Title: Unit Secretary

State Role Title: Admin and Office Spec III

Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience

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

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!

This position provides comprehensive office services support to the Nursing Unit and Treatment Team by maintaining patient records, entering data for treatment plans, preparing reports and discharge materials, and processing medical orders. The role supports administrative operations by handling correspondence, scheduling, supply inventory, and meeting documentation. Additional duties include managing patient fund accounts in coordination with the Fiscal Department, supporting program activity scheduling, and assisting with patient outings. Strong communication, organizational, and multitasking skills are essential to succeed in this dynamic and patient-centered environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and using databases or electronic records systems.
Working knowledge of basic bookkeeping/fiscal principles and practices related to maintaining a checkbook type record for patients.
Working knowledge of office practices and procedures and maintenance of patient medical records. Working knowledge of standard English grammar, punctuation and usage, and proper spelling.
Working skill in typing and current office equipment and systems such as personal computer and software including Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint which are currently being used.

Additional Considerations

Demonstrated experience providing administrative or clerical support in a healthcare, behavioral health, or similar environment preferred.
Basic knowledge of medical terminology and office procedures, particularly those related to treatment teams and patient care coordination, is 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.

This position is open until filled; however, 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 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.