Title: Occupational Therapist - Piedmont Geriatric Hospital
State Role Title: Therapist III
Hiring Range: $57,733.00 - $99,190.00
Pay Band: 5
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!
In this role, the Occupational Therapist provides comprehensive clinical services in alignment with AOTA standards, state regulations, and facility policies. Responsibilities include screening new admissions, completing physician-ordered evaluations, developing individualized plans of care, and conducting reassessments and discharge planning using both standardized and non-standardized assessment tools. The therapist selects and delivers evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions and may design or recommend adaptive or medical equipment, ensuring patients, staff, and families receive proper instruction. This position actively contributes to Functional Maintenance and Restorative Nursing Programs and may provide training and oversight to rehab aides or CNAs. The OT maintains timely, accurate documentation, participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, and collaborates closely with hospital staff to support coordinated, high-quality patient care. Additional responsibilities include participating in required trainings, contributing to department and committee meetings, and fostering a positive, team-oriented work environment.
- Ability to develop, plan, and implement occupational therapy interventions and therapeutic group sessions using multi-modal, evidence-based, and trauma-informed practices.
- Skill in conducting comprehensive clinical assessments addressing psychosocial and physical needs and applying appropriate OT interventions.
- Ability to safely operate state vehicles, assist with client transportation, participate in special unit activities, and respond effectively to patient safety needs.
- Proficiency with standardized assessments (e.g., KELS, MoCA), clinical documentation, and electronic health record (EHR) systems.
- Demonstrated ability to develop age-appropriate treatment plans and manage caseloads with strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Clinical judgment to select and individualize adaptive equipment, therapeutic activities, and interventions that enhance patient function.
- Ability to implement effective seating and positioning strategies to support patient comfort, alignment, and functional outcomes.
Minimum Qualifications
- Licensed as an Occupational Therapist by the Virginia Board of Medicine.
- Valid driver’s license.
Additional Considerations
- Relevant geriatric and mental health experience preferred
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.
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 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.
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.
Benefits: Piedmont Geriatric Hospital (PGH) 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: 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.