Abuse/Neglect Investigator

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Petersburg, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

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 Patient Care Investigator who will
play a critical role in promoting a safe, respectful, and therapeutic
environment by conducting timely, thorough, and objective investigations into
allegations of abuse, neglect, and patient rights violations. This position
requires the use of trauma-informed, population-appropriate interviewing
techniques; comprehensive evidence gathering and analysis; and the preparation
of clear, well-supported investigative reports. The investigator will
collaborate with clinical teams, Human Resources, Quality, and external
agencies, communicate findings to leadership, and support corrective actions and
performance improvement efforts. Additional responsibilities include identifying
trends and system vulnerabilities, supporting staff education on patient rights
and reporting requirements, participating in audits and regulatory activities, and ensuring all work is conducted with strict confidentiality, professionalism, and impartiality. The role may also involve providing oversight to other investigators, participating in legal proceedings as a knowledgeable witness, and performing related duties as assigned to support patient safety and organizational compliance.

Requirements

• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, investigations, risk management, or compliance required.
• Experience conducting abuse/neglect or administrative investigations in a healthcare or institutional setting.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards (e.g., CMS, state licensing, patient rights requirements).
• Experience working with forensic or court-ordered psychiatric populations.
• Active valid Virginia Driver's License
• Strong investigative, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple investigations, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong grammar, spelling, and professional report writing.
• Ability to conduct sensitive interviews and manage complex, high-risk situations.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles.
• Ability to interpret policies, regulations, and legal standards.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and ethical judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic health records systems.
• Previous supervisor experience.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of psychiatric hospital operations and patient populations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct timely, thorough, and objective investigations into allegations of abuse, neglect, and patient rights violations.
• Use trauma-informed, population-appropriate interviewing techniques.
• Gather and analyze comprehensive evidence.
• Prepare clear, well-supported investigative reports.
• Collaborate with clinical teams, Human Resources, Quality, and external agencies.
• Communicate findings to leadership.
• Support corrective actions and performance improvement efforts.
• Identify trends and system vulnerabilities.
• Support staff education on patient rights and reporting requirements.
• Participate in audits and regulatory activities.
• Ensure all work is conducted with strict confidentiality, professionalism, and impartiality.
• Provide oversight to other investigators.
• Participate in legal proceedings as a knowledgeable witness.
• Perform related duties as assigned to support patient safety and organizational compliance.

Benefits

• DBHDS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including your choice of health plans, paid life insurance, retirement plans, 13 paid holidays, annual leave, family personal leave, sick leave, employee discount programs, and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees