges by providing therapeutic interventions and structured skills training. You will collaborate closely with the clinical team to implement individualized treatment plans, helping residents develop essential life skills in areas such as self-care, hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, and community integration. Your role will also involve offering emotional support, assisting with crisis prevention, and ensuring residents' safety and well-being. This position requires strong communication skills, flexibility, and a commitment to creating a trauma-informed environment that promotes residents' personal growth and recovery.

Responsibilities :

Provide therapeutic interventions and counseling to residents as directed by the mental health treatment plan, utilizing best practices such as Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing.
Deliver structured group and individual skills training, including self-care, hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, use of public transportation, community integration, and social skills. Engage residents in these activities and coordinate skill training plans in collaboration with the clinical and case management teams.
Collaborate with clients to identify and prioritize treatment plan and community integration goals. Continuously assess and adjust goals as needed to ensure progress and success.
Supervise and support residents in various areas of daily living as directed by the treatment plan, including medical appointments and community outings. Provide transportation services as required.
Coordinate with staff on shift regarding resident concerns, program needs, and any issues relevant to ensuring smooth program operation.
Assist in crisis situations, following emergency protocols and procedures. Demonstrate competency in preventing escalation and neutralizing crises, supporting a trauma-informed environment.
Assist in meal setup, preparation, serving, and cleanup during mealtimes or cooking group activities. Perform household chores, including light housekeeping and biohazard cleaning, as needed.
Document and maintain electronic health records (EHR) and ancillary records in compliance with agency policies, procedures, and local, state, and federal regulations. Ensure accurate and up-to-date documentation related to billing, assessment, treatment, and client progress.
Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities, maintaining professional boundaries and ethics.
Monitor and report maintenance needs of program vehicles to the Program Manager.
Participate in staff meetings, supervision sessions, clinical case conferences, and other departmental and agency meetings. Complete required annual training and attend professional development opportunities.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of full-time professional experience providing direct service to individuals in a social service setting. Demonstrate the competencies to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA), as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rulings (OARs). Certification must be kept current and in compliance with OARs through MHACBO.

Experience in a residential mental health setting and providing skills training services is preferred but not required.

Proficient verbal and written communication skills.

Basic knowledge of Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Motivational Interviewing, and Evidence-Based Practices.

Basic understanding of recovery models, illness management, and strength-based philosophies.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word & Excel).

CPR Certification (training provided post-hire).

Possess a valid driver's license, minimum of one year driving history, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course (some programs).

Working Conditions :

Environmental : Work is performed in a residential setting. Individuals occupy the residence from three to seven years and then move on to more independent living in the community. The site is staffed 24 / 7 to provide care, education, and assistance to those in need. The program incorporates Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing strategies through individual and group therapeutic services, as well as individualized and group basic life (cooking, housekeeping, budgeting) and social skills training. Daily routines may be hectic and will likely require the Skills Trainer to perform various functions and, on occasion, perform the tasks of other employees as needed.

Operating Hours : Skills Trainers generally work business hours; however, schedules may vary depending on the program. May be required to work a double shift if the need arises, due to the staffing requirements within each program.

Mental : Meal periods and breaks may be interrupted. Constant awareness and alertness are critical to detect and address escalated, potentially volatile situations.

Physical Demands : Activities and structure support community integration and assist program residents in learning socially acceptable behaviors. Employees must also assist residents in participating in a variety of active leisure and recreational events, as well as skill building outings and accessing community resources. The Skills Trainer must have the ability to assist the team in providing safety to all residents and staff in potentially volatile situations. When the need arises, staff may be asked to perform non-violent physical interventions.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, contact us at 503-963-7654.

This position is represented by a labor union.

Benefits

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours pro-rated) including :

Generous Paid Time Off Package Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!

Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following 30 days after hire date)

VSP Vision Discount Plan

403(B) Retirement Savings (Pre and post-tax plans with up to 8% employer matching contribution!)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)

Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance

Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave

Length of Service Award

Voluntary Life Insurance

Supplemental Insurance

Student loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits :

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Bicycle Reimbursement

Discounted Fitness Memberships

Trauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)

25.09

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