Title: Post-Doctoral Fellowship

State Role Title: Psych I/Psychology Assoc I

Hiring Range: $89,878.00 to $124,031.00; Pay to Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central State Hospital

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/csh/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

** This is a full-time, 12-month Postdoctoral Fellow position which will begin September 10th, 2026. The opening is for a one-year fellowship. We will accept applications until January 2nd, 2026, at 11:59 pm. The designated CHD (Common Hold Date) will be Monday, February 23, 2026. **


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, with a scheduled completion date of 2027.


CSH maintains the only maximum-security treatment facility in the state (111 beds). We also have 166beds 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 Post-Doctoral Fellow to join our Psychology Department. This position primarily performs forensic evaluations, largely competency to stand trial and sanity at the time of the alleged offense, although other forensic related evaluations also occur. The employee will act as a resource to other staff relevant to forensic psychological services and will lead the weekly Case Law seminar. In addition, this employee will be expected to be an informed consumer of research.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to Successfully Perform the Job:

- Knowledge of Forensic Mental Health Law, Including CST and SMO Standards
- Ability to Conduct Forensic Evaluations and Produce Defensible Reports
- Skill in Psychological Assessment, Diagnosis, and Clinical Interviewing
- Strong Written and Verbal Communication, Including Expert Testimony
- Professional Interpersonal Skills and Openness to Supervision
- Strong Organization, Time Management, and Documentation Abilities
- Ability to Integrate Feedback and Engage in Ongoing Training
- Ability to Apply Legal and Clinical Standards to Form Sound Opinions
- Demonstrated Professionalism, Respect, and Cultural Competence

Minimum Qualifications

Required:
- Doctoral Degree Must be Attained by Start of Fellowship Date
- Requires Basic Knowledge in the Area of Clinical Assessment, Report Writing and Consultation Relevant to Forensic Evaluations
- Must Demonstrate Competence and Knowledge in Psychopathology, Personality Theory and the Assessment Process.

Additional Considerations

APPIC Postdoctoral Selection Standards Website:

https://www.appic.org/Postdocs/Postdoctoral-Selection-Standards/Postdoctoral-Selection-Standards-Applicants

- Questions about the APPIC Postdoctoral Selection Standards and CHD or APPIC recommendations regarding recruitment and selection should be directed to Wayne Siegel, Ph.D., ABPP, the APPIC Postdoctoral Committee Chair (siegel@appic.org or 612-756-8850), the APPIC Postdoctoral Committee, or the APPIC Board of Directors.

- Technical questions about the UPPD and other APPIC resources should be directed to APPIC Central Office Staff at appic@appic.org.

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.