Admissions Clinical Social Worker

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Virginia — Central State Hospital in Petersburg seeks an Admissions Clinical Social Worker to guide admissions, treatment, and discharge planning for behavioral health patients. The role emphasizes person-centered evaluations and collaboration with CSBs.

You will develop treatment and discharge plans, deliver counseling, and maintain timely documentation in line with hospital standards. Requires MSW and experience in intake, assessment, and discharge planning.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work (MSW) required.
• Experience in case management, discharge planning, and intake assessments.
• Experience with individual, group and family therapy is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Guide patients through admission, treatment, and discharge processes.
• Lead person-centred evaluations and develop collaborative treatment plans.
• Coordinate with patients, families, CSBs and interdisciplinary teams; document thoroughly.

Skills

Social work principles

Case management

Advanced assessment

Counseling

Interviewing

Treatment planning

Communication

NASW ethics

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Education

MSW

Job description

Title: Admissions Clinical Social Worker

State Role Title: 49015

Hiring Range: $70,701.00 - $97,567.00

Pay Band: 5

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, with a scheduled completion date of 2027.

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.

Central State Hospital is recruiting for an Admissions Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals receiving behavioral health care. In this engaging and dynamic role, the Social Worker will guide patients through the admission, treatment, and discharge process by leading person‑centered evaluations, developing collaborative treatment and discharge plans, and delivering therapeutic interventions that support recovery and community reintegration. This position works closely with patients, families, Community Services Boards (CSBs), community partners, and interdisciplinary treatment teams to ensure seamless coordination of care and strong advocacy for patient needs. Ideal candidates will excel at building relationships, navigating complex clinical and community systems, and maintaining high‑quality, timely documentation in alignment with protocols and hospital standards. With opportunities for professional growth, ongoing training, and participation in department and hospital initiatives, this role offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to our mission while empowering individuals on their path to wellness.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Successfully Perform the Job:

• Knowledge of the principles, theories, practices, services and techniques of social work, preferably with the forensic and/or civilly committed mentally ill population.
• Knowledge and demonstrated ability to provide case management and coordinate resources for patients.
• Knowledge and demonstrated ability of advanced assessment skills.
• Ability and skills in providing individual and group educational/supportive/insight counseling as well as family therapy.
• Ability to interview and gather pertinent information from patients and family.
• Ability to individually and in conjunction with interdisciplinary teams, develop goals and implement treatment plans according to patient needs and problems.
• Knowledge, skills and ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Knowledgeable regarding NASW Code of Ethics.
• Ability to perform duties at a fast pace with frequent change.
• Ability to interact with other professionals as a contributing team member.

** This position will cover other assignments that may include but is not limited to, committee assignments, special projects, transportation, coverage for various positions, weekend coverage as needed, etc. **

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work.
• Experience in social work as it relates to case management and discharge planning.
• Experience with intake/assessments, treatment planning and individual, group and family therapy.
• Possession of a Valid Driver’s License and must have the ability to provide transportation in a state vehicle as requested.

Additional Considerations

• Knowledge of forensic mental health is desirable.
• Prior inpatient social work experience.

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]

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 800-552-5019.

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.