DSHS ESH Forensic Care Nurse Assistant

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Medical Lake (WA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking compassionate Nurse Assistants to join their team as Forensic Care Associates. In this rewarding role, you'll provide essential care to patients with behavioral health diagnoses, helping them achieve their treatment goals. The position offers a supportive environment with opportunities for training and advancement in nursing or therapy. Enjoy paid training and a competitive salary structure that rewards your commitment and skills. If you are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Paid training

Shift differential for evenings and nights

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Must possess a current WA Nursing Assistant Registration or equivalent.
• Experience in direct care for individuals with behavioral health issues is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with patient care and promote a supportive environment.
• Engage in documentation and maintain security in treatment areas.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Patience in healthcare delivery

De-escalation techniques

Education

High school diploma or GED

WA Nursing Assistant Registration

Medical Assistant Certification

Job description

Forensic Care Associate 1 – Nursing Assistants (In Training)

Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is seeking motivated, supportive Nurse Assistants to work as Forensic Care Associates who have compassion for helping people with behavioral health diagnoses. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, you will learn areas of behavioral health treatment that can further your career in nursing, therapy, or counseling. In this role, you will provide nursing care and forensic ward de-escalation to our patients. As part of our team, you’ll help people obtain their treatment goals who have been diagnosed with behavioral health conditions and are awaiting competency restoration.

Opportunities and Compensation

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. We currently have multiple opportunities for permanent, temporary, and on-call employment. You can select shifts and employment types that interest you in the online application. Evening and Night shifts may include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.

Key Responsibilities

1. Help create a supportive and positive environment by guiding people to improve their behavior.
2. Engage with and provide for patient safety and comfort through attention to general health and guidance in personal care skills, cleanliness, grooming, rest, activity, diet, and finances.
3. Maintain a pleasant, attentive, fully stocked, and comfortable ward environment.
4. Participate in the directed treatment plan for patients; assist nurses and staff in the administration of food, medications, activities, and treatments prescribed by a physician.
5. Promote safe environments for employees and patients; observe patients for unusual or significant behavior.
6. Maintain security in housing and treatment areas, inspect patient living areas for cleanliness and order, and search living areas and persons for unauthorized items.
7. Assist care team with documentation of vitals and observations on patient charts.
8. Obtain a current Food Handler's permit and CPR certification.
9. Encourage and supervise patients in group or independent recreational, social, and related activities, escort patients to appointments or outside trips.

Who Should Apply

• Individuals with a high school diploma or GED.
• Current WA Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR), Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC/CNA), or Medical Assistant (MA).

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Patience in delivering quality healthcare and daily living assistance.
• Willingness to deescalate behavioral health issues in a calm, non-threatening manner.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with patients, peers, management, and the public.
• Ability to provide patient safety and comfort through attention to general health and assistance with hygiene issues.

Training and Advancement

All FCAs receive classroom and on-the-job training related to patient interaction, facility rules and procedures, and ward observation. The goal class for this role is Forensic Care Associate 2. We may consider applicants at the FCA2 level if you have 2 years of relevant work experience, including direct care of individuals with behavioral health issues, or a current WA Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license with psychiatric training, or completion of a 12-month in-training plan as an FCA1. Social science college coursework may substitute for behavioral health work experience on a year-for-year basis.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary depends on your qualifications. All training is paid training! Forensic Care Associate 1: Step A $3,796/month ($21.82/hour) – Step M $5,088/month ($29.24/hour). Forensic Care Associate 2: Step A $3,974/month ($22.84/hour) – Step M $5,341/month ($30.70/hour).

Application Process and Contact

Interested? Apply today! Questions? Email [e-mail] or call 360-725-5810, referencing job number 03027.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) values diversity and is committed to equity, anti-racism, and social justice. We encourage applications from diverse communities. Background checks and valid driver’s licenses are required for employment. DSHS is an equal opportunity employer. For accommodations, contact the recruiter at [phone]. Deaf or hard of hearing applicants may use the Washington Relay Service.