Psychologist II

Title: Psychologist II

State Role Title: Psych II/Psychology Assoc II

Hiring Range: $106,000 to $130,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Western State Hospital

Agency Website: dbhds.virginia.gov

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 Psychologist II to evaluate individuals with serious mental disorders and provide for or refer for needed services; collaborate with other care disciplines to maximize the quality of interdisciplinary care; participate in planning for an effective transition and continued recovery in a community care setting; Participate in Departmental, Hospital, and state-wide committees and duties as assigned; provide services at a system level (such as Commissioner appointed forensic evaluations) as directed; and supervise at least one mental health worker.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the requirements of the performance planning and evaluation system are met and evaluations are completed by established deadlines with proper documentation
• Performance issues are addressed and documented as they occur
• Expectations are clear, well communicated, and relate to the goals and objectives of the department or unit
• Prioritizes need for and provides psychological services (assessment, therapy, etc.) for all patients on caseload
• Provides at least two PSR group hours/week.
• Conducts initial psychology documentation for patients transferred to the unit
• Demonstrates openness by listening, clarifying questions
• Remains abreast of best practices in the field of psychological assessment and intervention and incorporates knowledge into psychological practice

Benefits Include

• health, vision, and dental insurance
• life insurance
• paid time off
• sick time
• family/personal time
• retirement with cash match

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical or Counseling Psychology from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association
• License (or license-eligible) to practice clinical psychology in Virginia (must be licensed within one year of hire)
• Demonstrated experience in applying psychological assessment and intervention methods to individuals with serious mental disorders
• Completion (or eligible to complete) the forensic evaluation training program for Virginia

Additional Considerations

• Bilingual
• Veteran or veteran spouse

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Application Requirements: Applications and résumés for this position are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System only. Interview decisions will be based solely on the information provided in your electronic application and/or résumé. Please ensure you clearly and specifically detail all relevant work experience; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications.

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 (540) 332-8300 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: 540-332-8306

Email: samantha.leep@dbhds.virginia.gov

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.