Forensic Care Associate

DSHS WSH Forensic Care Associate 3

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? Western State Hospital's Gage Center of Forensic Excellence is seeking a Forensic Care Associate 3 to join our dedicated team in Lakewood.

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. Pierce County employees receive a free Orca card for transportation use.

Some Of What You'll Do

• 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.
• Communicates 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.
• Order/stock supplies and PPE, manage patient funds, inventory, and equipment checks.
• Initiate and track completion of work orders on ward/living unit.
• Inform contractors/maintenance staff of the issue and ensure their safety while on the ward/living unit.
• Perform equipment audits.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities We Are Looking For

• 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.

Who should apply?

Professionals That Meet The Following Criteria

• Current unencumbered Washington State Nursing Assistant Registration, Nursing Assistant Certified certification, or a current unencumbered Washington State Certified Medical Assistant Certification.
• Three years' experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting.
• High School diploma or GED.

Please Note

• 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 at ***email_hidden*** and reference job number 04990.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own 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 vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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.

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 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.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information .

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Do you have three years of experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting?

• Yes
• No

In the space provided please enter the Credential Number and type of license for your NAR (Nursing Assistant Registration), NAC (Nursing Assistant Certification), or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). If you have an out of state registration/certification please indicate the number and the issuing state. If you do not have either of these write "none"

• Required Question