DSHS WSH Forensic Care Associate 3

State of Washington; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium on-site pay for 3 days/week

Orca transit card provided

Job summary

State of Washington is seeking a Forensic Care Associate 3 to provide direct nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse in a forensic psychiatric setting. You will support patient care, safety, and unit operations while mentoring new staff and aiding admissions.

On-site work is required, with a potential 5% premium for three on-site days per week. A free Orca transit card is provided. CPR certification and WA nursing credentials are required.

Qualifications

• Must have current unencumbered Washington State Nursing Assistant Registration, Nursing Assistant Certification, or Washington State CMA certification.
• Three years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting.
• High School diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care and security under RN supervision.
• Assist with patient admissions and orient patients to the ward.
• Take vitals, height/weight, and inventory personal items.
• Perform fire drills and safety inspections as assigned.
• De-escalate patients using therapeutic interventions.
• Assist in transferring patients between wards and managing supplies.

Skills

Nursing care

Crisis de-escalation

Patient safety

Communication

Teamwork

Infection control

Education

Nursing Assistant Registration

CPR certification

Job description

DSHS WSH Forensic Care Associate 3

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?

As the primary caregiver in a forensic center at a hospital, the psychiatric security attendant provides nursing care under the direction of a Registered Nurse to patients experiencing acute psychiatric illnesses, physical illnesses, and/or unsafe behavioral concerns. 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. Pierce County employees receive a free Orca card for transportation use.

Some of what you'll do:

• Provide mentoring, orientating to the ward and training on administrative tasks to new staff assigned to the wards.
• Assist with patient admissions by orienting them to the ward/living unit. Assist RN by taking vitals, height/weight, inventory personal items and clothing.
• If designated as the assigned fire marshal on the ward/living unit, perform fire drills on day shift per assigned hospital/facility schedule. Delegate tasks for the drill and ensure that ward/living unit staff know the proper protocols/procedures and follow them. Complete needed paperwork and forward to appropriate unit.
• Perform safety inspections of ward/living unit.
• Utilize information received from shift report during work shift to ensure patients and staff stay safe.
• Provide direct patient care and security to patients in the Forensic Services Unit under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN). Provide mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients with routine physical, emotional, psychological or rehabilitative care.
• Observe and document behaviors and changes in condition.
• Communicates information to the RN regarding changes of condition and clinical information.
• Deliver care per treatment plan.
• De-escalate patients using therapeutic interventions.
• Prepare patients for transfer to other wards/living units by performing an inventory of their personal items, gathering medical records, and then escort patient to new ward/living unit.
• Escort and transfer patients.
• Order/stock supplies and PPE, manage patient funds, inventory, and equipment checks.
• Initiate and track completion of work orders on ward/living unit. Inform contractors/maintenance staff of the issue and ensure their safety while on the ward/living unit.
• Perform equipment audits.

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?

Professionals that meet the following criteria:

• Current unencumbered Washington State Nursing Assistant Registration, Nursing Assistant Certified certification, or a current unencumbered Washington State Certified Medical Assistant Certification
• Three year's experience* in a psychiatric or mental health setting
• High School diploma or GED

Please Note:

• A current Washington State Food Worker Card is required, or the ability to obtain a Food Worker Card within 14 days of employment
• Must maintain current CPR certification

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

Information regarding Washington State Food Worker Cards can be found.

Questions? Email [e-mail] and reference 08740.

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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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 (Np) 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. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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