Admissions Counselor

Title: Admissions Counselor

• State Role Title: 49211
• Hiring Range: $89,878.00 to $124,031.00; Salary to Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 4

• 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.

Central State Hospital is seeking a dedicated and professional Admissions Counselor to join our team. This role plays a vital part in supporting patient care through the delivery of psychological assessments, individual and group therapy, competency restoration services, and suicide risk assessments, ensuring that all documentation meets or exceeds departmental standards. The Admissions Counselor will serve as a role model to direct care staff, demonstrating professionalism, respect, and cultural awareness in all interactions while utilizing effective negotiation and de-escalation skills to support patients in crisis. This position actively participates in supervision, training, and continuing education opportunities provided by DBHDS to maintain and enhance clinical competencies. By prioritizing the use of least restrictive interventions, engaging in treatment planning, and providing compassionate therapeutic services, the Admissions Counselor contributes to the hospital’s mission of delivering high-quality, person-centered care to individuals with complex behavioral health needs.

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

- Requires knowledge of psychology and 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:
- Master’s Degree in Psychology from an Accredited College/University
- Experience Providing Mental Health Services to Individuals with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness

Additional Considerations

Preferred:
- Experience Working in Inpatient or Forensic Settings
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Equivalent Counseling Certification

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.
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.