DSHS Nursing Assistant Job Opening

DSHS Psychiatric Security Attendant - Nursing Assistant

Western State Hospital is seeking motivated Nursing Assistants with a passion for helping people with mental health issues. In this role you will provide nursing care and ward security. Come be part of a team which helps people on their way to recovery and join us on our mission to Transform Lives!

We currently have multiple opportunities for permanent, temporary, and on-call employment. Please select the shift/s and employment type that interest you in the supplemental question section of the application.

Some of what you'll do:

• Maintain order, discipline and security in housing and treatment areas
• Protect employees and patients from acts of violence from uncooperative patients
• Inspect patient quarters for cleanliness and order
• Search quarters and persons for contraband; escorts patients on outside trips
• Observe patients for unusual or significant behavior
• Participate in directed treatment plan for patients
• Participate in providing therapeutic environment through acceptance of patient behavior and guidance toward more rational behavior
• Provide 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 ward environment;
• Assist the nurses in the administration of medications and treatments prescribed by a physician
• Prepare and care for patients receiving treatments administered by the physician
• Encourage and supervise patients in group or individual recreational, social, and related activities, and acts as patient escort

• 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
• Must be able to position, transfer, move, and contain potentially assaultive or self-harming patients
• Ability to provide for patient safety and comfort through attention to general health and assistance in accomplishing daily hygiene issues
• Ability to pursue and contain an escape risk
• Current Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) or Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR)
• A current Washington State Food Worker Card or ability to obtain a Food Worker Card within 14 days of employment
• Maintain CPR certification

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 (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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