Behavioral Technician

Title: Behavioral Technician

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:

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 Behavioral Tech to assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of psychosocial rehabilitation programs for patients with psychiatric illnesses; apply the theories and principles of human behavior as they relate to the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of psychiatric patients through group discussion, individual meetings, competency to stand trial restoration services, observation of behavior; development and implementation of therapeutic treatment plans; and participate in therapeutic activities.


Key Responsibilities:
- Provide at least 12-14 hours of psychosocial groups and activities per week
- Complete required documentation for groups
- Assist unit psychologist in making group assignments for patients
- Provide activities and group programming to patients when psychosocial rehabilitation groups are not in operation
- Provide between 8-10 hours of individual interventions per week, including, but not limited to, competency to stand trial restoration
- Work 1:1 and as needed with patients to help with day to day problem solving; help patients effectively communicate needs, concerns to team, and assure that timely answers are given
- Complete all annual mandatory training to competently use the EMR. Utilize the EMR to document and read notes and assessments on patients as needed

Benefits Include:
- health, vision, and dental insurance
- life insurance
- paid time off
- sick time
- family/personal time
- retirement with cash match

Minimum Qualifications

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

Additional Considerations

- High School graduate or equivalent
- 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 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 (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers, individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.

Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Equal Opportunity: The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.* There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.

Veteran Preference: DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. We strongly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply to the state application and respond accordingly.

Contact Information

Name: Samantha Leep

Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io

Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Note : Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer