Behavioral Technician

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Staunton (VA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement with cash match

Paid time off

Health, vision, and dental insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

Western State Hospital in Staunton, VA, seeks a full-time Behavioral Tech to assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating psychosocial rehabilitation programs for adults with psychiatric illnesses. This role involves group discussions, individual meetings, and therapeutic activity participation.

Responsibilities include facilitating weekly group sessions, conducting individual interventions, and supporting treatment plans while ensuring accurate documentation in the EMR.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• College coursework or certification in psychology, human services, or related field preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide 12–14 hours of psychosocial group activities weekly.
• Provide 8–10 hours of individual interventions weekly, including competency to stand trial restoration.
• Conduct 1:1 and group sessions to support day-to-day problem solving and effective communication with the team.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Basic computer skills

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

College coursework/certification in Psychology or Human Services

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Title: Behavioral Technician

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: $43,980 to $53,000

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Western State Hospital

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Location: Western State Hospital

103 Valley Center Drive, Staunton, VA 24401.

Who We Are

Western State Hospital, part of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), has been a leader in psychiatric treatment since 1828. WSH is a 302-bed Joint Commission/CMS-accredited psychiatric facility located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Just 30 minutes from vibrant university towns, our hospital serves adults with serious mental health needs and is nationally recognized for our Psychosocial Rehabilitation “Learning” programs.

WSH provides a modern clinical setting and a therapeutic environment for patients, supported by highly qualified staff. Employees also enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Shenandoah Valley, with nearby cities such as Charlottesville and Harrisonburg offering dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities, making Staunton an attractive place to live and work.

Position Overview

Western State Hospital is seeking a full time Behavioral Tech to assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of psychosocial rehabilitation programs for patients with psychiatric illnesses and 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide at least 12-14 hours of psychosocial groups and activities per week
• Provide between 8-10 hours of individual interventions per week, including, but not limited to, competency to stand trial restoration
• Work 1:1 and as needed with patients to help with day to day problem solving; help patients effectively communicate needs, concerns to team, and assure that timely answers are given
• Assist in obtaining and administering behavioral reinforcements as indicated by behavioral treatment plans
• Manage unit funds, including the submission of budgets and needed documentation for expenditures
• Complete all annual mandatory training to competently use the EMR

Benefits Include

• Retirement with cash match
• Paid time off, sick time, family/personal time, and community service time
• Health, vison, and dental insurance
• Life insurance

Minimum Qualifications

• Training, education and/or experience in behavioral health or human services
• Basic computer skills
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in an interdisciplinary team setting with individuals who have a wide range of abilities and background
• Prior experience beyond an introductory level within a behavioral health setting involving individual and/or group facilitation
• Valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record and ability to obtain valid Virginia driver's license with 30 days of start date
• Must successfully complete TO training, WSH CST restoration training, and all other WSH/DBHDS specific training

Additional Considerations

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• College level coursework and/or certification in Psychology, Human Services, or related field
• Bi-Lingual English/Spanish skills
• 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.

Application Requirements

Applications and résumés for this position are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System only. Interview decisions will be based solely on the information provided in your electronic application and/or résumé. Please ensure you clearly and specifically detail all relevant work experience; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications.

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 [phone] during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 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 strongly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply to the state application and respond accordingly.

Contact Information

Name: Samantha Leep

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.