DSHS WSH Forensic Care Associate 3

State of Washington • Pierce County – Lakewood, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Forensic Care Associate 3 provides nursing care and security to patients in the Forensic Services Unit of a psychiatric hospital under the direction of a Registered Nurse. The role supports the hospital’s vision, philosophy, and mission, delivering care within a recovery model based on patients’ strengths. Patients may be experiencing acute psychiatric or physical illnesses and/or unsafe behavioral concerns. The position is performed on-site. Work performed on-site at this 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.

The position includes direct patient care, observation and documentation, assistance with admissions and transfers, crisis de-escalation, ward safety activities, and support for staff training and orientation. It also involves administrative tasks and oversight of supplies, equipment, patient funds, maintenance requests, and safety procedures.

Candidates must have a current, unencumbered Washington State Nursing Assistant Registration, Nursing Assistant Certified certification, or Washington State Certified Medical Assistant certification; three years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting; and a high school diploma or GED. A Washington State Food Worker Card is required, or the ability to obtain one within 14 days of employment. Current CPR certification must be maintained.

Requirements

• Current, unencumbered Washington State Nursing Assistant Registration, Nursing Assistant Certified certification, or current, unencumbered Washington State Certified Medical Assistant certification.
• Three years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Current Washington State Food Worker Card, or ability to obtain one within 14 days of employment.
• Must maintain current CPR certification.
• Ability to communicate effectively with management, peers, patients, and the public as required to perform assigned duties.
• Ability to work with unpleasant or angry patients in a therapeutic, non-threatening manner.
• Ability to work as a team member and resolve personal conflicts calmly and in a non-threatening manner.
• Experience intervening in and de-escalating crisis or dangerous situations.
• Knowledge of hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of mental illness and recovery principles.
• Proficient operation of a computer, copy machine, metal detector, and patient lifting equipment.
• Knowledge and application of universal precautions and infection-control practices.
• Ability to respect and maintain patients’ rights and promote their independence.
• Knowledge of group facilitation and in-depth working knowledge of group behavior and dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Mentor, orient, and train new staff assigned to wards, including on administrative tasks.
• Assist with patient admissions by orienting patients to the ward or living unit.
• Assist the Registered Nurse by taking vital signs, measuring height and weight, and inventorying patients’ personal items and clothing.
• When designated as the ward or living unit fire marshal, conduct fire drills on day shift according to the assigned facility schedule, delegate drill tasks, ensure staff follow protocols, complete required paperwork, and forward it to the appropriate unit.
• Perform safety inspections of the ward or living unit and use information from shift reports to help keep patients and staff safe.
• Provide direct patient care and security to patients in the Forensic Services Unit under the direction of a Registered Nurse.
• Provide routine physical, emotional, psychological, or rehabilitative care to mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients.
• Observe and document patient behavior and changes in condition, and communicate changes and clinical information to the Registered Nurse.
• Deliver care according to treatment plans and de-escalate patients using therapeutic interventions.
• Prepare patients for transfer by inventorying their personal items, gathering medical records, and escorting them to another ward or living unit.
• Escort and transfer patients.
• Order and stock supplies and personal protective equipment; manage patient funds; and conduct inventory and equipment checks.
• Initiate and track work orders for the ward or living unit, inform contractors or maintenance staff about issues, and ensure their safety while they are on the ward or living unit.
• Perform equipment audits.

Benefits

• Potential additional 5% premium pay for eligible work performed on-site at least three days a week.
• Free ORCA card for transportation use for Pierce County employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED