Behavioral Health Technician

Virginia Dept of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician for a job in Colonial Heights, Virginia.

• Specialty: Behavioral Health Technician
• Discipline: Allied Health Professional
• Start Date: ASAP
• Duration: Ongoing
• 40 hours per week
• Employment Type: Staff

Title: Psych Tech III

State Role Title: 49053

Hiring Range: $37,405.00 to Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central State Hospital

Agency Website:  Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277 bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has proudly been serving citizens of the Commonwealth since 1870, when we opened our doors as the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is currently under construction on the same property, with a scheduled completion date of 2026.

CSH maintains the only maximum-security treatment facility in the state (111 beds). We also have 166 beds available for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system. We believe that treatment should be holistic and focused on the person’s individual needs, recognizing that recovery is not linear or the same for every person. Treatment modalities may include medication, evidence-based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, preparation for court, and treatment for substance use.

Psychiatric Technicians work directly with patients to achieve therapeutic goals through activities of daily living, attend to patients’ problems and concerns, encourage patients in activities, provide intervention for behavior problems and crisis situations, and promote patients’ awareness and coping skills to deal with realities of judicial controls. These positions require working with patients that may become verbally and/or physically aggressive. Consequently, as a Psychiatric Technician you are responsible for understanding and using the least restrictive interventions per hospital policy and to successfully avoid the use of seclusion and restraint, whenever possible.

The ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.).

The ability to walk and/or stand a minimum of 75% of time while on shift; bend at the waist and knees, use upper extremities (hands) to hold, grasp and manipulate work materials, and the ability to administer CPR.

Minimum Qualifications

The experience we’re looking to add to our team:
Must have experience as a CNA/Aide/Tech providing direct care to individuals with mental illness, substance abuse issues, and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities in a healthcare or mental health setting.

Must have a valid Virginia driver’s license.

Must be able to work ANY shift, weekends and overtime hours.

Additional Considerations

All full time CSH Nursing staff are assigned a primary shift and afforded the opportunity to participate in collaborative scheduling. However, this position is considered essential personnel and is required to work in the event of an emergency, pandemic or facility need. All CSH Nursing positions are required to work different shifts to include evenings, nights, weekends and holidays, and/or overtime as requested. Required to successfully complete TOVA (Therapeutic Options of Virginia) Training and CPR.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Central State Hospital only accepts online applications via PageUp. Resumes and other documents may accompany the application but will not serve as a substitute for an application. Faxed, e-mailed or mailed applications will not be accepted. Please refer to your PageUp account for the status of your application and this position. This posting will remain open for a minimum of five (5) business days.

An extensive criminal history background investigation, not limited to employment references, drug testing and E-Verify will be conducted.

Central State Hospital offers a comprehensive benefit package to include your choice of four health insurance plans, paid life insurance and retirement plans, 12 paid holidays, annual and sick leave.

Applicants must list all relevant experience that you wish to be considered for this position. Applicants will be provided confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position. A fingerprint-based criminal history check and reference checks are required for the selected candidate for this position. Under Virginia Code §37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is prohibited from employing or using as volunteers, persons who have been convicted of specific “barrier” crimes or persons who may be the subject of pending “barrier” charges.

DBHDS facilities are no longer required to ensure that all staff members are vaccinated against COVID-19. However, facilities encourage and educate staff on the benefits, and continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination programs to staff, residents/clients. Employees may be required to disclose immunization status for purposes of infection prevention and/or management of outbreaks.

Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS, to get their Certificate of Disability. To obtain a Certificate of Disability go to: or call DARS at .

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview process per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact Human Resources at for assistance.

DBHDS is an equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability. Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone:

Email:

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at .

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Virginia Dept of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services Job ID #5021535. Posted job title: Psych Tech Iii

The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

supports individuals by promotion recovery, self-determination and wellness in

all aspects of life.

A life of Possibilities for All Virginians

• Medical benefits
• Retention bonus
• Dental benefits
• Vision benefits
• Health Care FSA