Psych Tech III

DHRM; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Life insurance

Retirement plans

13 paid holidays

Annual leave

Family personal leave

Sick leave

Employee discounts

Job summary

Central State Hospital in Petersburg, Virginia, is seeking a Psych Tech III to support inpatient psychiatric care at a 277-bed facility.

The incumbent will observe and document patient status, follow treatment plans, collaborate with nurses and clinicians, and assist with therapeutic activities, ensuring safety and compassionate care for individuals with mental illness and behavioral health needs. Valid VA driver’s license required; overtime and weekend shifts may occur.

Qualifications

• Valid Virginia Driver’s License.
• Experience as a CNA/Aide/Tech providing direct care to individuals with mental illness, substance abuse issues, and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities in a healthcare or mental health setting.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to document in legal records using narrative format.
• Ability to work overtime, rotating weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Observe, report, and document changes in patients' mental, physical, and behavioral status.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Maintain required orientation and annual competencies.
• Use email and electronic health records.

Job description

Title: Psych Tech III

State Role Title: 49053

Hiring Range: $38,630 - $56,841

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central State Hospital

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

Job Duties

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 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.

The successful candidate will have:

• Ability to distinguish between safe and unsafe patient behavior by observing, interacting, and listening.
• Ability to read, write, and speak in the English language.
• Ability to observe, report, and document changes in patients’ mental, physical, and behavioral status.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to maintain all required orientation and annual competencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisors, co-workers and patients from varied backgrounds using effective interpersonal skills.
• Ability to recognize the need and ask for help or assistance in providing care and treatment.
• Ability to document in legal records using narrative format.
• Ability to give and receive effective feedback and perform as a member of a team.
• Ability to administer CPR and perform T.O. approved physical interventions.
• Ability to work overtime hours, rotating weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to use e-mail and electronic health records.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Virginia Driver’s License

Additional Considerations

• Experience as a CNA/Aide/Tech providing direct care to individuals with mental illness, substance abuse issues, and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities in a healthcare or mental health setting

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 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!

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

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.

Advertised

23 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close

02 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time