The Psychiatric Security Attendant (PSA) in the Gage Center of Forensic Services provides support services to the Treatment and Recovery Center and ward-based treatment services under the direction of a Therapies Supervisor. The position works with psychiatric and physically ill patients at Western State Hospital, a secure facility. The PSA may be deployed to other areas of the forensic program.
 
Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

 Some of what you’ll do:

• Maintains order, safety, and security in accordance with Gage/ CFS security manual, protocol, and procedures in treatment malls, in housing areas, and area(s) as assigned; Acts as patient escort; Monitors Hall and bathroom areas of treatment malls. 
• Use de-escalation skills emphasizing utilization of less restrictive interventions; Safely, physically, and therapeutically intervene with patient exhibiting high risk behaviors. 
• Inspects patient care areas for cleanliness and order, searches these areas for any safety concerns or contraband; Provides for patient safety and comfort through attention to general health and assistance and guidance in cleanliness, grooming, rest, activity, and nourishment; maintains an attractive and comfortable treatment environment 
• Participates in providing therapeutic environment through acceptance of patient behavior and guidance toward safe, adaptive behavior; supervises patients in group or individual recreational, social, and related activities
• Use skill in inter-personal relations; apply basic nursing & therapeutic principles; learn skills necessary in caring for psychiatric patients; treat individuals with respect, kindness, and consideration; secure patient cooperation and confidence; learn and apply security regulations and patient personal rights; observe and learn habits and attitudes of patients: control and direct patient individually and in groups; discuss patients’ problems and offer advice; recognize patient problems which should be brought to attention of supervisor; follow oral and written instructions

What we are looking for:

• Ability to work as a team member and to resolve personal conflicts in a calm, non-threatening manner. 
• Must be able to comprehend and communicate effectively verbally and in writing with management, peers, clients, and the public. 
• Be able to use interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with psychiatric patients with varying degrees of social skill and psychiatric symptoms. 
• Ability to treat individuals with kindness, respect, and consideration. 
• Understand and support patient rights and responsibilities. 
• Possess the ability to pursue and contain an escape risk with provided training.
• Ability to communicate (written and verbal) clearly and in a professional manner with referring treatment teams, judges and attorneys, colleagues, patients, and other stakeholders. 
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of court decisions and state and federal laws related to patients under 10.77 and 71.05 
• Cognitive & emotional flexibility and creative problem-solving abilities are required. Possess intermediary skills utilizing word processing and working with online forms and documents. 

 Who should apply:

• Must have current Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration or able to obtain within 60 days of hire
• Registration as a nursing assistant is required
• Current Food Handler’s Permit or the ability to obtain one within 14 days of hire. 
• Two years of experience in direct care of psychiatric patients
• College level course work in one of the social sciences may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis

Information regarding NAR with the State of Washington can be found here.
Information regarding Washington State Food Worker Cards can be found here.
  
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?  Contact Elly.Price@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 01415.

NOTE: Employees of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Any offer of employment is contingent upon verification of your vaccine status. Please note medical or religious accommodation may be available once an offer of employment is made.