Title: Music/Recreation Therapist-Piedmont Geriatric Hospital

State Role Title: Therapy Assistant/Therapist I

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Piedmont Geriatric Hospital

Agency Website: https://www.pgh.dbhds.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Piedmont Geriatric Hospital (PGH), operated by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), is a 123-bed psychiatric facility dedicated exclusively to serving individuals aged 65 and older.

At PGH, we are committed to delivering person-centered mental health services that empower older adults to thrive in their communities. As the only state facility in Virginia focused solely on the mental health needs of seniors, we offer a unique opportunity to be part of a team that is making a meaningful difference every day.

Our vision is to be recognized as a statewide leader in geriatric mental health, a model hospital, a teaching center, and a trusted resource for other healthcare providers. We strive to be an indispensable partner in Virginia’s community-based services system and the most efficient provider of geropsychiatric care.

At PGH, we lead with H.E.A.R.T — Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork — in every step we take!

We are seeking a dedicated professional to provide high-quality therapeutic interventions that support patient growth, recovery, and successful re-entry into the community. This position delivers individual and group treatment services focused on improving or maintaining psychological, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, and physical functioning. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong assessment skills and the ability to adapt interventions based on patient response. Key responsibilities include developing individualized treatment plans, facilitating therapeutic groups, and fostering positive, supportive therapeutic relationships. Candidates should possess effective communication skills, knowledge of professional standards and ethics, and the ability to engage with diverse individuals in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.

Minimum Qualifications

-Degree in Music/Recreation Therapy from an accredited college or university
-Current professional certification or eligible within 6 months
-Experience working in a clinical setting
-Experience working with older adults and/or individuals with mental health issues.

Additional Considerations

-Prior experience in a hospital setting

Special Instructions

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 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. 

This position is open until filled; however, 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 is prohibited from employing or using as volunteers, persons who have been convicted of specific (“barrier”) crimes or persons who may be the subject of pending (“barrier”) charges as listed under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.02.

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 804-766-3322 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). 

Equal Opportunity: Piedmont Geriatric Hospital (PGH) 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: Piedmont Geriatric Hospital (PGH) 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.

Contact Information

Name: Tricia Wilson

Phone: 804-518-3339

Email: tricia.wilson@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.