Job Description

Posting number: 2026-06465

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: FORENSIC CARE ASSOCIATE 2

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Health Services, Mental Health, Social Services, Human Services, Customer Service, Counseling

DSHS ESH Forensic Care Associate2

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 2 to join our dedicated team in Medical Lake, WA.

Within the State Hospitals, the Forensic Care Associate (FCA) provides patient care and security at the treatment mallunder the direction of a Registered Nurse, to patients with acute psychiatric and physical illnesses and increased high risk behaviors. The FCA, actively supports the hospitals' vision, philosophy, mission, and delivers care within the framework of the recovery model based on 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.

Some of what you'll do:

• Perform patient and environmental observation at the treatment mall through documentation.
• Complete 15 minutes security checks and secure all floors of the treatment mall.
• Educate patients on groups offered and encourage participation in programming.
• Monitor common areas for environmental security and safety issues as per Rehab/hospital policies.
• Lead, co-lead groups and document participation, offer and run alternative treatment mall programming.
• Make sure group leaders have needed supplies and assist them in acquiring needed supplies.
• Ensure group leaders are present for groups and let them know whether absent patients are excused/ refused/ attending alternate programming.
• Provide routine physical, emotional, psychological or rehabilitative care to patients with psychiatric diagnoses and challenging behaviors. Observe and document behaviors and changes in condition.
• Observe and document patient behaviors and any changes in condition.
• Communicates information to the RN3 regarding changes of condition and clinical information.
• De-escalate patients.
• Escort and transfer patients.
• Printing and preparation of patient rosters, distributing rosters to each room for leaders.

Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Must be able to communicate effectively with management, peers, patients, and the public as required to carry out the assigned duties of the position.
• Ability to work with unpleasant or angry patients in a therapeutic, non-threatening manner.
• Ability to work as a team member and to resolve personal conflicts in a calm, non-threatening manner.
• Experience in intervening and de-escalating crisis/dangerous situations.
• Knowledge of all hospital, state, and federal regulatory standards, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of mental illness and recovery principles.
• Demonstrate proficient operation of the following equipment: Computer, copy machine, metal detector, and patient lifting equipment.
• Demonstrates the principals of universal precautions and infection control practices.
• Demonstrate behavior which maintains, and respects patient's rights and promotes the patient's independence.
• Knowledge of mental illness/recovery principles.
• Knowledge of group facilitation.
• In-depth working knowledge of group behavior and dynamics.

Who should apply?

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

Information regarding NAR with the State of Washington can be found here