Clinical Psychologist (Psychologist II)

Title: Clinical Psychologist (Psychologist II)

State Role Title: 49212

Hiring Range: $106,321.00 - $146,723.00

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central State Hospital

Agency Website: dbhds.virginia.gov

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.

Central State Hospital is recruiting for a Clinical Psychologist (Psychologist II) to join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing evidence-based, recovery-oriented behavioral health services for adults with serious mental illness in both maximum-security and civil units.

In this rewarding role, you will conduct comprehensive psychological and substance use disorder assessments, complete forensic and clinical evaluations, develop individualized treatment recommendations, and provide individual and group therapy that supports patient recovery and competency restoration.

You will work closely with treatment teams to shape personalized care plans, implement behavioral interventions, and contribute your expertise through psychological testing, consultation, and clinical documentation.

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while collaborating with experienced professionals in a supportive environment that values clinical excellence, professional growth, cultural respect, and the use of least restrictive, patient-centered interventions.

If you are passionate about delivering high-quality psychological services and helping individuals achieve their recovery goals, we encourage you to apply.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Successfully Perform the Job:

• Requires knowledge of psychological/therapeutic theory and evidence-based practices.
• Requires experience providing psychological services including treatment planning, assessment, and individual/group therapy with adults with serious mental illness.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work as a collaborative team member.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

• Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Licensed or eligible for licensure within 12 months of employment as a Clinical Psychologist by the Virginia Board of Psychology
• Experience providing mental health services to clients with severe mental illness required.

Additional Considerations

Preferred

• Prior experience working in an inpatient psychiatric or behavioral health facility.

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 detail all relevant work experience clearly and specifically; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications.

You will receive a confirmation of receipt once your application and/or résumé has been successfully submitted. To check the status of your application, refer to “Your Application” in your account.

Applications/résumés will begin to be reviewed within five (5) days of the posting date.

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 1-804-524-7111 during business hours (8:00 a. m. to 4:30 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!

SOEI: Per the Code of Virginia §2.2-3114, persons occupying positions of trust within state government or non-salaried citizens of policy and supervisory boards file a disclosure statement with the Commonwealth’s Ethics Advisory Council, as a condition to assuming office or employment, and thereafter shall file such a statement annually on or before February 1.

Additionally, per Executive order, positions of trust include senior-level positions with responsibility affecting legislative policies and rule-making authority or substantive authorization and decision-making regarding policy, contracts and procurement, audits, licensure, inspections and investigations, and investments or other financial matters.

Sections 2.2-3128 through 2.2-3131 of the Code of Virginia require that each employee within a position of trust complete COIA training within two months of their hire date and at least once every two years after the initial training. This position is identified as a position of trust within the agency.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 1-804-524-7000

Email: CSHRecruitment@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.