Youth Care Skills Trainer (Residential)

Youth Advocates of Sitka is a grassroots organization based in the small island community of Sitka, Alaska. We pride ourselves on a collaborative and rewarding workplace culture.

Our work environment includes:

• Safe work environment
• Growth opportunities
• Lively atmosphere

If you are seeking meaningful ways to contribute to your community while gaining valuable experience working for the nonprofit sector and making a difference in the lives of youth from all over Alaska, check out this opening in our Youth Residential/Behavioral Health program!

The "Skills Trainer" position in the residential setting is responsible for meeting the treatment needs of a group of youth between the ages of 13-18 who are participating in a 24/hr live-in therapeutic behavioral health program for a duration of 6-12 months. The program is designed to support youth in working toward individualized goals and objectives while navigating the social dynamics of a shared living environment in which they are tasked with building and practicing skills in independence, such as hygiene, chores, and other basic life skills.

The youth in this program are assigned and supported by a wrap-around treatment team comprised of a Case Manager, a Therapist, and a whole team of Skills Trainers who are assisting them daily in meeting their treatment goals and objectives.

Skills Trainers play a crucial role in the treatment process, as they are the individuals responsible for meeting the day-to-day needs of clients. Skills Trainers are essentially mentors for the youth, who are there to build positive, trusting relationships with the youth and to teach them valuable skills for navigating day-to-day stressors.

Skills Trainers must exercise sound judgment and demonstrate effective communication skills to help create a supportive and therapeutic environment where youth can learn valuable skills that will help them thrive. This position involves providing behavioral interventions and teaching problem-solving to youth.

“Skills Training” means actively teaching a youth crucial skills such as how to exhibit appropriate social and emotional behavior; develop healthy peer and family relationships; practice getting into healthy self-care routines; and engage in effective conflict resolution. Skills training includes skill instruction, skill practice, redirection, feedback, positive praise, role modeling, promoting, encouraging, and coaching youth to do their best even when it feels like the odds are against them.

This is an on-site position requiring residence in Sitka. In the interest of time, please do not apply if you are unable to relocate.

Essential Job Functions:

• Teach coping skills to individual clients and groups during activities.
• Communicate effectively with diverse populations (especially an Alaska Native population since that is the primary demographic we serve).
• Maintain consistent structure and provide therapeutic limits.
• Manage challenging youth behaviors in an appropriate and therapeutic manner.
• Provide proactive interventions so that youth feel supported before there is a challenge.
• Demonstrate skills in active listening.
• Demonstrate initiative in using effective problem solving skills.
• Assess situational risk, and respond appropriately to enhance safety at all times.
• Document daily treatment notes which meet agency policies and state and federal regulations.
• Identify risk situations for which closer supervision may be required to maintain safety.
• Understand, honor and maintain client confidentiality.
• Follow written protocols outlined by the agency and by HIPAA.
• Respond appropriately to crisis without immediate backup, and respond to emergency situations, medical, fire, etc.
• Attend weekly staff meetings and shows a strong level of participation and engagement in other team-building opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Understand that "behavior problems" simply highlight an unmet need in youth, and are an opportunity for therapeutic teaching.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and humility.
• Maintain appropriate sensitivity to client and family needs.
• Understand the importance of (and actively maintain) a clean, healthy living environment by participating in cleaning duties.
• Maintain a high level of self-awareness to ensure professionalism at all times.
• Demonstrate an ability to use First-Aid and CPR with confidence.
• Actively use agency policies and procedures.
• Utilize MS Word and Excel to perform administrative tasks.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate basic computer skills.
• Can lift and move up to 50 lbs.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Licenses and Certificates Needed:

• Current Alaska Driver's license
• Possess a valid driving history for the past 5 years
• CPR and First Aid Certification (can obtain upon hire)
• Must be able to successfully pass TB test (current/can obtain upon hire)
• Must be able to successfully pass State of Alaska Background Check

Minimum Qualifications:

Education with an emphasis in human services, social work or education is considered an asset, however it is not necessarily required -- experience in the field of caregiving, childcare, youth mentorship, behavioral health/mental health services or working with diverse populations is also valued.

Employee Benefits:

• Health Insurance - 80% Employer Sponsored
• Dental Insurance - 80% Employer Sponsored
• Vision Insurance - 80% Employer Sponsored
• Life Insurance - 100% Employer Sponsored
• Generous Leave Package (18 days in first year of employment)
• Annual 16 Hours of Gifted Leave
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Free Employee Assistance Program

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Sitka, AK 99835 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Sitka, AK 99835: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $22