Forensic Care Associate 1-2 In Training – Nursing Assistants
 
Eastern State Hospital (ESH) 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 to our patients. As a part of our team, you’ll help people obtain their treatment goals who have been diagnosed with behavioral health conditions and are awaiting 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.
 
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.
 
 Some of what you will do

• 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 staff in 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, 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 outside trips

 
 Who should apply

• Those with a high school diploma or GED
• And, a current WA Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR) or Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC/CNA) or Medical Assistant (MA)

Preferred knowledge, skills, & abilities:

• Patience in delivering quality health care and daily living assistance
• As a team member, willing to deescalate behavioral health issues in a calm, non-threatening manner
• Comprehend and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing 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

All FCAs receive classroom and on-the-job training related to patient interaction, facility rules and procedures, and ward observation.

The goal class for this role described above is for a Forensic Care Associate 2. We may consider applicants at the FCA2 level if you have 2 years of work experience* in the direct care of people diagnosed with behavioral health issues or needing behavioral health care services, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, PTSD, substance abuse, or needing behavioral health care or psychiatric 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.

*Social science college course work may be substituted for the behavioral health work experience described above on a year-for-year basis.

Starting salary depends on your qualifications. And all training is paid training!
Forensic Care Associate 1: Step A $3,796.00/monthly ($21.82/hour) – Step M $5,088.00/monthly ($29.24/hour)
Forensic Care Associate 2: Step A $3,974.00/monthly ($22.84/hour) – Step M $5,341.00/monthly ($30.70/hour)

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS.
 

Interested?  Apply today!
 

 
Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform Lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s mission that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions about this opportunity? Please contact audrey.adams@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 09391.