DSHS ESH Forensic Care Associate

Are you ready to make a profound impact in a psychiatric hospital setting, working directly with individuals at a critical juncture in their mental health recovery? Eastern State Hospital is seeking a Forensic Care Associate 3 to join our dedicated team in Medical Lake, WA.

Our Forensic Care Associates (FCAs) provide 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 hospital's vision, philosophy, and mission, and delivers care within the framework of the recovery model based on the 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.

• Provide mentoring, orientating to the ward, and training on administrative tasks to new staff assigned to the wards
• 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
• De‑escalate patients using therapeutic interventions
• Communicate information to the RN regarding changes of condition and clinical information
• Assist with patient admissions by orienting them to the ward/living unit
• Assist RN by taking vitals, height/weight, and inventory of personal items and clothing
• If designated as the assigned fire marshal on the ward/living unit, perform fire drills on the day shift per the assigned hospital/facility schedule
• Perform safety inspections of the ward/living unit
• Utilize information received from shift reports during work shifts to ensure patients and staff stay safe

• A strong understanding of psychiatric illnesses and recovery principles
• The ability to remain calm and therapeutic in high‑stress or crisis situations
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with peers, management, and patients
• Experience in de‑escalating potentially volatile situations
• Knowledge of hospital safety protocols and infection control practices
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and mentor new staff
• Physical stamina and mobility for responding to emergencies, including the ability to assist in patient transfers and crisis intervention
• Demonstrate proficient operation of the following equipment:
  Computer, copy machine, metal detector, and patient lifting equipment

• 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

Information regarding NAR with the State of Washington can be found here. Information regarding Washington State Food Worker Cards can be found here.

Questions? Email the recruiter nandez.gov and reference job number 01020.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license.

Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs, or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or

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