Counselor II

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Staunton, VA

5d•$72,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

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 Counselor II to develop and implement person-centered treatment and discharge plans in collaboration with consumers and other interdisciplinary treatment team members and serve as a link between community agencies and others supporting consumer recovery. All WSH staff are considered essential, especially during emergencies or pandemics.

Requirements

MSW, or MSSW required (graduation from a CSWE accredited undergraduate or graduate social work program)
Professional work experience with adults with serious mental illness

Nice To Haves

Experience in discharge planning
Bilingual
Veteran or veteran spouse

Responsibilities

Conduct timely social work assessments and identify discharge needs, completing required documentation within established timeframes and in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team.
Develop and implement individualized treatment and discharge plans, integrating recovery‑oriented principles and coordinating closely with consumers, families, CSBs, and the full treatment team.
Provide psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) interventions, meeting minimum service requirements and supporting consumers’ clinical readiness for discharge through weekly team participation.
Collaborate with Community Services Boards and external agencies, maintaining strong partnerships to support recovery needs, discharge planning, and adherence to DBHDS discharge protocols.
Engage families and natural supports, with consumer consent, through education, involvement in treatment and discharge planning, and participation in family meetings to reinforce recovery goals.
Maintain high‑quality documentation, producing clear, concise, recovery‑focused clinical notes that meet Joint Commission, CMS, and departmental standards for accuracy and timeliness.
Communicate effectively with staff, consumers, and families, demonstrating professionalism, openness, responsiveness, and constructive problem-solving to strengthen team cohesion and service quality.
Participate in departmental, interagency, and hospital‑wide meetings, contributing to service planning, committee work, collaboration efforts, and mission‑driven initiatives.
Engage in continuous learning and professional development, completing required continuing education, annual mandatory training, and seeking opportunities to enhance clinical and recovery‑oriented skills.
Promote a culture of safety and professionalism, promptly reporting safety concerns, adhering to hospital safety standards, and maintaining ethical, respectful, and recovery‑aligned social work practice.