PSR - Human Services Care Specialist

Title: PSR - Human Services Care Specialist

State Role Title: 49053

Hiring Range: $41,255 to $56,932 - Pay 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

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 Human Services Care Specialist to provide library services during day, evening and weekend hours to patients, staff, students and volunteers. To facilitate and co-facilitate active treatment with adults with serious mental illness. To plan and facilitate evening and weekend activities, holidays and special events. To document on client’s attendance and progress according to hospital and departmental policy. To provide assistance in aspects of the day-to-day operations of the Rehab Services Department. To provide quality services in line with hospital and departmental, missions, policies and procedures.

** This position will provide services primarily in the maximum security unit with cross-coverage to other areas as needed. **

Minimum Qualifications

- Must possess a valid Virginia Driver's License.
- Ability to drive/operate and escort clients by state cars, wheelchair equipped bus and 15 passenger van.
- Must be able to work irregular hours and work weeks which include evenings, weekends, holidays and special events.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required to successfully perform the work:

- Proficient in verbal and written communication skills
- Experience using Microsoft Office and other identified computer software.
- Ability to plan and implement leisure-based activities.
- Ability to manage aggressive/assaultive clients utilizing approved TOVA techniques and assist in verbal de-escalation of individuals as needed.
- Awareness of safety and security procedures.
- Ability to work collaboratively with others.

Additional Considerations

- Experience in leading leisure-based groups with adults with mental illness in an inpatient setting, as well as, knowledge of benefits to a patient's well-being and recovery process. (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.

Central State Hospital only accepts online applications via RMS. Resumes and other documents may accompany the application but will not serve as a substitute for an application. Faxed, e-mailed, or mailed applications will not be accepted. Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application and this position. This posting will remain open for a minimum of five (5) business days.


An extensive criminal history background investigation, not limited to employment references, drug testing and E-Verify will be conducted.

Central State Hospital offers a comprehensive benefit package to include your choice of four health insurance plans, paid life insurance and retirement plans, 12 paid holidays, annual and sick leave.

Applicants must list all relevant experience that you wish to be considered for this position. Applicants will be provided confirmation of receipt when your