Occupational Therapist (Pilot program/Rapid Discharge)

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Petersburg, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is part of the rapid discharge program at Central State Hospital (CSH), a 277-bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH, which opened in 1870 as the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans, is currently undergoing construction for a new, modern facility scheduled for completion in 2027. The hospital includes the state's only maximum-security treatment facility (111 beds) and 166 beds for community individuals needing inpatient care, as well as those in the criminal justice system. CSH emphasizes holistic, person-centered treatment, recognizing that recovery is unique for each individual. Treatment modalities include medication, evidence-based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, court preparation, and substance use treatment. The Occupational Therapist (Pilot Program/Rapid Discharge) will provide comprehensive, recovery-oriented occupational therapy services to adults aged 18–64 with serious mental illness, substance use histories, physical and intellectual disabilities, and trauma backgrounds. This role involves working one weekend per month and providing services campus-wide across various treatment units, with oversight from both a Rehab Department unit supervisor and an OT/clinical supervisor.

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 as an Occupational Therapist.
Work or internship experience dealing with various types of mental and physical disorders, 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.
Awareness of safety and security procedures.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working in an inpatient psychiatric mental health facility.

Responsibilities

Plan and deliver up to 18 hours per week of functionally based active treatment interventions, including day, evening, weekend, and holiday programming, that promote hope, skill development, and successful community reintegration.
Complete comprehensive rehabilitation assessments (functional, ADL, ILS, cognitive, physical, sensorimotor, vocational, and educational).
Document client attendance and progress in accordance with hospital and departmental standards.
Maintain accurate electronic health record entries and statistical reports.
Serve as an active member of the interdisciplinary treatment team.
Participate in morning briefings and treatment planning.
Integrate services into individualized recovery plans.
Communicate client outcomes effectively to staff, clients, and families.
Transport clients using state vehicles (including wheelchair-accessible buses and 15-passenger vans).
Support least restrictive interventions.
Model respectful and trauma-informed care.
Complete monthly clinician reports.
Maintain equipment and treatment areas.
Support student fieldwork placements.
Ensure compliance with all licensures, certification, training, and safety requirements.
Work one weekend per month.
Operate a state vehicle to include cars, wheelchair equipped minibus and 15 passenger van.
Participate in special unit activities (unit/department/hospital).
Utilize TOVA techniques with clients.
Work irregular work week and hours when necessary.