Physician - Psychiatry

Western State Hospital located in Staunton, Virginia

Areas nearby- Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, and Charlottesville.

Incentives Available:

Relocation assistance up to $10,000 (candidate must submit invoices to claim relocation expenses)
Sign-on bonus up to $15,000 for employees new to state service (some restrictions may apply)
Retention bonus up to $10,000 (some restrictions may apply)

Perks to location:

• Located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley surrounded by mountains and four-season weather.
• Close to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive with hiking, scenic overlooks, and wildlife viewing.
• Downtown features multiple historic districts, unique shops, and locally owned restaurants.
• Crime rates are lower than state and national averages
  
  

Who We Are:
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 psychiatrist to serve as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). This leadership role will supervise full-time and part-time psychiatric providers, oversee all Medical Staff activities, and manage Primary Care, Admissions Office, and Pharmacy Managers. The CMO ensures that policies, procedures, and outcomes of healthcare activities comply with regulatory, legal, and medical standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Ensure compliance with performance planning and evaluation systems, complete evaluations by deadlines with proper documentation
Address and document performance, behavior, and attendance issues promptly
Review cases at the request of treatment teams, CEO, CQO, and/or Patient Advocate; prepare written reports as needed
Provide oversight of patient admission, risk assessment, treatment, transfer, and discharge processes
Ensure Joint Commission and CMS standards for medical care and treatment are met with minimal citations
Support quality educational experiences for trainees to enhance knowledge and interest in psychiatry
Chair or participate in hospital and community committees, performance improvement teams, and collaborative initiatives
Conduct regular rounds throughout the facility
May be required to take patient load, calls and provide backup coverage for medical staff

Benefits Include:

• Relocation reimbursement
• Sign-on bonus
• Retention bonus
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• Retirement 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 (BH-LRP), subject to program criteria and restrictions.

Minimum Qualifications: