Benefits Social Worker

Benefits Social Worker

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 August 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. Make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals receiving care at Central State Hospital by joining our Social Work team in this rewarding Benefits Social Worker role. This position plays a vital part in helping patients successfully prepare for discharge by identifying and securing essential benefits and entitlements, including Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and other community resources.

Working closely with patients, social workers, families, and community agencies, you will assist with applications, vital records, documentation, benefit inquiries, and coordination of services while ensuring timely, person-centered, and recovery-oriented care. In addition, you will provide therapeutic support through PSR groups, supportive counseling, patient and family education, and other interventions as assigned. This is an excellent opportunity for a compassionate, organized professional who values advocacy, collaboration, recovery, and empowering individuals to achieve greater stability and independence in the community.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Successfully Perform the Job:

• Basic knowledge of Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare application processes, eligibility requirements, and related benefits and entitlements.
• Basic knowledge of documentation, application, and resource coordination procedures related to patient benefits and services.
• Effective oral and written communication skills when interacting with patients, families, professionals, and other stakeholders.
• Basic typing, word processing, and electronic documentation skills.
• Ability to coordinate and facilitate access to appropriate resources and benefits for patients.
• Ability to conduct interviews and gather accurate, relevant, and pertinent information from patients, families, and collateral sources.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, social workers, and other professionals to support patient needs and discharge planning.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in social work from an accredited college or university.
• Experience working with individuals with serious, chronic mental illness.
• Working knowledge of Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare application processes and eligibility requirements.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to operate a state vehicle and provide transportation to patients, as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with patients with forensic involvement is preferred.

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. You will receive a confirmation of receipt once your application and/or résumé has been successfully submitted.

To check the status of your application, refer to "Your…