Human Services Care Specialist

Human Services Care Specialist

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 Human Services Care Specialist to join our team and play a key role in delivering dynamic, recovery-focused services to adults with serious mental illness. In this vital role, you will provide at least 20 hours of active treatment and leisure programming each week, facilitate groups and individualized engagement sessions, offer library and weekend activity services, and help plan special events that support clients' needs and interests. You will ensure a safe and therapeutic environment by supervising client workers, maintaining strict inventory control of equipment and materials, and transporting clients to on- and off-campus activities. Strong communication, professionalism, cultural awareness, and teamwork are essential as you collaborate with peers and support the hospital's mission. You will maintain accurate and timely documentation, manage administrative tasks such as scheduling, equipment maintenance, and meeting participation, and uphold policies, civility standards, and safety procedures. If you are passionate about promoting hope, empowerment, and meaningful recovery experiences, we welcome you to apply and make a difference at Central State Hospital.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Virginia driver's license required.
• Experience planning, leading, and implementing active treatment groups and conducting leisure activities.
• Experience in computer data entry as well as basic computer skills knowledge/experience that includes internet research in order to teach computer skills.
• Ability to work irregular hours including weekends, evenings and holidays.

Additional Considerations

• Experience in leading leisure based groups with adults with mental illness in an inpatient setting, as well as knowledge of benefits to a patient's well-being and recovery process.
• Proficient in verbal and written communication skills with ability to use Microsoft Office and other identified computer software successfully.
• Ability to plan and implement leisure based activities.
• Ability to manage aggressive/assaultive clients utilizing approved TOVA techniques and assist in verbal de-escalation of individuals as needed.
• Awareness of safety and security procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Must be able to work assigned schedule and weekends as scheduled with assigned adjusted days off.
• Must be able to work irregular hours and work weeks which include: evenings, weekends, holidays and special events.
• Ability to drive/operate and escort clients by state cars, wheelchair equipped bus and 15 passenger van.

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. 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 (804) 524-7111 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: 1-804-524-7111
• 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.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer