Psychiatrist

Western State Hospital, part of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), is a 302‑bed Joint Commission/CMS‑accredited psychiatric facility located at 103 Valley Center Drive, Staunton, VA 24401. Established in 1828, the hospital serves adults with serious mental health needs and is nationally recognized for its Psychosocial Rehabilitation “Learning” programs.

About the role

Western State Hospital is seeking a psychiatrist to serve as a Head of Treatment Team (HOTT). The psychiatrist provides comprehensive psychiatric care in an inpatient forensic and civil commitment setting, directs a multidisciplinary treatment team, and participates in clinical oversight, teaching, and quality‑improvement activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive psychiatric care, including assessments, diagnostic reassessments, psychopharmacologic management, and individual, group, and family psychotherapy.
• Conduct patient and family interviews, provide education, obtain informed consents, and ensure accurate and timely clinical documentation.
• Serve as Head of the Treatment Team, leading the multidisciplinary team in developing and implementing individualized treatment plans.
• Supervise and guide interdisciplinary staff, oversee milieu therapy, and provide clinical supervision of staff working with families.
• Review and approve treatment plans, physician orders, and emergency clinical decisions; provide clinical oversight and consultation to PMHNPs.
• Coordinate discharge planning and act as liaison with community mental health centers and external agencies to ensure continuity of care.
• Provide cross‑coverage for other units and Staff On‑Duty Provider coverage as scheduled.
• Participate actively in Medical Staff meetings, hospital committees, quality‑improvement initiatives, and mandatory training.
• Supervise psychiatric residents and medical students and contribute to hospital‑wide performance‑improvement and service‑delivery initiatives.

Qualifications

• Medical degree and completion of an ACGME‑approved residency training in Psychiatry.
• Unrestricted Virginia medical license (or ability to obtain before start of employment).
• Current DEA registration (or ability to obtain before start of employment).
• Extensive psychiatric knowledge and strong clinical skills in assessment and treatment for acute forensic, civilly committed inpatient units, or extended‑care psychosocial rehabilitation services.
• Proven ability to lead and supervise a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Strong administrative skills for effective collaboration with hospital units and external agencies.
• Ability to complete required documentation in accordance with CMS requirements.
• Experience with Cerner EHR preferred.
• Experience in teaching and clinical supervision of medical trainees.
• Previous experience working in state hospitals, forensic or addiction fellowships, bilingual ability, board certification, or veteran status are considered additional assets.

Benefits

• Generous moving and relocation reimbursement.
• Sign‑on bonus of $15,000 (with one‑year commitment).
• Retention bonus of $10,000 on one‑year work anniversary (with an additional one‑year commitment).
• Health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Retirement plan with cash match.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Paid time off (annual, sick, family/personal, and community service).
• Life insurance.
• Malpractice coverage.
• Potential eligibility for the Virginia Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (subject to program criteria and restrictions).

Pay

Hiring range: $328,000 to $365,000 (Pay Band 8).

Contact

For more information, contact Samantha Leep at 540‑332‑8306 or samantha.leep@dbhds.virginia.gov.