Admissions Clinical Social Worker

DHRM; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Central State Hospital in Petersburg, Virginia, is hiring an Admissions Clinical Social Worker to guide patients through admission, treatment, and discharge, leading person-centered evaluations and developing collaborative care plans.

Ideal candidates will have a Master’s in Social Work, strong case management and discharge planning experience, and the ability to work with interdisciplinary teams while maintaining thorough documentation and advocacy for patients.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Guide patients through admission, treatment and discharge with person-centered evaluations.
• Develop collaborative treatment and discharge plans.
• Deliver therapeutic interventions to support recovery and community reintegration.
• Coordinate with families, CSBs, community partners, and treatment teams to ensure seamless care coordination.

Skills

Social work knowledge

Case management

Discharge planning

Assessment skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Effective communication

Education

Master’s degree in social work

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

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• - 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

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.

Advertised: 07 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 15 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time