Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Job no : 5095731

Work type : Full-Time (Salaried)

Location : Petersburg, Virginia

Categories : Health and Human Services

Title : Occupational Therapist

State Role Title : Therapist III

Hiring Range : $86,252.00 to $119,028.00; Salary to Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band : 5

Agency : Dept Behavioral Health / Develop

Location : Central State Hospital

Agency Website :

Recruitment Type : General Public - G

Job Duties

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 166 beds 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 seeking a dynamic Occupational Therapist to deliver impactful, recovery-focused services for adults ages 18 to 64 living with serious mental illness, trauma histories, and physical or intellectual challenges. In this vital role, you'll design and lead engaging therapeutic interventions - including daytime, evening, weekend, and holiday groups - that build daily living skills, foster hope, and support reintegration into the community.

You'll work hands-on with clients to help them regain their highest level of independence, track their progress, and document outcomes in alignment with hospital and departmental standards. As a key member of the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team, you'll provide valuable input on treatment plans and make real-time adjustments to support each client's evolving functional needs.

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

• Proficient in both verbal and written communication skills with staff, clients, community providers, and family members.
• Skilled in the ability to develop, plan, and implement occupational therapy interventions and groups utilizing a multi-modalities approach along with evidenced based treatment and trauma informed strategies that promote recovery and functional outcomes.
• Ability to clinically assess both psychosocial and physical deficits and implement occupational therapy interventions accordingly.
• Additional duties will include (but are not limited to) operating a state vehicle to include cars, wheelchair equipped minibus, and a 15-passenger van, participating in special unit activities (unit / dept / hospital), utilizing Therapeutic Options (TO) techniques with clients, and working irregular work week and hours when necessary and Awareness of safety and security procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Additional Considerations

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.

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.

Advertised : 26 Nov 2025 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close :

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