ABOUT NWRC
Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) is a multi-service agency that covers the Washington counties of Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom, with offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon, Washington. NWRC’s slogan: “Human services with you at the center” encapsulates its focus on creating new solutions to navigate the challenges of aging and disability, proactive paths to behavioral health and recovery, and new partnerships between healthcare and social services.
JOIN US
NWRC’s values are centered on the concepts of respect, inclusiveness, and striving to foster a healthy work environment for all employees. With these values in mind, we will do our part to support and further diversity, equity, and inclusion not only in our workplace, but in our communities. Toward this goal, we invite candidates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply and help shape the future of NWRC.
JAIL HEALTH PROGRAM
NWRC provides health services in the Whatcom County Jail following the requirements set out by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care Standards. The most prevalent health conditions affecting residents in the jail are addiction, mental illness, systemic infections, diabetes, hypertension, cardiac and gastrointestinal disorders, and traumatic injury. In the last 5 years, our jail health program has implemented a Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) program, became a vaccine provider, and implemented an electronic medical records system.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
Our jail health staff provide services in the Whatcom County Jail 14 hours per day, 365 days per year including:
Passing medications
Substance Use Disorder treatment
Drug and alcohol withdrawal assessment and treatment
Emergency response and triage
Patient intake screenings
Focused assessments
Wound care
Immunizations and injections
Responding to patients' medical requests
Assisting with managing provider clinics, such as doctor, dentist, and ARNP
Collaborating directly with the behavioral health team and psychiatric provider
Collaborating directly with the corrections team
Performing physicals
Phlebotomy and lab specimen collection
The Whatcom County Jail is a controlled environment with security protocols that promote a safe working environment. Nurses work closely with correctional officers who are trained to navigate safety situations that may arise, and nurses are not expected to remain in or manage unsafe situations. Surveillance systems are in place throughout the facility as well as immediate access to a radio. NWRC welcomes questions about the correctional nursing environment – please reach out if you have any questions.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
10-Step pay range: $42.89 - $55.97 hourly
NWRC salary ranges are comprised of a 10-Step scale. On their employment anniversary, employees are eligible for an annual pay increase to the next step in the associated salary range, subject to satisfactory performance. In addition to the annual pay increases, NWRC assesses cost of living adjustments (COLA) on an annual basis, subject to Governing Board approval. New employees at NWRC usually start at the first step in the position’s assigned salary range. NWRC may consider a higher step when evaluating the candidate’s experience, training, or proven capability. Internal equity will be reviewed and prioritized when determining a starting pay rate.
As a full-time, permanent, non-exempt role, this position is eligible for the following benefits:
100% Employer paid medical for individual employee plans and up to 95% paid medical for dependent coverage plans, with multiple plan options
100% Employer paid Dental and Vision for the employee and eligible dependents with multiple plan options
Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS 2 or PERS 3)
100% Employer paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employee & dependents
Life and Long-term Disability insurance, including voluntary buy-up options
Vacation Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month & increasing with longevity
Sick Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month
12 Paid Holidays Annually
3 Paid Wellness Days Annually
Voluntary Flex Spending Plans for health and/or child/elder care
Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program
Set Schedule: 4 10-hour shifts: Wednesday-Saturday 10:30am-9pm
Note: NWRC meets the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) definition of a public service organization.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience:
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
Minimum one-year recent experience in clinical setting, correctional nursing preferred.
Obtain required continuing education annually.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to read, speak, and understand the English language.
Ability to work well with a diverse population and maintain professional communications and boundaries.
Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
Ability to deal tactfully with staff members, custody, community, governmental agencies, families, and the public.
Ability to accurately relay information concerning a patient’s condition.
Ability to manage the stressors of the position.
Possess leadership and decision-making ability and work harmoniously with personnel.
Ability to perform all nursing skills appropriate to licensure required in the corrections setting and use office equipment necessary to document and conduct daily activities.
Knowledge of National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) nursing and medical practices, policies, procedures, as well as legal regulations and guidelines.
Experience in correctional nursing preferred.
Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements:
Current license as Registered Nurse in Washington State – unencumbered & CPR certification.
Current Washington State driver's license, acceptable driving record, appropriate liability insurance, access to reliable transportation and willingness to travel between jail sites.
Pass a required Criminal Records Background Check upon hire and annually thereafter
Obtain security clearance through corrections department upon hire.
Tuberculin test upon employment and annually thereafter.
RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PROCESS
Please submit an application through our recruitment platform: https://nwrc.bamboohr.com/careers/36. After reviewing the applications, the NWRC will contact the most qualified candidates to participate in a selection process consisting of job-related selection exercises. NWRC will make reasonable accommodation upon request for those individuals with disabilities.
