Skills Trainer (Secure - Float)

Cascadia Health; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 6 weeks

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision discount

403(b) retirement

Job summary

Cascadia Health is seeking a dedicated Skills Trainer for the Portland metro area, floating across three secure residential facilities. The role runs Thursday through Sunday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., focusing on trauma-informed care and skill-building to aid residents in independent living.

You will work with an interdisciplinary team, support treatment plans, and conduct group activities while maintaining HIPAA compliance and safety protocols. A QMHA credentialing path is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field or 3 years of direct service experience.
• Competencies to become credentialed as QMHA per MHACBO and OARs.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group skills training aligned with treatment plans.
• Apply Harm Reduction, TIC, and Motivational Interviewing in daily operations.
• Develop and lead structured group activities for socialization and skill-building.
• Supervise residents in self-care, hygiene, meals, and community integration.
• Document progress notes and update plans; ensure timely EHR entries.
• Collaborate with treatment team to communicate needs and goals.
• Assist residents in community outings and medical appointments.

Skills

Trauma-Informed Care

Motivational Interviewing

Recovery models

Verbal communication

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor’s in Behavioral Science

QMHA credentialing (OARs)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Skills Trainer (Secure - Float)

Job Overview

Location/Schedule: This position floats across 3 secure residential treatment facilities in the Portland metro area. The schedule for this position is Thursday through Sunday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Position: Skills Trainer

Program: Secure Residential Treatment

Cascadia’s 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.

Position Description

The Skills Trainer works within an interdisciplinary team to support and implement treatment plans for residents in a trauma-informed care setting. This position promotes client-centered support, helping residents develop skills for independent living and transition to less restrictive settings. This role requires independent community work and includes skills training, therapeutic intervention, and a strengths-based approach to goal setting and community reintegration.

Essential Responsibilities

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.

• Provide therapeutic interventions, including individual and group skills training, in alignment with client treatment plans.

• Apply Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, and Motivational Interviewing in daily operations.

• Develop and lead structured group activities to support socialization, recreation, and skill-building for residents.

• Supervise and assist residents in self-care, hygiene, meal preparation, community integration, and social skills per their treatment plans.

• Document progress notes and update Behavior Support Plans quarterly; ensure timely EHR documentation.

• Collaborate with treatment team members to communicate client needs and program goals.

• Support residents in community outings, medical appointments, and skills training activities.

• Maintain compliance with facility regulations, policies, and licensing requirements.

• Participate in regular staff meetings, supervision sessions, and required trainings.

• Adhere to crisis intervention protocols, safety practices, and HIPAA and abuse reporting laws.

• Perform additional duties as needed, including light housekeeping and assisting with mealtime setups.

Qualifications

Education:

• 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:

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

Specialized Skills and Knowledge

• 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).

Other

• 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

• Environment: Work is conducted in an enhanced care residential setting. Employees must remain alert and attentive during shifts, and rest breaks and meal periods may be interrupted as needed.

• Mental Demands: The role requires flexibility and the ability to manage unpredictable and diverse tasks that may impact costs, employee morale, or client outcomes.

• Physical Demands: Involves supporting residents’ community integration and social skills. Employees must have the ability to transport residents using agency vehicles and assist in active recreational events, skill-building outings, and other community access activities. Employees must also ensure safety in potentially volatile situations.

Cascadia Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please contact us at [phone] or at [e-mail].

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 1stof the month following hire date)
• VSP Vision Discount Plan
• 403(b) Retirement Plan - Eligible after 60 days with immediate 100% vesting and a 1-to-1 company match up to 3% per pay period, plusthe opportunity for an additional discretionary contribution (up to 5%) at the end of the fiscal year.
• 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)
• Bike to Work Reimbursement
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Trauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)

$24.72 - $25.84