Patient Care Assistant-Piedmont Geriatric Hospital

Title: Patient Care Assistant-Piedmont Geriatric Hospital

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: $38,630.00 Commensurate with Experience

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Piedmont Geriatric Hospital

Agency Website: https://www.pgh.dbhds.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Piedmont Geriatric Hospital (PGH), operated by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), is a 123-bed psychiatric facility dedicated exclusively to serving individuals aged 65 and older.

At PGH, we are committed to delivering person-centered mental health services that empower older adults to thrive in their communities. As the only state facility in Virginia focused solely on the mental health needs of seniors, we offer a unique opportunity to be part of a team that is making a meaningful difference every day.

Our vision is to be recognized as a statewide leader in geriatric mental health, a model hospital, a teaching center, and a trusted resource for other healthcare providers. We strive to be an indispensable partner in Virginia’s community-based services system and the most efficient provider of geropsychiatric care.

At PGH, we lead with H.E.A.R.T — Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork — in every step we take!

The Nursing Department provides 24-hour direct care services to geropsychiatric patients. The goal of care is to facilitate discharge to a less restrictive setting by assisting patients to improve and/or maintain their physical, mental and social functioning. This nursing care goal is achieved in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.

This position will provide patient care to psychiatric patients, which does not require certification and that conforms to care and treatment policies and procedures.

-Ability to provide direct patient care under supervision of licensed staff; ability to follow instructions and report observations of bio-psychosocial needs and behaviors to licensed nurse in timely manner
-Skills in providing direction and assistance to patients in activities of daily living; has knowledge of developmental and psychiatric disorders.
-Demonstrate competencies as defined on Competency Assessment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Driver’s License
• Basic computer knowledge

Additional Considerations

• High School Diploma or GED
• Health care experience preferred
• Long Term Care and Nursing Home experience preferred.
• Previous psychiatric experience preferred
• Knowledge of nursing scope of practice preferred
• Bilingual Spanish and English preferred

Special Instructions

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. 

You will receive a confirmation of receipt once your application and/or résumé has been successfully submitted. To check the status of your application, refer to “Your Application” in your account. 

This position is open until filled; however, 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 is prohibited from employing or using as volunteers, persons who have been convicted of specific (“barrier”) crimes or persons who may be the subject of pending (“barrier”) charges as listed under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.02.

Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities duri