Chief Security Officer

Title: Chief Security Officer

State Role

Title:

69116

Hiring Range: $89,581.00 - $;
Salary to be commensurate with experience

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central State Hospital

Agency Website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277‑bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has proudly served 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.

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.

The Chief Security Officer will lead and oversee the security operations of our Maximum‑Security Unit and Department of Public Safety, ensuring the safety and protection of patients, staff, and the public. This executive leadership role is responsible for comprehensive oversight of security programs, including key and radio management, dispatch, remote monitoring systems, disaster drill coordination, and follow‑up on security action plans and inspections, while serving as a key member of the Hospital Leadership Team and Incident Command structure.

The Chief Security Officer provides strategic guidance in the development, review, and interpretation of security and public safety policies; collaborates with hospital departments, local and state law enforcement, correctional facilities, and partner agencies; and ensures staff receive proper training and meet all mandated requirements. The role emphasizes strong performance management practices by setting clear expectations aligned with departmental goals, delivering timely evaluations and constructive feedback, addressing performance and attendance issues in accordance with policy, monitoring UKG/Kronos time and attendance systems, and partnering closely with Human Resources throughout recruitment and hiring processes.

The successful candidate will foster a culture of civility, professionalism, safety, and accountability; balance quality, cost, and safety outcomes; promote recovery‑oriented and culturally competent practices; and demonstrate respect, empathy, and integrity while ensuring compliance with established regulations and standards.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of security.
• In‑depth understanding of proper security procedures for an institutional setting.
• Ability to plan, develop and implement policies and procedures.
• Good judgement and effective problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to give and follow directions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to be an effective leader and team member, interacting with multiple disciplines and performing supervisory functions.
• Knowledge of state laws relevant to forensic hospital operations.
• Ability to analyze a broad range of Security and/or Public Safety problems and develop and implement resolutions.

• Valid Virginia driver’s license.
• Forensic security experience.
• Supervisory experience in a secure setting.
• Ability to successfully complete an additional training course at an academy designated by the facility.

N/A

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Applications and résumés for this position…