DSHS WSH Forensic Care Associate 3

State of Washington•Pierce County – Lakewood, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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
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

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.