Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (Pilot Program - Rapid Discharge)

Title: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (Pilot Program - Rapid Discharge)

State Role Title: 49231

Hiring Range: $57,563 - $79,437; Salary to Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 3

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 position requires the selected candidate to work one weekend per month. **

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 Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (Pilot Program – Rapid Discharge).

In this exciting role, you will provide essential rehabilitation and recovery-focused services to adults with serious mental illness as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team. The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) will plan and implement up to 15 hours of active treatment services per week that are person-centered, goal-oriented, and aligned with departmental and hospital standards. Responsibilities include facilitating 1:1 Occupational Therapy and Restoration to Competency interventions (up to 10 hours weekly), conducting comprehensive rehab assessments and safety plans, and assisting the Occupational Therapist with ILS, ADL, cognitive, and sensorimotor evaluations. The COTA will coordinate with treatment teams to ensure interventions support clients’ discharge goals and overall recovery, including providing weekend and holiday coverage (one weekend per month) and transporting clients to therapeutic activities on and off campus. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills, professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to fostering hope, empowerment, and independence among clients. This position also requires accurate and timely documentation, participation in ongoing training and supervision, and adherence to all hospital and safety policies. Join a supportive team dedicated to promoting rapid recovery, skill development, and successful community reintegration.

Minimum Qualifications

- Occupational Therapy Assistant Certification/License (Required)
- Valid Virginia Driver's License (Required)
- Experience in work/internship experience working with adults with various types of mental health disorders (Required)

Additional Considerations

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

- Proficient in both verbal and written communication skills with staff, client, community providers, and family members.
- Skilled in the ability to develop, plan, and implement occupational therapy interventions and groups utilizing multi-modalities approach along with evidence 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 mini bus and 15 passenger van, participating in special unit activities (unit/dept/hospital), using TO techniques with clients, working irregular work week including weekends, when necessary and awareness of safety and security procedure

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted suc