DSHS WSH Forensic Care Associate 2

State of Washington; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% on-site premium pay

Orca Card transportation

Job summary

Western State Hospital is seeking motivated Nurse Assistants to become Forensic Care Associates who learn under RNs in behavioral health care. You will provide nursing assistance, support treatment plans, and help de-escalate on the forensic ward.

The role involves patient safety, daily living assistance, and collaboration with the care team in a secure setting. Starting pay ranges from $4,108 to $5,506 monthly, with potential for a 5% premium when working on-site three days a week and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• WA Nursing Assistant Registration or NAC/CNA or Medical Assistant credential.
• Social science coursework may substitute for work experience.

Responsibilities

• Guide people to improve their behavior and create a supportive environment.
• Ensure patient safety and comfort through health guidance in personal care, grooming, and daily living.
• Maintain a clean, safe ward environment and assist with meals, activities, and treatments.
• Support treatment plans and assist nurses with medication administration and documentation.
• Promote a safe environment and monitor for unusual behavior.
• Maintain housing areas, inspect living spaces, and check for unauthorized items.
• Assist with vitals and observations and document them on charts.
• Obtain current Food Handler's permit and CPR certification.
• Escort patients to appointments or activities and supervise group participation.

Skills

Patience

De-escalation

Effective communication

Patient safety

Education

High school diploma or GED

WA Nursing Assistant Registration or NAC/CNA or MA

Social science coursework substitution

Tools

CPR certification

Food Handler's permit

Job description

DSHS WSH | Forensic Care Associate 1-2 In Training – Nursing Assistant

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

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. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

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

Some Of What You Will Do

• Help create a supportive and positive environment by guiding people to improve their behavior.
• 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.
• Maintain a pleasant, attentive, fully stocked, and comfortable ward environment.
• Participate in the directed treatment plan for patients; assist the nurses and staffing the administration of food, medications, activities, and treatments prescribed by a physician.
• Promote safe environments for employees and patients; observe patients for unusual or significant behavior.
• Maintain security in housing and treatment areas, inspect patient living areas for cleanliness and order, and search living areas and persons for unauthorized items.
• Assist care team with documentation of vitals and observations on patient charts.
• Obtain a current Food Handler's permit and current CPR certification.
• Encourage and supervise patients in a group or in independent recreational, social, and related activities, escort patients to appointments or during outside trips.

Who Should Apply

• Those with a high school diploma or GED.
• A current WA Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR) or Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC/CNA) or Medical Assistant (MA).
• Social science college course work may be substituted for the behavioral health work experience described above on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Patience in delivering quality health care and daily living assistance.
• As a team member, willing to deescalate behavioral issues in a calm, non-threatening manner.
• Comprehend and communicate effectively both verbally and in with patients, peers, management, and the public.
• Capable to provide patient safety and comfort through attention to their general health and assistance in accomplishing daily hygiene issues.

Note: 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 described above is for a Forensic Care Associate 2. We may consider applicants at the FCA2 level if you have 2 years of work experience*in the direct care of people diagnosed with behavioral health issues or needing behavioral health care services; or those with a current WA Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) that included psychiatric nurse training; or completion of 12-month in-training plan as a FCA1.

Starting Salary

• Forensic Care Associate 1: Step A $4,108/monthly ($23.61/hour) – Step M $5,506/monthly ($31.64/hour)
• Forensic Care Associate 2: Step A $4,300/monthly ($24.71/hour) – Step M $5,779/monthly ($33.21/hour)

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Vincent Hamilton at [e-mail] and reference 07966.

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.

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.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

• Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
• Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax‑deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long‑term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
• To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
• Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre‑tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
• Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
• The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well‑being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

• State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.
• Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre‑tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

• All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

• If you are employed by a government or not‑for‑profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full‑time and part‑time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full‑time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part‑time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro‑rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full‑time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full‑time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part‑time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full‑time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full‑time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part‑time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357‑31‑165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro‑rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full‑time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357‑58‑175, an employer may authorize a lump‑sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357‑31‑165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.