Title: Chief Security Officer
State Role Title: 69116
Hiring Range: $89,581.00 - $123,622.00; Salary to Commensurate with Experience
Pay Band: 5
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.
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 Chief Security Officer to lead and oversee the security operations of our Maximum-Security Unit and Department of Public Safety, ensuring the safety and protection of patients, staff, and the public. This executive leadership role is responsible for comprehensive oversight of security programs, including key and radio management, dispatch, remote monitoring systems, disaster drill coordination, and follow-up on security action plans and inspections, while serving as a key member of the Hospital Leadership Team and Incident Command structure. The Chief Security Officer provides strategic guidance in the development, review, and interpretation of security and public safety policies; collaborates with hospital departments, local and state law enforcement, correctional facilities, and partner agencies; and ensures staff receive proper training and meet all mandated requirements. The role emphasizes strong performance management practices by setting clear expectations aligned with departmental goals, delivering timely evaluations and constructive feedback, addressing performance and attendance issues in accordance with policy, monitoring UKG/Kronos time and attendance systems, and partnering closely with Human Resources throughout recruitment and hiring processes. The successful candidate will foster a culture of civility, professionalism, safety, and accountability; balance quality, cost, and safety outcomes; promote recovery-oriented and culturally competent practices; and demonstrate respect, empathy, and integrity while ensuring compliance with established regulations and standards.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Successfully Perform the Job:
- Knowledge of principles and practices of security.
- In-depth understanding of proper security procedures for an institutional setting.
- Ability to plan, develop and implement policies and procedures.
- Good judgement and effective problem-solving skills.
- Ability to give and follow directions.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to be an effective leader and team member, interacts with multiple disciplines and performs supervisory functions.
- Knowledge of state laws relevant to forensic hospital operations.
- Ability to analyze a broad range of Security and/or Public Safety problems and develop and implement resolutions.
Minimum Qualifications
Required:
- Forensic security experience.
- Supervisory experience in a secure setting.
- Ability to successfully complete an additional training course at an academy designated by the facility.
- Valid Virginia driver’s license.
Additional Considerations
N/A
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.