Mental Health Worker

Title: Mental Health Worker

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: starting at $41,700 (commensurate based on experience)

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Western State Hospital

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Western State Hospital is seeking a full time Mental Health Worker to assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of psychosocial rehabilitation programs for patients with psychiatric illnesses; apply the theories and principles of human behavior as they relate to the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of psychiatric patients through group discussion, individual meetings, competency to stand trial restoration services, observation of behavior, development and implementation of therapeutic treatment plans and participation in therapeutic activities; and provide safe and effective individualized treatment in a recovery focused environment.

The Mental Health Worker will provide at least 10-12 hours of psychosocial groups and activities per week and complete required documentation for groups; provide between 8-10 hours of individual interventions per week, including, but not limited to, competency to stand trial restoration; assist in obtaining and administering behavioral reinforcements as indicated by behavioral treatment plans; coordinate patient requests for personal funds; and complete all annual mandatory training to competently use the EMR.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid Virginia Driver's License
• Training, education and/or experience in behavioral health or human services
• Prior experience beyond an introductory level within a behavioral health setting involving individual and/or group facilitation
• Basic computer skills
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in an interdisciplinary team setting with individuals who have a wide range of abilities and backgrounds
• Ability to successfully complete TO training, WSH CST restoration training, and all other WSH/DBHDS specific training

Additional Considerations

• College level coursework and/or certification in Psychology, Human Services, or related field
• Bilingual
• Veteran or veteran spouse

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.

Western State Hospital is a tobacco free facility in all state buildings and on facility grounds. Submit a completed state application online at if assistance is needed, contact by email To apply for a job, you must make sure that your online application is complete. MISSING INFORMATION IS AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION AND WILL NOT BE PROCESSED. Please make sure all telephone numbers/addresses are current and up-to-date. REMEMBER YOUR CONFIRMATION NUMBER. You have not completed applying for this position until you receive a confirmation number. If you are connected to a printer, print the confirmation number so that you can track the progress of your application and click on OK. If you are not connected to a printer, write down the confirmation number and then click on OK. Reasonable accommodations for the application and/or interview processes are available upon request to persons with disabilities per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Minorities, Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. WSH is an EEO compliance facility.

In accordance with Executive Directive #18, as a condition of employment, the Commonwealth of Virginia requires all Executive Branch employees, including new hires and contract workers, to disclose their vaccination status. If you are the selected candidate, proof of vaccination will be required during new employee orientation on your first day of work. Employees that are not vaccinated must be tested weekly.

Commonwealth's Alternate Hiring Process: 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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: , or call DARS at , or DBVI at

Contact Information

Name: Samantha Leep

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.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer