Chief Executive Officer - WSH

Title: BH Hospital Chief Executive Officer

State Role Title: 19225

Hiring Range: Up to $200,000

Pay Band: 7

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central Office

Agency Website: www.dbhds.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) is seeking an accomplished and visionary healthcare executive to lead Western State Hospital (WSH), a 300-bed, Joint Commission-accredited inpatient psychiatric facility located in Staunton, Virginia. This hospital serves a diverse population of adult patients, including civil and forensic individuals who require specialized inpatient psychiatric treatment. As part of the Commonwealth’s state hospital system, Western State Hospital plays a critical role in supporting the mission of providing high-quality, recovery-oriented care. Working in close collaboration with other hospital leaders, you will support the Commonwealth’s ongoing efforts to standardize and modernize care practices, ensuring excellence across the continuum of care.

Western State Hospital is situated in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and a strong sense of community. Staunton offers a charming blend of historical significance and modern amenities, with a vibrant downtown area, excellent public schools, and access to a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. Known for its rich cultural heritage and proximity to natural wonders like the Blue Ridge Mountains, the region offers a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. The area also enjoys a moderate climate, ideal for year-round outdoor activities, and is well-connected to major cities such as Richmond, Charlottesville, and Washington, D.C.

As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Western State Hospital, you will lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team in delivering excellent, person-centered care to individuals with complex behavioral health needs. This position requires a dynamic and results-driven executive with a proven track record of managing large, complex healthcare operations. You will be responsible for ensuring the hospital’s operational efficiency, meeting key performance targets, providing outstanding care, and supporting sound business and financial decision-making.

Key responsibilities include:
• Leadership & Strategic Oversight: Oversee all aspects of hospital administration, including strategic planning, operations, human resources, finance, and quality improvement. Drive initiatives to enhance patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial performance. Ensure the hospital meets key performance metrics and quality standards while fostering a culture of excellence and safety.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee and manage the administrative and business operations of a complex, multi-faceted hospital. Ensure the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care that meets the unique needs of civil and forensic patients. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize workflows, reduce barriers to care, and maintain compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Workforce Development: Build and cultivate a dynamic, engaged workforce through effective recruitment, training, and development programs. Lead multidisciplinary teams of behavioral health clinicians, professionals, and administrative staff to create a culture of teamwork, accountability, and employee engagement.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Provide effective leadership to a network of diverse groups, including public and private community-based treatment programs and providers. Work closely with other leaders within the state hospital system, community providers, law enforcement, judicial entities, and advocacy groups to ensure a comprehensive approach to behavioral health care delivery. Actively participate in statewide planning efforts to advance best practices across the healthcare continuum.
• Financial & Performance Management: Oversee the hospital’s $100 million annual operating budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and financial sustainability. Analyze and synthesize large amounts of data to develop logical conclusions, recommendations, and solutions for enhancing operational performance. Drive cost-effective, data-driven decision-making while maintaining high standards of care.
• Innovation & Quality Improvement: Lead initiatives to drive quality improvement, with a focus on patient safety, evidence-based practices, and continuous performance enhancement. Guide the hospital through initiatives