DSHS ESH Forensic Care Associate2

State of Washington; Medical Lake (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, WA, seeks a Forensic Care Associate 2 to join a dedicated team providing patient care and security in a psychiatric setting.

Under RN supervision, you will support recovery-focused care, lead therapeutic groups, and help maintain safety across the treatment mall, with opportunities for premium pay for on-site work several days a week.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years' experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting or completion of a Forensic Care Associate 1 in-training plan.
• Nursing Assistant Registration/CNA or Medical Assistant Certification required or eligible.

Responsibilities

• Perform patient and environmental observation at the treatment mall through documentation.
• Complete 15 minutes security checks and secure all floors of the treatment mall.
• Educate patients on groups offered and encourage participation in programming.
• Monitor common areas for environmental security and safety issues as per Rehab/hospital policies.
• Lead, co-lead groups and document participation, offer and run alternative treatment mall programming.
• Make sure group leaders have needed supplies and assist them in acquiring needed supplies.
• Ensure group leaders are present for groups and let them know whether absent patients are excused/ refused/ attending alternate programming.
• Provide routine physical, emotional, psychological or rehabilitative care to patients with psychiatric diagnoses and challenging behaviors. Observe and document behaviors and changes in condition.
• Observe and document patient behaviors and any changes in condition.
• Communicates information to the RN regarding changes of condition and clinical information.
• De-escalate patients.
• Escort and transfer patients.
• Printing and preparation of patient rosters, distributing rosters to each room for leaders.

Skills

Communication

De-escalation

Teamwork

Crisis intervention

Regulatory knowledge

Patient rights

Observation skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Forensic Care Associate 1 in-training plan

Nursing Assistant registration or CNA certificate or MA certification

Tools

Computer

Copy machine

Metal detector

Patient lifting equipment

Job description

DSHS ESH Forensic Care Associate2

Are you ready to make a profound impact in a psychiatric hospital setting, working directly with individuals at a critical juncture in their mental health recovery? Eastern State Hospital is seeking a Forensic Care Associate 2 to join our dedicated team in Medical Lake, WA.

Within the State Hospitals, the Forensic Care Associate (FCA) provides patient care and security at the treatment mallunder the direction of a Registered Nurse, to patients with acute psychiatric and physical illnesses and increased high risk behaviors. The FCA, actively supports the hospitals' vision, philosophy, mission, and delivers care within the framework of the recovery model based on patient's strengths.

Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Some of what you'll do:

• Perform patient and environmental observation at the treatment mall through documentation.
• Complete 15 minutes security checks and secure all floors of the treatment mall.
• Educate patients on groups offered and encourage participation in programming.
• Monitor common areas for environmental security and safety issues as per Rehab/hospital policies.
• Lead, co-lead groups and document participation, offer and run alternative treatment mall programming.
• Make sure group leaders have needed supplies and assist them in acquiring needed supplies.
• Ensure group leaders are present for groups and let them know whether absent patients are excused/ refused/ attending alternate programming.
• Provide routine physical, emotional, psychological or rehabilitative care to patients with psychiatric diagnoses and challenging behaviors. Observe and document behaviors and changes in condition.
• Observe and document patient behaviors and any changes in condition.
• Communicates information to the RN regarding changes of condition and clinical information.
• De-escalate patients.
• Escort and transfer patients.
• Printing and preparation of patient rosters, distributing rosters to each room for leaders.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Must be able to communicate effectively with management, peers, patients, and the public as required to carry out the assigned duties of the position.
• Ability to work with unpleasant or angry patients in a therapeutic, non-threatening manner.
• Ability to work as a team member and to resolve personal conflicts in a calm, non-threatening manner.
• Experience in intervening and de-escalating crisis/dangerous situations.
• Knowledge of all hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of mental illness and recovery principles.
• Demonstrate proficient operation of the following equipment: Computer, copy machine, metal detector, and patient lifting equipment.
• Demonstrates the principals of universal precautions and infection control practices.
• Demonstrate behavior which maintains, and respects patient's rights and promotes the patient's independence.
• Knowledge of mental illness/recovery principles.
• Knowledge of group facilitation.
• In-depth working knowledge of group behavior and dynamics.

Who should apply?

High school graduation or equivalent.

AND

Two years' experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting

OR

Completion of a Forensic Care Associate 1 in-training plan.

AND

A Nursing Assistant Registration or Certified Nursing Assistant certificate or Medical Assistant Certification

Information regarding NAR with the State of Washington can be found here.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs, or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure ( Nepotism ) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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