DSHS WSH Forensic Care Associate 2

State of Washington•Pierce County – Lakewood, WA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

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 are waiting for 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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.
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.

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.