Clinical Psychologist/Psychology Associate

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance plan options

Virginia Retirement System retirement

14+ Paid holidays

Annual leave

Sick leave and family/personal leave

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Central State Hospital in Petersburg, Virginia is seeking a Clinical Psychologist to work with adults with serious mental illness in both maximum-security and civil units. You will provide evidence-based psychological services, including assessments, treatment planning, and therapy, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to deliver recovery-focused care.

The role emphasizes risk assessment, program development, and strategies to support patient safety and progress; Virginia state benefits

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Licensed or eligible for licensure within 12 months of employment as a Clinical Psychologist by the Virginia Board of Psychology
• Experience providing mental health services to clients with severe mental illness required.

Responsibilities

• Lead evidence-based, recovery-focused substance use disorder services.
• Conduct essential clinical and risk assessments.
• Shape individualized treatment plans that drive meaningful change.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team.
• Provide therapy and group interventions.
• Deliver high-quality psychological evaluations.
• Design behavioral strategies that support patients’ progress and safety.

Skills

Psychological assessment

Individual/group therapy

Evidence-based practices

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Written and verbal communication

Education

Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology

Licensed or eligible for licensure within 12 months

Experience with serious mental illness

Job description

Clinical Psychologist/Psychology Associate

State Role Title: 49212

Hiring Range: $106,321.00 - $146,723.00

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

About Central State Hospital
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 Summer 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.
About the role:
Step into a high‑impact role at Central State Hospital and help transform lives as a Clinical Psychologist working with adults with serious mental illness in both maximum‑security and civil units. In this dynamic position, you’ll lead evidence‑based, recovery‑focused substance use disorder services; conduct essential clinical and risk assessments; and shape individualized treatment plans that drive meaningful change. You'll collaborate with an engaged interdisciplinary team, provide therapy and group interventions, deliver high‑quality psychological evaluations, and design behavioral strategies that support patients’ progress and safety. If you're passionate about making a real difference, thrive in a mission‑driven environment, and want to bring your clinical expertise to a team that values innovation, compassion, and professional excellence, this is your opportunity to shine!

• Strong foundation in psychological and therapeutic theories, with demonstrated application of evidence‑based practices.
• Proven experience providing comprehensive psychological services—including assessment, treatment planning, and individual/group therapy for adults with serious mental illness.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey clinical insights and recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team and support a coordinated, patient‑centered treatment environment.

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

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

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Licensed or eligible for licensure within 12 months of employment as a Clinical Psychologist by the Virginia Board of Psychology
• Experience providing mental health services to clients with severe mental illness required.

Additional Considerations

• Prior experience working in an inpatient psychiatric or behavioral health facility.

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 Department

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]