Title: Psychologist II

State Role Title: Psych II/Psychology Assoc II

Hiring Range: starting at $102,726 (commensurate based on experience)

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Western State Hospital

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Location: Western State Hospital
103 Valley Center Drive, Staunton, VA 24401.

Who We Are
Western State Hospital, part of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), has been a leader in psychiatric treatment since 1828. WSH is a 302-bed Joint Commission/CMS-accredited psychiatric facility located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Just 30 minutes from vibrant university towns, our hospital serves adults with serious mental health needs and is nationally recognized for our Psychosocial Rehabilitation “Learning” programs.

WSH provides a modern clinical setting and a therapeutic environment for patients, supported by highly qualified staff. Employees also enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Shenandoah Valley, with nearby cities such as Charlottesville and Harrisonburg offering dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities, making Staunton an attractive place to live and work.

Position Overview:

*An additional $10,000 will be added to the base pay for candidates who are Licensed Clinical Psychologists*

Western State Hospital is seeking a full time Psychologist II to evaluate individuals with serious mental disorders and provide for or refer for needed services; collaborate with other care disciplines to maximize the quality of interdisciplinary care; participate in planning for an effective transition and continued recovery in a community care setting; participate in Departmental, Hospital, and state-wide committees and duties as assigned; provide services at a system level (such as Commissioner appointed forensic evaluations) as directed; and ensure the requirements of the performance planning and evaluation system are met and evaluations are completed by established deadlines with proper documentation.

Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure expectations are clear, well communicated, and relate to the goals and objectives of the department or unit
- Staff receive frequent, constructive feedback, including interim evaluations as appropriate
- Performance issues are addressed and documented as they occur
- Prioritizes need for and provides psychological services (assessment, therapy, etc.) for all patients on caseload (admissions: average 14).
- Provides at least two PSR group hours/week
- Assesses and makes recommendations for individuals who exceed behavioral criteria for complex cases
- Incorporate evidence based practices into psychological services
- Participates in at least two departmental or hospital committees (excluding Psychology QM)
- Performs forensic evaluations in accordance with applicable legal and professional standards

Benefits Include:
- Retirement with cash match
- Paid time off, sick time, family/personal time, and community service time
- Health, vison, and dental insurance
- Life insurance

Minimum Qualifications

- Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Clinical or Counseling Psychology from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association
- License (or license-eligible) to practice clinical psychology in Virginia (must be licensed within one year of hire)
- Demonstrated experience in applying psychological assessment and intervention methods to individuals with serious mental disorders
- Completion (or eligible to complete) the forensic evaluation training program for Virginia.

Additional Considerations

- Bilingual
- Veteran or veteran spouse

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 Facilities are no longer required to ensure that all staff members are vaccinated for COVID-19. However, facilities encourage and educate staff on the benefits and offer COVID - 19 vaccination programs to staff, residents, clients. Employees may be required to disclose immunization status for purposes of infection prevention and/or management of outbreaks. 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. 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.