Title: Open Leisure/PSR Tech

State Role Title: 49053

Hiring Range: starting at $41,255 (commensurate based on experience)

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Western State Hospital

Agency Website: jobs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Western State Hospital is looking for full time Open Leisure Staff/PSR Tech. This position will assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of interventions within the psychosocial treatment program.

This position will also provide open leisure programming that is available to all patients of WSH; conduct 10-15 hours of psychosocial rehabilitation interventions per week, according to approved schedules; accountable for tracking patient attendance in Open Leisure programs; assist supervisor and Open Leisure staff in planning, organizing, and implementing weekly special event programs and outings for Open Leisure program; provide a safe and therapeutic environment according to department guidelines; and maintain an approved schedule to ensure fulfillment of all work requirements including filling out leave slips with coverage.

This position is eligible for:

- retirement with cash match
- paid time off
- health, vision, and dental insurance
- life insurance

Minimum Qualifications

- High school diploma or equivalent
- a valid Virginia Driver's License
- knowledge of the principles and practices of recreation activities
- knowledge of recovery-focused treatment
- computer skills including Microsoft Office products
- experience working in a team setting with a diverse population and experience working with a multi-disciplinary team
- ability to plan and facilitate structured group activities
- ability to manage clients in challenging social situations
- knowledge of psychiatric disabilities, personality development and behaviors, and recreational and activity programs
- ability to involve patients in therapeutic activities
- knowledge of various modalities (sports, fitness, wellness, social skills, music, and arts/crafts)
- ability to perform: repetitious walking, visual acuity to observe and report changes in patient's behaviors on a continuous basis; bending, lifting, and reaching overhead to position, restrain, transfer, transport, or escort patients and to assist patients to perform activities

Additional Considerations

- College courses in psychology, recreational therapy, education, and/or related field or equivalent experience
- bilingual
- veteran

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.

Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: 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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800-552-5019.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact Human Resources at (540-332-8300) for assistance. Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY.

Western State Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability.


DBHDS is a healthcare organization and must comply with the federal CMS Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care staff Vaccination Regulation which requires all employees to be vaccinated or receive an exemption. Upon acceptance of a job offer, new recruits will be asked to disclose their vaccination status (and for those fully vaccinated, proof of vaccination) during the pre-employment process. New staff who are not vaccinated for any reason or choose not to disclose their vaccination status, will need to request a medical or religious accommodation. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

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.