Discharge Planner

Title: Discharge Planner

State Role Title: 49053

Hiring Range: $51,620.00 - $71,236.00

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central State Hospital

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/csh/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

** Ability to work weekends as needed to meet operational requirements. **

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 a Discharge Planner to support patient-centered discharge planning and recovery-oriented care for individuals transitioning from inpatient psychiatric services to community settings. The Discharge Planner assesses and identifies discharge needs in collaboration with patients, treatment teams, Community Services Boards (CSBs), families, and community partners, while developing and maintaining strong relationships with external providers such as therapists, probation and correctional partners, assisted living facilities, and mental health service agencies. This role coordinates and implements timely discharge plans for individuals identified as discharge ready, ensures benefits and aftercare services are arranged, and actively engages CSBs in the planning process to facilitate successful transitions of care. Responsibilities include participating in treatment planning, conducting psycho-social rehabilitation (PSR) groups, providing supportive education to patients and families regarding mental health conditions and community resources, and assisting with restoration services under MSW supervision. The Discharge Planner maintains clear, person-centered clinical documentation, contributes to comprehensive social work assessments, and ensures compliance with DBHDS discharge protocols, Joint Commission standards, and hospital policies. Additional duties include ongoing collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, monitoring patient progress toward discharge readiness, completing required reports and documentation within established timeframes, participating in departmental and hospital-wide trainings, and supporting the mission and values of Central State Hospital through professionalism, empathy, continuous learning, and participation in special projects or other assigned responsibilities.

- Knowledge and demonstrated ability to provide discharge planning and coordinate resources for patients.
- Ability and skills in providing individual, group, educational/supportive/insight skills training.
- Ability to interview and gather pertinent information from patients and family.
- Ability to individually and in conjunction with interdisciplinary teams, develop goals and implement treatment plans related to community integration/discharge planning.
- Knowledge, skills, and ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to perform duties at a fast pace with frequent change.
- Ability to interact with other professionals as a contributing team member.

Special Assignments: Includes but is not limited to group coverage, committee assignments, special projects, transportation, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

Required:
- Experience in the provision of mental health services to adults
- Experience with compiling information for intake/assessments, treatment planning, and group
facilitation
- Prior discharge planning experience
- Valid Driver’s license is required for this position and must have the ability to provide transport
in a state vehicle as required.
- Ability to work weekends as needed to meet operational requirements

Additional Considerations

- Knowledge of forensic mental health is desirable but not required.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Application Requirements: Applications and résumés for this position are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System only. Interview decisions will be based solely on the information provided in your electronic application and/or résumé. Please ensure you detail all relevant work experience clearly and specifically; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications.
Applications/résumés will begin to be reviewed within five (5) days of the posting date.

Background Investigation: All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre-employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position.

Under Virginia Code §§ 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers, individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.

Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify Human Resources at (804) 524-7111 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Equal Opportunity: The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.* There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.

Veteran Preference: DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. We highly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply and respond accordingly on the state application.

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!

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources Department

Phone: 1-804-524-7111

Email: CSHRecruitment@dbhds.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 12 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 19 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend