Abuse/Neglect Investigator

Dept Behavioral Health/Develop; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance plan options

Flexible spending accounts

Employer-paid group life insurance

Virginia Retirement System retirement

Paid holidays

Job summary

Dept Behavioral Health/Develop seeks an Abuse/Neglect Investigator at Central State Hospital in Petersburg, VA. This role protects patient rights, uncovers critical facts, and strengthens safety and accountability within a major psychiatric facility.

The ideal candidate brings energy, precision, and strong interviewing skills, with trauma-informed care understanding and solid judgment. Travel and background checks are part of the process.

Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, investigations, risk management, or compliance required.
• Experience conducting abuse/neglect or administrative investigations in a healthcare or institutional setting.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards (e.g., CMS, state licensing, patient rights requirements).
• Experience working with forensic or court-ordered psychiatric populations.
• Active valid Virginia Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Investigate abuse/neglect within Central State Hospital to protect patient rights and safety.
• Document findings clearly and thoroughly, maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
• Coordinate with hospital departments to address identified risks and implement corrective actions.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to leadership and relevant agencies.
• Support a culture of safety, ethics, and accountability across the facility.

Skills

Healthcare experience

Investigations experience

Regulatory standards familiarity

Forensic psychiatric experience

Virginia Driver's License

Job description

Title: Abuse/Neglect Investigator

State Role Title: 49171

Hiring Range: $47,511 - $72,450

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central State Hospital

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/csh/

Recruitment 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.

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.

Step into a role where your investigative skill and passion for protecting others make a real, daily impact. At Central State Hospital, we are seeking a driven Abuse/Neglect Investigator ready to champion patient rights, uncover critical truths, and strengthen a culture of safety and accountability. If you’re energized by meaningful work, thrive under pressure, and want to be part of a team that makes a difference, this is the opportunity to elevate your career and your purpose.

The ideal candidate will be someone who brings energy, precision, and purpose to every investigation. They’re a natural problem‑solver who thrives in fast‑paced environments, juggling multiple cases while maintaining impeccable organization and accuracy. Their communication skills set them apart—they write with polish, speak with confidence, and excel at gathering information through calm, compassionate, and effective interviewing. They understand trauma‑informed care, exercise excellent judgment, and uphold the highest ethical standards. With strong policy interpretation skills, tech proficiency, and proven supervisory experience, they’re ready to tackle challenging cases and help elevate safety across the hospital.

Why Work at Central State Hospital?

At Central State Hospital, you can build a rewarding public-service career while contributing to the care and recovery of individuals with complex behavioral health needs. Employees benefit from a collaborative team environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the stability of employment with the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Eligible salaried employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Health insurance plan options
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employer-paid group life insurance
• Virginia Retirement System retirement benefits
• Voluntary deferred compensation savings
• Fourteen+ Paid holidays
• Annual leave
• Sick leave and family and personal leave
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Employee Assistance Program services
• Employee wellness programs
• Employee discount programs
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, based on individual circumstances. For additional information, visit the DHRM State Employee Resources webpage.

Benefits and eligibility vary based on employment status and are subject to applicable Commonwealth policies and plan requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, investigations, risk management, or compliance required.
• Experience conducting abuse/neglect or administrative investigations in a healthcare or institutional setting.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards (e.g., CMS, state licensing, patient rights requirements).
• Experience working with forensic or court-ordered psychiatric populations.
• Active valid Virginia Driver's License

Additional Considerations

Preferred:

• Knowledge of psychiatric hospital operations and patient populations preferred.

Background Investigation

All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre-employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position. Under Virginia Code §§ 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers, individuals convicted of specific (\"barrier\") crimes or those with pending \"barrier\" charges.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify Human Resources at 1-804-524-7111 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Equal Opportunity

The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.* There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.

Veteran Preference

DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. We highly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply and respond accordingly on the state application.

Benefits

DBHDS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including your choice of health plans, paid life insurance, retirement plans, 13 paid holidays, annual leave, family personal leave, sick leave, employee discount programs, and more!

SOEI

Per the Code of Virginia §2.2-3114, persons occupying positions of trust within state government or non-salaried citizens of policy and supervisory boards file a disclosure statement with the Commonwealth’s Ethics Advisory Council, as a condition to assuming office or employment, and thereafter shall file such a statement annually on or before February 1. Additionally, per Executive order, positions of trust include senior-level positions with responsibility affecting legislative policies and rule‑making authority or substantive authorization and decision‑making regarding policy, contracts and procurement, audits, licensure, inspections and investigations, and investments or other financial matters. Sections 2.2-3128 through 2.2-3131 of the Code of Virginia require that each employee within a position of trust complete COIA training within two months of their hire date and at least once every two years after the initial training. This position is identified as a position of trust within the agency.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

AHP Letter

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.