Job Details

DSHS ESH Mental Health Technician 2 (Behavioral Health Nurse Aide)

Eastern State Hospital is hiring dedicated Behavioral Health Nurse Aides, also known as Mental Health Technicians, to support individuals receiving inpatient treatment for behavioral health conditions. If you're passionate about helping others and eager to learn, this is a great opportunity to grow in the healthcare field while working alongside experienced Registered Nurses. We provide all the training you need to succeed. The care and support you offer in this role play a vital part in each patients journey toward recovery. We offer opportunities for permanent and on-call employment. In the Supplemental Questions section of your online application, you can indicate your preferences.

Part-Time opportunities: Must have at least two years of experience in Behavioral Health

On-Call opportunities: Must have at least two years of experience in Behavioral Health and be available to work a minimum of 24 hours per week, including every weekend and all holidays.

Some of what you will do:

• Provide direct nursing care to patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse
• Follow individual treatment plans in accordance with hospital, state, and federal standards, policies, and procedures
• Support patient safety and comfort by assisting with basic needs, daily activities, and managing personal belongings
• Identify and respond appropriately to escalating situations, using de-escalation techniques and team support when needed
• Assist with moving, transferring, escorting, and transporting patients to and from activities
• Communicate changes in patient condition and other clinical information to Registered Nurses and document appropriately

Who should apply? We're looking for applicants who have:

• A high school diploma or GED AND
• A current Washington State Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR), Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC/CNA), or Medical Assistant (MA) credential

Preferred knowledge, skills, & abilities:

• Demonstrated patience and compassion when providing healthcare and assistance with daily living activities
• Ability to recognize and deescalate behavioral health issues in a calm, respectful, and non-threatening manner
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with patients, coworkers, supervisors, and the public
• Awareness of patient safety protocols and the ability to ensure comfort and support in all aspects of care
• Attentiveness to patients general health and hygiene needs, including support with bathing, grooming, and personal care tasks
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team

All Mental Health Technicians receive classroom and on-the-job training in patient interaction, facility policies and procedures, and effective ward observation. The goal classification for this position is Mental Health Technician 2 (MHT2). Applicants may be considered at the MHT2 level if they have:

• Two years of experience providing direct care to individuals with behavioral health conditions, or
• Successfully completed a 12-month in-training plan as a Mental Health Technician 1 (MHT1).

Starting salary is based on your qualifications. All training is fully paid.

About Eastern State Hospital Located in the quiet community of Medical Lake, just 15 miles west of Spokane, Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is one of two state-operated psychiatric hospitals for adults in Washington. Since opening its doors in 1891, ESH has played a vital role in delivering inpatient evaluation, therapy, and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. The hospital operates 375 beds across its Eastlake and Westlake campuses and is accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Serving patients primarily from eastern Washington, ESH provides essential, court-ordered psychiatric care in a secure, recovery-focused environment on a peaceful, wooded campus.

Interested? Apply today! Please include three professional references with contact information. Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ...@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #05382.