See Forensic Care Associate 1.

Positions perform professional level patient care of mentally ill patients in a state hospital or community residential treatment facility.

Under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse, positions at this level are required to perform routine complex patient care, patient therapeutic interaction, activities of daily living, escorting, transporting, monitoring, de-escalation, and patient activities. Position assignments follow established guidelines, policies, procedures, and work methods. Work is reviewed for compliance with guidelines, policies, and procedure.

Performs rounds (census) in intervals determined by patient population, physician’s order, or operational need;

Constantly monitors patient behavior and movements and encourages compliance with treatment plan;

Monitors patients who are on danger-to-self, danger-to-others, or other protocols as assigned by nursing or medical staff;

Responds to emergent conditions on other wards/living units (codes);

Keeps the patient living environment clean and orderly;

Monitors patient meal times and assist food service staff as needed;

Escorts patients as needed to outside appointments;

Participates in training drills (fire, CPR, etc.);

Performs other related work as required.

Knowledge of: hospital or facility procedures and processes; de-escalation processes; blood-borne pathogen protocols, CPR, non-violent crisis intervention, seclusion/restraint procedures, patient rights, trauma-informed care principles, preventing patient abuse/neglect, computer skills.

Ability to: interact therapeutically with patients and professionally and respectfully with co-workers at all times, work collaboratively with other team members; respectfully provide direction to other staff; take direction from Registered Nurses; exhibit resilience and be willing to interact with verbally and physically aggressive patients; observe multiple patients and teammates the entire work shift to ensure the work environment remains safe; work closely with members of the ward/living unit team to effectively move patients towards their treatment goals; listen to patients and develop creative ways to help them move towards their treatment goals; be flexible in moving quickly from one task to another; have compassion and concern for patients and treat patients and staff with respect, kindness and consideration.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Positions in this job classification require a current, unincumbered Washington State Nurse Assistant Registration.

High school graduation or equivalent.

AND

Two years' experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting or completion of a Forensic Care Associate 1 in-training plan.

AND

A Nursing Assistant Registration or Certified Nursing Assistant certificate or Medical Assistant Certification.

New class: adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023