Title: Behavior Technician- Piedmont Geriatric Hospital

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: $42,493 - $58,640

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

This position will provide direct care in the form of behavioral interventions that aim to reduce and eliminate challenging behaviors such as physical and verbal aggression. Application of the theories and principles of human behavior as they relate to the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of geriatric psychiatric patients. This is accomplished through effective communication with patients and staff, implementing de-escalation techniques, interdisciplinary team collaboration and discussion, individual meetings with psychology and nursing staff, observation of behavior and development and implementation of therapeutic interventions.

Requires communication skills in order to work with psychiatrically impaired geriatric patients; ability to use basic behavioral management principles to help patients achieve maximal self-care, self-control, and community living goals; ability to mentor, coach and support a multidisciplinary team to implement behavior strategies; knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation principles; knowledge and ability to implement recovery principles in individual interactions with patients and implementing treatment plans; ability to use assertive communication skills to support teamwork and collaborative colleague tasks; supportive style of interacting with team, colleagues, patients, families and community members that maximizes team cohesion, consensus and patient outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

- Training, education and/or experience in behavioral health or human services.
- Basic computer skills.
- Experience working in an interdisciplinary team setting with individuals who have a wide range of abilities and backgrounds.

Additional Considerations

- College level coursework and/or certification in Psychology, Human Services, or related field highly desirable.
- Previous experience working with geriatric psychiatric populations preferred.
- Ability to acquire and maintain the Registered Behavior Technician certification within 6 months of employment through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board 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.

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.