Direct Care Professional IV (HOPE)

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority in Richmond, VA, is hiring to deliver comprehensive supports for individuals with behavioral health needs in residential and community settings.

Responsibilities include implementing treatment plans, providing direct care, facilitating groups, monitoring progress, crisis intervention, and documenting observations in EHRs while collaborating with clinical teams to ensure quality, person-centered care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or QMHP certification/licensure required.
• 3–5 years of experience in behavioral health, residential care, or direct support services.
• Proficiency in documentation and use of electronic health record systems; ability to learn and apply processes independently.
• Possession of a valid Virginia driver’s license and 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Behavioral health knowledge

Treatment planning

Safety protocols

Team-based care

Client communication

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree or QMHP

Virginia driver’s license

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

The HOPE Residential Treatment Community is a residential program for the treatment of substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health conditions. Services are consistent with the following level of care as described in The ASAM Criteria -Level of Care 3.5. This level of care is designed for individuals who have multiple functional limitations and need a stable living environment in order to develop and implement sufficient recovery skills so as not to immediately relapse or continue dangerous use. The program provides psychiatric assessment and maintenance services, medical services and medication management. Daily clinical services include: a range of evidence-based cognitive, behavioral and other therapies, including motivational enhancement and engagement interventions and relapse prevention, provided on an individual and group basis; medication education and management; addiction pharmacotherapy; health education services to include self-management of chronic conditions and establishing personal health and wellness goals; educational skill building groups; occupational or recreational activities; activities to stabilize addiction symptoms and assist the individual in developing and applying recovery skills and recovery support services.

HOPE is hiring for all position options; Full-time, Part-time, and PRNto work day, evening, and/or overnight shifts.

Job Summary

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.

Full-Time/Part-Time -unspecified-

Open Date 10/20/2026

Close Date

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-$29.44

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.