Unit Supervisor (Safety) - Various Programs

Job Description and Duties

The Unit Supervisor (Safety) will be directed by Program Management via the Nursing Coordinator or Program Assistant at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

• Schedules nursing staff on the unit to meet standards of coverage and reviews unit overtime, use of unscheduled time off, and initiate corrective action, as needed.

• Schedules and directs the activities of nursing service personnel assigned to a level of care unit during a 24-hour period.

• Supervises and ensures subordinate staff are accounting for all utensils to prevent their use as weapons; inspecting and shaking down patients for hazardous contraband and inspecting unit for possible security breaches that may signal an impending escape attempt.

• Takes an active role in implementing operations to meet departmental and hospital EEO standards.

• Assures performance standards are met, as required by hospital policy and relevant State law, through the annual performance evaluation process.

• Responsible for unit operations, which includes effectively communicating and ensuring staff are following Administrative Directives, Nursing Procedures and Program Policies.

• Monitors and maintains unit compliance with JCAHO and Licensure standards.

• Ensures audit systems are in place and used on their unit for procedures including restraint/seclusion, security inspections, daybooks, shakedown logs, and RN/PT required documentation and monitors these on a regular basis for compliance.

• Reviews Emergency Drills, Fire Drills, Pharmacy audits, SIR’s and associated reports.

• Responsible for twenty-four-hour supervision of a treatment unit in maintaining a clean, safe, secure, non-violent environment.

• Adjusts regular schedule to provide leadership and supervision on the unit periodically and during critical situations or when directed by Program Management.

• Promotes effective interdisciplinary treatment teamwork and establishes an environment conducive to the framework of Biopsychosocial Rehabilitation.

• Supervises the delivery of treatments and medications and ensuring all policies are being followed.

• Applies and demonstrates knowledge of Trauma Informed Care (TIC) and correct methods in Therapeutic Strategies and Interventions (TSI), that includes patient

containment, heavy lifting, applying restraints, and responding to emergency

situations throughout the hospital. Investigates and adjusts or recommends solutions to complaints from forensic patients.

• Familiarity with applicable nursing service bargaining contracts; monitors supervisory interventions on their unit to prevent potential labor contract violations.

• Cooperative and positive in work group meetings and able to effectively communicate information to staff.

Eligibility: To be considered for this career opportunity, applicants must have eligibility by way of one of the folowing: reachable on a certification list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications specified in the examination bulletin/classification specifications.

If you do not have eligibility, you must take the exam. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy.

Click on the link to complete the Department of State Hospitals Recruitment Survey: DSH Recruitment Survey

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position requires you to work within the Secured Treatment Area (STA).

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
• The position(s) require(s) a(n) CA Registered Nurse or CA Psychiatric Technician License. You will be required to provide a copy of your license prior to being hired.

You MUST provide your current California Registered Nurse License Number or current California Psychiatric Technician License Number on your application. Only applicants who have a Psychiatric Technician or Registered Nurse license free and clear of disciplinary action will be offered an interview.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Medical Benefits (health, dental, and vision)
• Work life balance (some positions qualify for flexible work hours and schedules, and a minimum of 10 days of paid leave annually – specific accrual rates can be found here )
• Paid Holidays and leave (family medical leave, military leave, etc)
• Defined benefit retirement program with CalPERS
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• School loan forgiveness under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Commute Program
• Employee Wellness Program (discounts to health clubs)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• ScholarShare (college savings account)
• On-the-job training and professional development
• Most positions qualify for annual raises until you reach the maximum salary for that position, subject to meeting performance standards

Additional Information

• Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.
• Applications postmarked on the final filing date will be accepted.
• Scanned, copied, or faxed applications will not be accepted.
• Applications will be screened and only the most competitive will be offered an interview.
• Any limited-term appointments may transition in to a permanent appointment.
• Selected candidates will be required to submit to a criminal history review utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
• This position requires candidates to pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Other - You MUST provide your current California Registered Nurse License Number or current California Psychiatric Technician License Number on your application. Only applicants who have a Psychiatric Technician or Registered Nurse license free and clear of disciplinary action will be offered an interview.
• Other -
  • If using State Civil Service Out of Class (OOC) experience to meet minimum qualifications, candidates must provide a copy of the approved OOC Completion Memorandum certifying their OOC experience. Failure to submit the required documents will result in the OOC experience not being applied towards meeting the minimum qualifications of the classification.
    If you are not basing your eligibility on OOC experience, you may instead use the bypass option (when applying, select Choose/Upload for the required document and then select Bypass File).