Title: Psychiatrist
State Role Title: Physician II
Hiring Range: Starting Pay $315,000 (Salary Commensurate with Experience)
Pay Band: 8
Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop
Location: Western State Hospital
Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/wsh/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
*Sign on bonus of up to $15,000 for employees new to state service*
Western State Hospital is currently seeking applicants for a full-time, permanent state position for a General Psychiatrist. Duties include providing psychiatric care of patients admitted to the unit (diagnostic assessment, psychopharmacological management, and indicated psychotherapies) and serving as Head Of Treatment Team (HOTT) to provide overall leadership to a multidisciplinary team. The team collaborates to plan and implement psychiatric, medical, and behavioral treatment plans for patients. Primary diagnoses include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and personality disorders. Treatment interventions/groups provided to patient off unit in Psycho-social Rehab “treatment mall.”
In-house CME Program
40 –hrs work week
Infrequent night/weekend/holiday call
Salary negotiable based on experience and board certification
J-1 Visas will be considered
Location: Western State Hospital
103 Valley Center Drive, Staunton, VA 24401.
Who We Are
Western State Hospital, part of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), has been a leader in psychiatric treatment since 1828. WSH is a 302-bed Joint Commission/CMS-accredited psychiatric facility located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Just 30 minutes from vibrant university towns, our hospital serves adults with serious mental health needs and is nationally recognized for our Psychosocial Rehabilitation “Learning” programs.
WSH provides a modern clinical setting and a therapeutic environment for patients, supported by highly qualified staff. Employees also enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Shenandoah Valley, with nearby cities such as Charlottesville and Harrisonburg offering dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities, making Staunton an attractive place to live and work.
The Psychiatrist provides direct psychiatric care for patients on assigned unit(s), serving as the Head of the Treatment Team and providing leadership to a multidisciplinary staff. This role includes psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacologic management, psychotherapy, and patient/family education, while ensuring high standards of care, compliance with regulatory requirements, and active participation in hospital-wide initiatives. This position also involves additional on call (dual role) duties for the hospital that may be at nights and on weekends (individual will be compensated based on the approved on call rates).
We Offer:
- Competitive Salary (Salary commensurate with experience)
- 32hrs of family personal time
- 64hrs of sick time
- Paid time off (4hrs per pay check)
- 12 paid holidays
- Relocation and moving reimbursement up to $10k
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Malpractice Insurance Coverage
- Virginia Retirement System
Minimum Qualifications
- Medical degree and completion of an ACGME-approved residency training in Psychiatry prior to the start of employment.
- Must possess an unrestricted license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Virginia or obtain one prior to the start of employment.
- Current DEA controlled Substance registration/licensed or obtain one prior to the start of employment.
- Extensive psychiatric knowledge with strong clinical skills in assessment and treatment for acute forensic, civilly committed inpatient units, or extended care psychosocial rehabilitation services.
- Proven ability to lead and supervise a multidisciplinary treatment team.
- Experience in teaching and clinical supervision of medical trainees.
- Strong administrative skills to collaborate effectively with hospital units, Central Office, and external agencies.
- Familiarity with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) documentation requirements.
Additional Considerations
- EHR experience with Cerner
- previous experience working in state hospitals
- Bilingual
- Board certification
- Veteran or veteran spouse
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 clearly and specifically detail all relevant work experience; 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 (540) 332-8300 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 strongly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply to the state application and respond accordingly.
Contact Information
Name: Samantha Leep
Phone: 540-332-8306
Email: samantha.leep@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.