The Skills Trainer provides direct care services, skills training and support to adults in an African American culturally focused SUD residential setting for women and children. This position does both skills training and performs as a Mental Health Associate. Duties include group skill building facilitation, symptom management/support, direct individual and group skills training focused on symptoms management, self-care, and transitional living skills and other services as outlined in the treatment plan. May also provide case management with families, care providers, and community partners related to treatment plan goals.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Project Network site. 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provides quality care and customer service by providing strength-based support and guidance to residents at PNet, being present and punctual for scheduled shifts, and being a positive and reliable member of the team.
• Provides evidence-based interventions based on clients' interests, culture, abilities, strengths, and needs, according to the individual service and support plan.
• In one on one and group settings, counsels clients and assists them in developing skills on topics such as healthy relationships, coping skills, healthy routine, mental health and physical health management and independent living skills.
• Conducts individual and group skills training sessions based on current evidenced based practices (i.e. Motivational Interviewing, DBT, and Collaborative Problem Solving).
• Meets performance standards as defined by productivity requirement for direct client care, documentation, and quality (including engagement and evidence-based practices).
• Continually increases level of cultural sensitivity, awareness, and competency. Actively participates in a minimum of four hours of training related to cultural effectiveness in working with diverse populations.
• Provides case management and coordinates services with physicians, other staff, families, caregivers, government agencies, education providers, and community partners to collaboratively address concerns as well as treatment needs and supports.
• Establishes and enforces rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among clients, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement. Monitors clients in order to detect unusual behavior and reports observations to professional staff.
• Organizes, supervises, and encourages client participation in social, educational, and recreational activities. Provides, finds, or arranges for job and/or school training.
• Maintains awareness of community resources and helps clients and their families to access these resources.
• Provides crisis intervention and support to clients experiencing increased mental health symptoms and behaviors.
• Participates in regular individual and team meetings/supervisions as scheduled with direct supervisor/program director. Attends informational and trainings meetings (including all agency meetings and cultural diversity trainings) as scheduled/needed.
• May act as client advocate to coordinate required services or to obtain information regarding emergency/crisis situations and relay information to appropriate team members.
• Prepares meals and snacks for and/or with residents as needed.
• May be required to transport clients in a LifeWorks vehicle.
• May administer first aid only if certified, according to prescribed procedures.

Qualifications:

• This position requires a valid and active QMHA credential certification through MHACBO.
• A bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling or a related behavioral sciences field OR a minimum of three years' experience working with individuals with severe mental illness.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively; understand mental health assessment, treatment and service terminology and individual, group, family and other counseling techniques; program policies and procedures for services and supports identified in an Individual Services and Supports Plan.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client populations and maintain a cooperative working relationship with others in a culturally diverse environment.
• Demonstrated ability to provide psychosocial skills training, implement elements of a treatment plan, and provide case management services in compliance with confidentiality requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook and Word. Ability to master proprietary software including electronic health record system required.
• Previous experience in a broad range of interventions and mental health skills training specific to adolescents and young adults.
• Knowledge of community resources and treatment agencies enabling appropriate referrals for specific client needs.
• A valid driver's license and ability to meet LifeWorks NW driving requirements.

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include Compassionate, Impactful Care, Holistic Health, Passionate Team, and Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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