Clinical Psychologist

Title: Clinical Psychologist

State Role Title: 49212

Hiring Range: $102,726 - $141,762; Salary to Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central State Hospital

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

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 recruiting for a Clinical Psychologist to join our dynamic inpatient treatment team. The Clinical Psychologist completes initial, annual, and suicide risk assessments; conducts NGRI Acquittee Privilege Requests, Submission Reports, Commissioner-Appointed Evaluations, and Initial Analysis of Risk Reports by assigned deadlines; and provides comprehensive psychological testing and high-quality clinical documentation. This role actively participates in interdisciplinary Treatment Team meetings, offering consultation on client progress, assessment findings, and treatment needs, while assisting with the development and review of individualized treatment plans and ensuring timely completion of TPR notes. The psychologist facilitates assigned PSR groups, provides individual therapy and competency restoration, and develops behavioral interventions—including functional assessments and full behavior treatment plans—while monitoring patient response and preparing monthly case summaries for the Behavior Management Committee. Additional responsibilities include completing required DBHDS trainings, maintaining licensure through continuing education, modeling professional conduct, supporting least-restrictive interventions, and demonstrating cultural awareness and respect in all interactions.

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

- Requires knowledge of psychological/therapeutic theory and evidence-based practices.
- Requires experience providing psychological services including treatment planning, assessment, and individual/group therapy with adults with serious mental illness.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, as well as an ability to work as a collaborative team member.

Minimum Qualifications

- Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology or related field from an accredited college/university required.
- Must be licensed or eligible for licensure as a Clinical Psychologist in Virginia
- Experience providing mental health services to clients with severe mental illness required.

Additional Considerations

- Current licensure to practice as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist is preferred.
- Experience providing psychological assessment/services in a hospital or correctional setting 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.
Applications/résumés will begin to be reviewed wit