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Behavioral Tech

Virginia.gov
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 6 Apr 2026
💰 $41,700/yr

About the role

Title: Behavioral Tech

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: starting at $41,700 (commensurate based on experience)

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Western State Hospital

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

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Location: Western State Hospital
103 Valley Center Drive, Staunton, VA 24401.

Who We Are
Western State Hospital, part of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), has been a leader in psychiatric treatment since 1828. WSH is a 302-bed Joint Commission/CMS-accredited psychiatric facility located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Just 30 minutes from vibrant university towns, our hospital serves adults with serious mental health needs and is nationally recognized for our Psychosocial Rehabilitation “Learning” programs.

WSH provides a modern clinical setting and a therapeutic environment for patients, supported by highly qualified staff. Employees also enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Shenandoah Valley, with nearby cities such as Charlottesville and Harrisonburg offering dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities, making Staunton an attractive place to live and work.

Position Overview:
Western State Hospital is seeking a full time Behavioral Technician to assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of psychosocial rehabilitation programs for patients with psychiatric illnesses; application of the theories and principles of human behavior as they relate to the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of psychiatric patients; and this is accomplished through group discussion, individual meetings, competency to stand trial restoration services, observation of behavior, development and implementation of therapeutic treatment plans and participation in therapeutic activities.

Key Responsibilities:
- Provide at least 12-14 hours of psychosocial groups and activities per week
- Complete required documentation for groups
- Provide between 8-10 hours of individual interventions per week, including, but not limited to, competency to stand trial restoration
- Assist in obtaining and administering behavioral reinforcements as indicated by behavioral treatment plans
- Coordinate patient requests for personal funds
- Provide support and solution-focused feedback

Benefits Include:
- Retirement with cash match
- Paid time off, sick time, family/personal time, and community service time
- Health, vison, and dental insurance
- Life insurance

Minimum Qualifications

- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid Virginia Driver's License
- Training, education and/or experience in behavioral health or human services
- Prior experience beyond an introductory level within a behavioral health setting involving individual and/or group facilitation
- Basic computer skills
- Demonstrated experience working effectively in an interdisciplinary team setting with individuals who have a wide range of abilities and backgrounds
- Must successfully complete TO training, WSH CST restoration training, and all other WSH/DBHDS specific training

Additional Considerations

- College level coursework and/or certification in Psychology, Human Services, or related field - Bilingual
- Veteran or veteran spouse

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 clearly and specifically detail all relevant work experience; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications.

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 verifica

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