Skills Trainer (Secure - Float)

Cascadia Health; Portland, Northern (OR, KY); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6 weeks PTO

Medical & Dental Coverage

403(b) Retirement Plan

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Wellness program

Bike to Work Reimbursement

Job summary

Cascadia Health in Portland, OR seeks a Skills Trainer to support residents across three secure residential treatment facilities. The role requires working Thursday through Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., with emphasis on trauma‑informed care and skills training.

You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, implement treatment plans, and promote independent living through structured activities and supportive coaching.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field or three years of full‑time professional experience in social services.
• Demonstrate the competencies to become credentialed as a QMHA per Oregon rules and MHACBO requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapeutic interventions including individual and group skills training per 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.
• Supervise residents in self-care, hygiene, meal prep, community integration, and social skills.
• Document progress notes and update Behavior Support Plans; ensure timely EHR documentation.
• Collaborate with treatment team to communicate client needs and program goals.
• Support residents in community outings, medical appointments, and skills training.
• Maintain compliance with regulations and participate in trainings.
• Adhere to crisis protocols and HIPAA/abuse reporting requirements.
• Assist with light housekeeping and mealtime setups as needed.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

TIC knowledge

Motivational Interviewing

Evidence-Based Practices

Recovery models understanding

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science

QMHA certification per OARs (MHACBO)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

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

• 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

• 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 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, plus the 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

About Cascadia Health

Cascadia Health is Oregon’s largest community‑based behavioral health and substance use treatment services organization. As both a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Cascadia provides integrated mental health, substance use treatment, primary care, housing support, crisis intervention, peers wellness, skills training, and more to individuals and families. Our clients can find the care they need through one team and often in one location, regardless of their ability to pay.