DSHS SCC Nursing Assistant - Certified

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services; Washington; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium pay $10/day

Free ORCA card

Ferry transportation

Additional 5% premium for on-site days

Job summary

The State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services, Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island, is seeking a Nursing Assistant - Certified to provide hands-on patient care in a high-security treatment setting.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and compassion; responsibilities include assisting residents with daily living, measuring vitals, documenting changes, and supporting nursing staff. On-site work qualifies for premium pay, free ORCA card, and ferry transportation; background

Qualifications

• WA Nursing Assistant-Certified license required or equivalent credential.
• Six months of experience in health care or direct patient care preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Assist residents with daily living activities (bathing, grooming, eating, mobility).
• Record vital signs and perform basic nursing procedures.
• Document health changes and symptoms accurately.
• Apply external appliances (braces, dentures, hearing aids).
• Respond to emergencies and assist with restraints when needed.
• Maintain cleanliness, stock supplies, and perform related clerical duties.
• Follow safety, security, and infection control protocols in a high-risk setting.

Skills

Compassion

Observation

Communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Safety awareness

Education

Nursing Assistant-Certified license (WA)

Job description

DSHS SCC Nursing Assistant - Certified

Join our team at the Special Commitment Center (SCC), on McNeil Island, as a Nursing Assistant - Certified. In this position, you’ll provide essential nursing support in a unique and highly secure treatment facility. The SCC is part of the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration and serves individuals who are civilly committed after completing their prison sentences, helping them address sexual offending histories through specialized treatment.

This role goes beyond traditional caregiving: you’ll deliver hands‑on patient care while working in an environment that requires strong awareness of safety, structure, and teamwork. Every day, your work contributes to the health, dignity, and rehabilitation of adults with complex medical, psychological, and behavioral needs.

SCC employees also receive an additional $10 per day premium pay in addition to advertised salary and a free ORCA card for transportation use. Ferry transportation is provided to McNeil Island employees. 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:

• Assist residents with daily living needs such as bathing, grooming, hygiene, dressing, eating, and walking
• Perform nursing procedures such as taking a pulse, temperatures, manual and orthostatic blood pressure measurements, and non-invasive lab procedures
• Document resident activity, health changes, and symptoms accurately
• Apply external appliances such as braces, dentures, and hearing aides
• Respond to emergencies and help with restraint application when required
• Maintain cleanliness in care areas, stock supplies, and perform related clerical duties
• Follow all safety, security, and infection control procedures in a high‑risk facility

Who should apply?

Those with; A Washington State license to practice as a "Nursing Assistant - Certified"
AND
Six months of experience involving customer service in a health care setting, or six months of experience involving direct patient care, and high school graduation or equivalent
OR
Equivalent education/experience

Click here to check out the list of nursing assistant training programs approved by the Nursing Commission.

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

• Compassion and patience – the ability to provide respectful, dignified care in a secure treatment environment.
• Observation skills – noticing changes in residents’ health and behavior and reporting them promptly.
• Communication skills – clear and accurate communication with nurses, residents, and other staff.
• Teamwork – working cooperatively with a multidisciplinary team in a structured, high‑risk setting.
• Adaptability – staying calm and professional in situations that may include challenging or aggressive behaviors.
• Safety awareness – following protocols and using sound judgment to protect yourself, residents, and coworkers.

Questions?

Please contact DSHS Recruiter and reference 08162.

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 (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader). Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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