07/01/1995 30100

FORENSIC SECURITY EMPLOYEE TRAINEE

DEFINITION:

This is beginning level non-professional nursing work of a training nature in a specialized occupational field providing care to the mentally disabled patients at institutions with forensic units or at Farview.

An employee in this class participates in formal and on-the-job training courses to acquire the basic knowledges and develop skills, abilities and attitudes necessary to perform non-professional routine nursing and attendant duties in caring for mentally ill who may have been placed through the criminal justice system for diagnosis and intensive treatment on the basis of the least restrictive alternative, as mandated by mental health commitment laws. The type of patient involved requires the applications of special precautions to prevent injury to employees and patients and to prevent escape. Training and initial work assignments are performed according to detailed instructions under the immediate supervision of a higher level Forensic Security Employee, Nurse or Physician. Assignments increase in difficulty as experience is acquired. Work is performed according to established rules and regulations and is reviewed by assigned Forensic Security Employees through personal observation, inspections and performance evaluation.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Participates in in-service training program concerned with developing knowledges, skills, and abilities required for adequate care of mentally ill patients who may have been placed through the criminal justice system for diagnosis and intensive treatment on the basis of the least restrictive alternative, as mandated by mental health commitment laws.

Learns basic skills, techniques, and attitudes necessary for acceptable performance at the next higher level in the care and custody of the mentally ill placed through the criminal justice system.

Assists higher level personnel in carrying out some of their duties.

Assists Forensic Security Employees and other staff personnel in accordance with specific instructions.

Assists in supervising patients and participates in the performance of housekeeping duties in wards and corridors.

Learns techniques in the care and treatment of patients.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Ability to learn basic nursing procedures and patient care and the methods and techniques of discipline required for persons under restraint.

Ability to learn the materials used and the processes involved in ward housekeeping operations.

Ability to learn to control and direct patients individually and in groups and to act quickly in emergencies.

Ability to learn to control acutely disturbed and dangerous patients safely and to prevent injury to employees and the patients.

Ability to learn to keep and maintain simple records.

Ability to follow simple oral and written instructions.

Ability, physically, to perform required duties satisfactorily.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Completion of the tenth school grade;

                                                                                                                              or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.