Skills Trainer (SAGE)

Job Summary:

The Skills Trainer provides intensive specialized skill-based mental health services for adolescents, and their families as they transition from residential treatment back to the community. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Identifies and evaluates community resources for programs and activities, and connects youth and families to them
• Integrates youths’ needs for dignity, nurturance, choice, self-management, and privacy into activities of daily living.
• Assists clients in identifying and developing their strengths through activities and other experiences.
• Recognizes personal strengths and limitations, feelings and needs. 
• Sets appropriate boundaries and limits using clear and respectful communication.
• Uses scheduled supervision constructively, seeks feedback to improve performance, and accepts and utilizes feedback to improve outcomes.
• Shares decision making whenever possible. Uses a collaborative approach to problem solving.
• Is present and punctual for scheduled shifts and/or meetings.
• Works well within a team environment, sharing workload, responsibilities, credit, and opportunities.
• Uses scheduled supervision constructively, responds nondefensively and applies supervisory feedback.
• Is aware of Morrison Compliance Program including Compliance Officer, Compliance Standards of Conduct, and Employee Compliance Hotline. Understands Compliance Standards of Conduct and signs attestation document. Completes all assigned compliance, HIPAA, client privacy, and fraud, waste, and abuse training. Knows how to report any client privacy or fraud, waste, or abuse concerns.  
• Demonstrate a commitment to developing a thorough knowledge and application of the Sanctuary model and other organizational policies & practices.  
• Participate in staff development, in-services, and training related to workplace effectiveness; model professional behaviors and implement improvements to business practices with awareness of their impact in a trauma-informed behavioral healthcare organization.  
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Competencies: 

• Understands mental health assessment, treatment, case management, and service terminology.
• Verbally and non-verbally de-escalates crisis situations in a manner that protects dignity and integrity.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships within a team environment by promoting and maintaining professional conduct, negotiating and resolving conflict, acknowledging individual differences, and supporting team members.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize professional limitations and seeks supervision when appropriate.
• Acknowledges and respects the diversity of all individuals and demonstrate openness to providing culturally responsive care and treatment to clients and their families.
• Follows safe medication administration practices by adhering to prescribed medication use, including doses and documentation. Seeks consultation to address medication concerns and availability.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in assessing suicide risk factors and facilitating screening and triage.
• Acts efficiently and quickly in response to medical emergencies and performs CPR and first aid as needed, following all crisis policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates sufficient knowledge to support clients experiencing a mental health crisis including de-escalation techniques and facilitating access to appropriate crisis services.
• Understands and complies with mandatory reporting requirements. Use developmentally appropriate and trauma informed approach to follow agency protocol for assessment and intervention. 
• Verbally, and using physical restraint techniques when necessary, de-escalates crisis situations following agency protocol in a manner that protects dignity and integrity

Required Position Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 2 years of experience working with youth and/or families
• Meets QMHA requirements under State of Oregon Administrative Rules
• Basic computer skills using word processing, spreadsheets, databases and email

Preferred Position Qualifications: 

• Bilingual in Spanish, both written and spoken. Must clear a language proficiency test for Spanish
• Bachelor’s degree in a social service or field or equivalent education, training and experience 
• Direct experience with children and/or adolescents in a residential or mental health setting

Other Requirements:

• Shifts may require day, evening and weekend hours
• Provides emergency first aid, as needed, and maintains a current standard first aid/CPR certification
• Able to pass a comprehensive criminal history background investigation 

For positions that require driving: 

• Must hold valid driver’s license— Oregon or Washington within 30 days of hire
• Personal transportation allowing for frequent, regular travel within the Portland metropolitan area in a timely manner.
• Proof of personal auto liability coverage ($100,000/$100,000 must be maintained), and a driving record that meets corporate driving requirements.

Working Conditions:  

Environment: Work is done in clinical offices, community settings, including Morrison Residential, administration buildings, public locations, and social service sites. Breaks and meals are subject to interruption. 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: Work assigned is diverse and may involve addressing new and unique circumstances. The work might be unpredictable and disrupts planned tasks, requiring flexible time management.  

Physical demands: Ability to remain calm and emotionally available serving youth, adults and or families who have experienced trauma. Proficient with office equipment and physical movement. Ability to perform physical interventions if needed in accordance with program and training. Physical dexterity for reaching, stooping, and repetitive wrist and hand motions.