18898 - Skills Trainer (Secure)

This position is located at Barbra Roberts House.The schedule is Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

TheSkills Trainer works as a member of an interdisciplinary team to implement and monitor treatment for residents living within the secure residential facility, while supporting a trauma-informed care environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving mental health services, it is required the Skills Trainer understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve. The Skills Trainer must have the ability to work independently in the community providing skills training to clients. This position involves participation and implementation of program goals and objectives to promote a strengths-based, client-centered approach to assisting residents in achieving individual goals and ultimately transitioning to a less restrictive setting. 

The secure programs are locked residential facilities with a higher level of staffing than most residential facilities, including 24-hour nursing care. As a transitional program specializing in assisting individuals in moving to more independent levels of support and structure, there is a strong emphasis on community reintegration, including a comprehensive rehabilitation program that includes therapy and skills-building groups, dual-diagnosis treatment, nutrition and exercise, a vocational training program, and staff-escorted community outings. One primary goal of this program is preparing the individual for a less restrictive environment. Staff include a combination of on-site Qualified Mental Health Professionals, Qualified Mental Health Associates, physician, nurse, and other positions sufficient to meet the rehabilitation, treatment, security, recreational, and mental health needs of the residents, as identified in their service plans, on a 24-hour basis. 

All incumbents must understand, appreciate and respect the diversity and cultural differences within our Cascadia community.  It is expected that there is an awareness and sensitivity to the perspectives and perceptions to those we serve, as well as our colleagues. As Cascadia is Trauma informed, the incumbent must support a Trauma Informed Care Environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving behavioral health services, it is required that the incumbent understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve.

On the first of the month, following 60 days of employment, benefit eligible employees (20/hrs. or more per week) are able to enjoy affordable, low cost, medical, dental, and vision benefits. Additionally, Cascadia provides a generous paid time off package, volunteer time off, and more. Upon hire, you will complete paid training and then continue to train onsite in your new job. During the first week of training, you will learn about the agency, understanding those we serve, Trauma informed care, and other skills to prepare you for significant and meaningful work in the behavioral health field, whether you are providing clinical services or non-direct services. Click here to learn about the benefits we offer and more

Essential Duties:

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities or an all inclusive job description.

• Provide therapeutic interventions and counseling with residents as required by the mental health treatment plan.
• Facilitate group activities for residents, typically limited to socialization, recreation, and basic skill training activities.
• Provide individual and group skills training and meet productivity standards. Identify and prioritize with the client their treatment plan and community integration goals. Redefine goals throughout treatment in order to obtain success.  Perform continuous assessment and measurement of progress toward treatment goals.  Consult with the Case Manager, Program Manager, Program Supervisor, and the Administrator On-Call as necessary in order to maintain treatment team communication.
• Provide supervision and support to residents in areas of self-care, hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, use of public transportation, community integration, social skills, etc., in coordination with the treatment team and as directed by the plan of care or mental health treatment plan.
• Effectively engage residents in order to encourage their participation in skills training.
• Participate in regular supervision and attend clinical case conferences and staff meetings to gain knowledge and communicate program and resident needs.
• Comply with and implements the regulations, policies, and procedures under which the facility is licensed and operates.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols and procedures. Practice and demonstrate competency in avoidance preventing escalation, and physical and mechanical restraint techniques when appropriate, to avoid crisis situations or to neutralize crises in progress.
• May be required to assist in meal set-up, preparation, serving, and clean up related to meal times or cooking group activities. Perform other household chores as needed, including but not limited to, light housekeeping and cleaning of biohazards. 
• Monitor, report, and coordinate maintenance needs of the program’s vehicles to Program Manager.
• Accompany residents to, and assists residents during medical appointments in the community.
• Document and maintain electronic health record (EHR) and ancillary records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations.  Maintain accurate and up-to date documentation associated with billing, assessment, treatment, client’s progress, and other activities as required.
• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics. 
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols/procedures and coordinate with the treatment team with interventions which support a trauma-informed environment for clients/residents and staff.   
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of consumers and/or residents, staff and property; possess familiarity with fire regulations and evacuation procedures.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Remain awake on all shifts.
• Coordinate with staff on shift regarding resident concerns, building/program needs, and any issues relevant to ensure the smooth operation of the program.
• Coordinate individual skill training plans in collaboration with the case manager.
• Assist in the administration of seclusion and restraint techniques as defined in non-violent physical intervention training.
• Able to perform CPR, First Aid, and properly use AED equipment.  CPR/ First Aid certifications are required and must remain current.
• Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis as indicated in the licensing requirements for the facility as well as agency requirements.
• On-call incumbents provide relief to regular staff at either or all of the secure sites. They require the ability to work a flexible schedule and must commit to working a minimum of 4 shifts per month.
• Float positions require the incumbent to fill shifts to meet FTE by using electronic scheduler or by contacting the programs of all Secure programs (Barbara Roberts, Faulkner, Arbor)
• Provide transportation service to escort residents out in the community.
• Be a part of a rotation to remain working on-site for up to eight (8) additional hours in the event that the following shift has inadequate staffing.  
• If the position is a float, flexibility is required as the employee will not have a home site but is required to fill in at different sites based on daily scheduling needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must meet the requirements and demonstrate the competencies to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA). Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of mental health work experience or a combination of work experience and education. Certification must be current and in compliance with MHACBO
• Equivalent combination of education/experience, preferably in a non-profit organization.
• Operate computer hardware and software (including Electronic Health Record software) at a level needed to effectively perform job functions 
• Enter and retrieve data and prepare reports
• A CPR Certification is required and must be maintained; training for the certification is provided post hire.
• Ability to pass a DMV check; possess a valid driver’s license, three year driving history, and a clean driving record is required.

Working Conditions

• Daily routines may be hectic and will likely require the Skills Trainer to perform various program functions and, on occasion, perform the tasks of other employees as needed. Meal periods and breaks are subject to interruption. Due to staffing requirements within each program, staff may be required to work a double shift if the need arises.  Universal Precautions and remaining alert to the environment are critical to address the potential for violent behavior, exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants.  
• Mental Demands: The work assigned is diverse and involves addressing new and unusual circumstances in which outcomes may negatively affect costs, employee morale, or clients. The work regularly involves a degree of unpredictability and disruption of planned tasks requiring a flexible time management approach. 
• Physical Demands: Activities and structure support community integration and assist program residents in learning socially acceptable behaviors. The Skills Trainer must be approved to provide transportation utilizing agency vehicles so that residents may access the community. Staff must also have the ability to assist residents in participating in a variety of active leisure and recreational events, as well as skill building outings and accessing community resources. The employee 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, holds, and physical transport of individuals to seclusion rooms, as well as assist in the application of mechanical restraints. 

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at (503) 963-7654 or peopleandculture@cascadiabhc.org

This position is represented by a labor union