DSHS WSH Forensic Care Associate 2

About the role

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 part of the team, you’ll help people obtain their treatment goals who have been diagnosed with behavioral health conditions and are awaiting competency restoration.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current WA Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR) or Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC/CNA) or Medical Assistant (MA).

Qualifications

Social science college course work may be substituted for the behavioral health work experience on a year‑for‑year basis. Applicants with two years of direct care experience working with individuals diagnosed with behavioral health issues, a current WA Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with psychiatric nurse training, or completion of a 12‑month in‑training plan as a Forensic Care Associate 1 may be considered for the Forensic Care Associate 2 level.

Skills

• Patience in delivering quality health care and daily living assistance.
• Willingness to de‑escalate behavioral issues in a calm, non‑threatening manner as a team member.
• Ability to comprehend and communicate effectively verbally and in writing with patients, peers, management, and the public.
• Capable of providing patient safety and comfort through attention to general health and assistance with daily hygiene issues.

Benefits

• Opportunities performed on‑site at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay.
• Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
• Multiple employment types available: permanent,