Direct Care Professional IV

Appone; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority seeks a qualified direct care professional to provide behavioral health support in residential or community settings. You will implement treatment plans, monitor progress, assist with daily living activities, and respond to crises in collaboration with clinicians.

Requires QMHP licensure, a bachelor's degree, 3–5 years of experience, and Virginia driver’s license; 32-hour Medication Aide not required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• QMHP certification/licensure required.
• 3–5 years of experience in behavioral health, residential care, or direct support services preferred.
• Proficiency in documentation and use of electronic health record systems.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and behavioral support to clients in residential or community settings.
• Implement and monitor individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clinicians and therapists.
• Assist clients with daily living activities, coping strategies, and therapeutic exercises.
• Monitor client behavior, mood, and safety; document observations and interventions.
• Facilitate therapeutic groups and educational sessions.
• Support medication monitoring and ensure adherence to prescribed regimens.
• Respond to crisis situations and provide de-escalation and emotional support.
• Communicate effectively with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Mentor and support lower-level direct care staff.

Skills

Documentation proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

QMHP certification/licensure

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

Deliver comprehensive support services to individuals with behavioral health, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include managing complex client needs, implementing treatment plans, supporting therapeutic activities, and collaborating with clinical teams. Operate with certification or licensure and contribute to service coordination and quality care delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.?Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide direct care and behavioral support to clients in residential or community settings
• Implement and monitor individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clinicians and therapists
• Assist clients with daily living activities, coping strategies, and therapeutic exercises
• Monitor client behavior, mood, and safety; document observations and interventions
• Facilitate therapeutic groups and educational sessions
• Support medication monitoring and ensure adherence to prescribed regimens
• Respond to crisis situations and provide de-escalation and emotional support
• Communicate effectively with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams
• Mentor and support lower-level direct care staff
• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

Minimum Qualifications— Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Certification or licensure as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
• 3–5 years of experience in behavioral health, residential care, or direct support services
• Proficiency in documentation and use of electronic health record systems
• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that demonstrates the capacity to perform the essential functions of the position, as permitted by applicable regulatory standards.
• Possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record in accordance with agency policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• 32-hour Medication Aide certification
• Safety-Care or TOVA training
• Experience supporting individuals with co-occurring psychiatric and developmental conditions
• Training in trauma-informed care and therapeutic interventions

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of behavioral health systems, treatment planning, and safety protocols
• Skill in implementing therapeutic interventions and monitoring client progress
• Skill in mentoring peers and supporting team-based care
• Ability to identify and respond to complex client needs and behavioral changes
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams
• Ability to learn and retain processes through instruction and apply them independently

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position may provide informal guidance or training to other staff but does not function in a formal supervisory capacity.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects, including the human body. This role requires regular movement throughout the workday, including walking, stair climbing, and driving to community-based locations. Employees must be physically capable of navigating varied environments such as residential facilities, urban areas, and client homes.
• Close concentration and visual attention required.
• Normal working conditions. Work is typically performed in a standard behavioral health environment with minimal exposure to environmental hazards.
• Staff may frequently encounter high-risk scenarios involving aggressive, self-injurious, or otherwise unsafe behaviors. The role requires intensive behavior management strategies, including physical interventions and crisis response. Behavioral interventi

ADA

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our team at [e-mail] for more information.

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all employees as required.

EEO

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

About the Organization

Join the Fearless!

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) is licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and is the statutorily established public entity responsible for providing mental health, intellectual disabilities, substance abuse and prevention services to the citizens of the City of Richmond.

Our Mission: RBHA promotes health, wellness, and recovery for the people and communities we serve.

Our Vision: An inclusive, healthy community where individuals are inspired to reach their highest potential.

Our Values: Equity / Innovation / Quality / Inclusion / Accessibility / Transparency / Compassion / Integrity

Creating Healthy Communities - One Person, One Family, One Community at a time.

RBHA is committed to providing behavioral health services to all Richmond residents regardless of race, color, gender, age, religion, disability, or national origin.

Services are provided directly by RBHA staff and through contracts with private providers in the community. Funding is received through fees from consumers, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the City of Richmond, and local and state grants.

Starting Salary Range $25.36 - $29.15 / hr.

EOE Statement Richmond Behavioral Health Authority provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This position is currently accepting applications.