Psych Tech III

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services seeks a Psych Tech III for Central State Hospital in Petersburg, Virginia. The role supports inpatient psychiatric care, monitors patient status, assists with treatments, and helps maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.

A successful candidate will distinguish safe from unsafe behavior, observe and document changes, read and write English, follow instructions, maintain required competencies, collaborate with diverse staff, and use

Qualifications

• Ability to distinguish safe vs. unsafe patient behavior by observation and interaction.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to observe, report, and document changes in patients’ status.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to maintain required orientation and annual competencies.
• Ability to work with diverse teams using interpersonal skills.
• Ability to document in legal records using narrative format.
• Ability to use e-mail and electronic health records.

Skills

Observe changes in patient status

Document in records

Read and write English

Follow instructions

CPR administration

Team collaboration

Work overtime weekends holidays

Tools

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/

Recruitment Type

General Public - G

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

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.

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.

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.