Crisis Prevention Officer (CPO)

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; Staunton (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Western State Hospital in Staunton, VA is hiring a full-time Crisis Prevention Officer (CPO) to maintain safety and milieu management for residents and staff. The role requires therapeutic interaction, handling emergencies, and leading safety culture on the unit.

The position offers a stable state salary range, benefits, and opportunities within a premier psychiatric facility. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and relevant experience or education, with a background check and

Qualifications

• Valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record and ability to obtain Virginia license within 30 days of start.
• Experience in law enforcement, corrections, psychology, or related field or equivalent education/experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree in Criminal Justice preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond to incidents and emergencies in a professional, therapeutic manner.
• Conduct unit walk-throughs to ensure a safe milieu for patients and staff.
• Respond to fire, disaster, or duress alarms and provide needed assistance.
• Conduct searches on units as required and escort residents safely within the facility.
• Respond to Code calls on forensic units and document actions for supervisor.

Skills

Law enforcement experience

Bilingual

Safety and milieu management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Criminal Justice

Job description

Title: Crisis Prevention Officer (CPO)

State Role Title: Security Officer IV

Hiring Range: $47,767 to $55,000

Pay Band: 4

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 Crisis Prevention Officer (CPO) to maintain safety and milieu management of resident population and staff at Western State Hospital; maintain consistent and positive interaction with patients on the unit; ensure that unit safety is maintained on each unit on each shift and provide therapeutic and physical interventions when needed while also observing and engaging in activities with patients; respond to emergency codes on the units; and responsible for leading the safety culture and initiatives on the unit.

Key Responsibilities

• Responds in a professional and therapeutic manner to various incidents and emergency as trained
• Conducts walk-throughs as designated by Administration on the units to help provide a safe and secure environment and milieu for patients and staff
• Respond to the scene of any fire, disaster, duress alarm, or any other such emergency and assist as needed
• Conduct searches on the units as required
• Escort residents safely and securely to destinations within facility
• Respond to all Code calls on all forensic units
• Complete documentation as assigned and submit to the supervisor within the timeframe noted by supervisor
• Exhibit dependability in attendance, including promptness in reporting for duty
• Demonstrates good negotiation skills in de-escalating problematic patient behaviors

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

• Valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record and ability to obtain valid Virginia driver's license with 30 days of start date
• Experience in law enforcement, corrections, psychology, or related field and/or equivalent combination of education and experience

Additional Considerations

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate degree in Criminal Justice
• Bilingual
• Veteran or veteran spouse

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.