DSHS WSH Forensic Care Associate 3

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

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

Skills and abilities

• 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.

Pay and benefits

• 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.