• Provide nursing and therapeutic care to patients with psychiatric and physical illnesses
• Observe, record, and report changes in patient condition and behaviors
• Report clinical information such as patient vital signs, collect specimens, complete ward rounds, and take patient census
• Provide physical support/interventions for clients using program-approved methods which may include moving or transferring
• Assist, manage, and coordinate the safety and security of patients' personal possessions
• Encourage patients to participate in individual and group activities
• Intervene when patients exhibit high-risk behaviors
• Promote recovery principles in interactions and interventions with patients
• Escort patients on and off of hospital grounds

• A high school diploma or GED or higher
• Two years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting
• A current Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) or Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC/CNA) within the State of Washington

• Ability to communicate through oral and written forms of communication with management, peers, patients, and the public
• Skills to assist with potentially assaultive or self-harming patients
• Working knowledge of group behavior and dynamics
• Experience in intervening and de-escalating crisis/dangerous situations

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 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? Please contact Sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 05203.

Supplemental Information

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 & 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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