Crisis Prevention Officer (CPO)

Title: Crisis Prevention Officer (CPO)

State Role Title: Security Officer IV

Hiring Range: Salary up to $62,000

Pay Band: 4

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 Crisis Prevention Officer (CPO) to maintain safety and milieu management of resident population and staff at Western State Hospital; maintain consistent and positive interaction with patients on the unit; ensure that unit safety is maintained on each unit on each shift and provide therapeutic and physical interventions when needed while also observing and engaging in activities with patients; respond to emergency codes on the units; and responsible for leading the safety culture and initiatives on the unit.

Key Responsibilities:
- Responds in a professional and therapeutic manner to various incidents and emergency as trained
- Conducts walk-throughs as designated by Administration on the units to help provide a safe and secure environment and milieu for patients and staff
- Respond to the scene of any fire, disaster, duress alarm, or any other such emergency and assist as needed
- Conduct searches on the units as required
- Escort residents safely and securely to destinations within facility
- Respond to all Code calls on all forensic units
- Complete documentation as assigned and submit to the supervisor within the timeframe noted by supervisor
- Exhibit dependability in attendance, including promptness in reporting for duty
- Demonstrates good negotiation skills in de-escalating problematic patient behaviors

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

- Valid Virginia Driver’s License with acceptable driving record
- Experience in law enforcement, corrections, psychology, or related field and/or equivalent combination of education and experience

Additional Considerations

- High school diploma or equivalent
- Associate degree in Criminal Justice
- 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 verification of education relevant to the position.

Under Virginia Code §§ 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Hea