Occupational Therapist (Pilot Program - Rapid Discharge)

State of Virginia•Petersburg, VA

36d•$86,252 - $119,028•Onsite

About The Position

This position requires working one weekend per month. This position requires working with patients for active treatment groups and 1:1 service as well as assessments in all civil and maximum-security buildings. This will include clinical supervision by the OT supervisor as well as oversight/management from the individual Rehabilitation Department supervisor for each unit. 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, with a scheduled completion date of 2027. 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 an Occupational Therapist to be a part of our Rapid Discharge Program (Pilot). This position is responsible for planning and implementing active treatment services for adults with serious mental illness, providing both group and individual occupational therapy and restoration to competency interventions that support recovery and discharge goals. The role includes completing comprehensive assessments, developing person-centered treatment plans, documenting progress, and ensuring interventions align with treatment team goals. Duties also involve transporting clients, participating in multidisciplinary team meetings, maintaining accurate and timely records, and ensuring coverage for treatment activities on evenings, weekends, and holidays. The position requires strong communication, de-escalation, and problem-solving skills to promote client engagement, safety, and recovery, while also upholding hospital policies, supporting departmental standards, and serving as a professional role model for peers, students, and clients. Additionally, the role includes maintaining equipment and treatment areas, participating in ongoing training, and contributing to the hospital's mission through professional growth and commitment to high-quality care.

Requirements

Degree (Graduate or Undergraduate) from an Accredited School of Occupational Therapy
National Registration (or eligibility) and Licensure (or eligibility) from Virginia State Board of Medicine to practice OT
Work/Internship Experience Dealing with Various Types of Mental and Physical Disorders and People of All Ages
Experience in Evaluating, Establishing Treatment Intervention and Assessing Effectiveness of Treatment Interventions
Valid Virginia Driver's License
Proficient in both verbal and written communication skills with staff, clients, community providers and family members.
Skilled in the ability to develop, plan, and implement occupational therapy interventions and groups utilizing a multi-modalities approach along with evidenced-based treatment and trauma informed strategies that promote recovery and functional outcomes.
Ability to clinically assess both psychosocial and physical deficits and implement occupational therapy interventions accordingly.
Additional duties will include (but are not limited to) operating a state vehicle to include cars, wheelchair equipped mini-bus and 15 passenger van, participating in special unit activities (unit/dept/hospital), utilizing Therapeutic Options (TO) techniques with clients, working irregular work week and hours when necessary and awareness of safety and security procedures.

Nice To Haves

Previous OT Experience in a Mental Health Inpatient Setting

Responsibilities

Planning and implementing active treatment services for adults with serious mental illness
Providing both group and individual occupational therapy and restoration to competency interventions that support recovery and discharge goals
Completing comprehensive assessments
Developing person-centered treatment plans
Documenting progress
Ensuring interventions align with treatment team goals
Transporting clients
Participating in multidisciplinary team meetings
Maintaining accurate and timely records
Ensuring coverage for treatment activities on evenings, weekends, and holidays
Maintaining equipment and treatment areas
Participating in ongoing training
Contributing to the hospital's mission through professional growth and commitment to high-quality care