Positions assist with the care of mentally ill patients in a state hospital or community residential treatment facility.

Within a psychiatric treatment facility, provides personal care services and general therapeutic procedures for mentally ill patients.

Assists with performs environmental and safety rounds at intervals determined by patient population, physician’s order, or operational need;

Assists with continuously monitoring patients for changes in behavior and for symptoms of physical illness. Reports findings to the Registered Nurse and document findings in the medical record. Carries out the plan of care as assigned;

Implements and documents treatment strategies as outlined in the patient treatment plan; observes, records and reports patient symptoms and reactions;

Therapeutically engages with mentally ill, civilly committed patients throughout the work shift;

Participates in providing a therapeutic environment through recognition of patient behavior and guidance toward more rational behavior;

Monitors patients during escorting, recreational activities and therapeutic activities occurring off the ward and patient care unit;

Assists patients with activities of daily living (eating, bathing, dressing, mobility, toileting, maintenance of living space) and encourage them to perform these activities;

Provides for patient safety and comfort through attention to general health and assistance and guidance in cleanliness, grooming, rest, activity and nourishment;

Monitors patients during medication passes and after medication passes as assigned;

Responds to medical/psychiatric/environmental emergencies per facility protocol unit codes;

Maintains an attractive and comfortable work environment;

Participates in training drills (fire drills, CPR, etc.);

Submits work orders as needed;

Encourages, supervises, and participates with patients in group or individual recreational, social and relates activities;

Assists in the maintenance of, the inventory of, and the security of patient belongings;

Management of ward supplies;

Promotes better understanding of hospital policies in contacts with patients' relatives;

Escorts patients to appointments and activities on and off-facility grounds;

Participates in in-service education program;

Performs other related work as required.

Knowledge of: hospital or facility procedures and processes; de-escalation processes; blood-borne pathogen protocols, CPR, non-violent crisis intervention, seclusion/restraint procedures, patient rights, trauma-informed care principles, preventing patient abuse/neglect, computer skills.

Ability to: interact therapeutically with patients and professionally and respectfully with co-workers at all times, take direction from Registered Nurses and other staff; exhibit resilience and be willing to interact with and listen to verbally and physically aggressive patients; observe multiple patients and teammates the entire work shift to ensure the work environment remains safe; work closely with members of the ward/living unit team to effectively and creatively move patients towards their treatment goals; be flexible in
moving quickly from one task to another; have compassion and concern for patients and treat patients and staff with respect, kindness and consideration. learn skills necessary in caring for psychiatric patients; apply principles of personal hygiene; recognize patient personal rights and treat individuals with respect, kindness and consideration; follow written and oral instructions; secure and maintain patient confidence.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Positions in this job classification require a current, unincumbered Washington State Nurse Assistant Registration.




Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

High school graduation or equivalent.

AND

A Nursing Assistant Registration or Certified Nursing Assistant certificate or Medical Assistant Certification.

New class Effective May 28, 1986.

Revised November 14, 1986: Code change (formerly 3881). Revised minimum qualifications: 4-20-00.

New class code: (formerly 56650) effective July 1, 2007

Salary adjustment and revisions to the definition: adopted June 30, 2017, effective July 1, 2017.
Revised class specification; added class series concept and distinguishing characteristic, revised definition, typical work, knowledge and abilities and desired qualifications. Adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023



Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.