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Eastern State Hospital Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eastern State Hospital Agency Website: Recruitment Type: General Public - G Job Duties *Currently offering a $5,000 Sign-On Bonus for those new to state service* Utilizing knowledge base and ...

Eastern State Hospital Agency Website: Jobs.virginia.gov Recruitment Type: General Public - G Job Duties To provide a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors at ESH by handling difficult ...

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Eastern State Hospital information

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$10

$32

$92

How much do eastern state hospital jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for eastern state hospital in the United States is $32.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $34.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mental health professional at Eastern State Hospital, and why are they important?

To thrive as a mental health professional at Eastern State Hospital, you generally need a relevant degree (such as in nursing, psychology, social work, or psychiatry) and appropriate state licensure or certification. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), behavioral assessment tools, and crisis intervention protocols is typically required. Compassion, strong communication, and resilience are crucial soft skills for supporting patients with complex mental health needs. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring patient safety, effective treatment, and maintaining a therapeutic environment in an inpatient psychiatric setting.

What are some common challenges faced by mental health professionals working at Eastern State Hospital, and how can they be managed?

Mental health professionals at Eastern State Hospital often encounter challenges such as managing high-acuity patients, balancing large caseloads, and working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. These challenges can be addressed by actively participating in team meetings, seeking support from colleagues and supervisors, and utilizing available training and resources to stay informed about best practices. The hospital encourages ongoing professional development and provides access to mental health support for staff to help manage work-related stress.

What is Eastern State Hospital?

Eastern State Hospital is a state-operated psychiatric hospital that provides mental health services, including inpatient psychiatric care, to individuals with severe mental illnesses. Located in various states (such as Virginia, Kentucky, and Washington), each Eastern State Hospital serves its region by offering assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation to help patients manage mental health conditions. The hospital employs a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and therapists, to deliver comprehensive care. Admissions often come through referrals from mental health professionals, courts, or emergency services.

What is the difference between Eastern State Hospital vs Psychiatric Nurse?

AspectEastern State HospitalPsychiatric Nurse
Required CredentialsState licensure, nursing degree, possibly additional psychiatric certificationsRegistered Nurse license, psychiatric certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentState hospital, inpatient psychiatric units, mental health facilitiesHospitals, clinics, mental health centers, inpatient and outpatient settings
Employer & Industry UsageState government, public health sectorHospitals, private clinics, public health organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Eastern State Hospital and Psychiatric Nurse roles both work within mental health settings, requiring nursing credentials and serving in inpatient environments. While Eastern State Hospital is a specific state-run facility, Psychiatric Nurses work across various healthcare providers. Both roles focus on patient care, but the hospital position is more institution-specific, whereas psychiatric nursing offers broader employment options.

More about Eastern State Hospital jobs
What cities are hiring for Eastern State Hospital jobs? Cities with the most Eastern State Hospital job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Eastern State Hospital jobs? The most popular types of Eastern State Hospital jobs are:
What states have the most Eastern State Hospital jobs? States with the most job openings for Eastern State Hospital jobs include:
Infographic showing various Eastern State Hospital job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,079 per year, or $32.2 per hour.
MUSIC THERAPIST OR RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

MUSIC THERAPIST OR RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

State of Virginia

Williamsburg, VA

$59.18K - $80.22K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


State Of Virginia rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 50 rated states


Job description

MUSIC THERAPIST OR RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

Apply now Job no: 5104863
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
Categories: Health and Human Services

Title: MUSIC THERAPIST OR RECREATIONAL THERAPIST

State Role Title: Therapy Assistant/Therapist I

Hiring Range: RT ($51,175 - $70,622) / MT ($59,175 - $80,222)

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Eastern State Hospital

Agency Website: www.esh.dbhds.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Eastern State Hospital located in Williamsburg, Virginia was founded in 1773 with a well-intentional emphasis on community focused care. This state of the art campus, situated on 500 acres, consists of two patient care buildings with 300 patients, and a highly skilled staff of over 900. Eastern State Hospital is part of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) system, and is accredited by the Joint Commission.
ESH invites applications for the position of Therapist I - Music Therapist or Recreational Therapist.
This position provides Music or Recreational Therapy treatment to meet the psychiatric, social, emotional and physical needs of patients. Plan and implement Music or Recreational Therapy treatment for the adult and geriatric patients. Ensures that all patients will receive the highest quality of care possible.
This position is considered essential personnel and would be required to work in the event of an emergency or facility need. All ESH positions are required to work different shifts and/or overtime as requested.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduate from a college or university with major studies in Music Therapy accompanied by experience that would meet the requirements for certification.
If a Music Therapist, must be board certified (MT-BC) within 1 year of starting employment with Eastern State Hospital.
If a Recreational Therapist, must have certification via National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRS) within 1 year of starting employment with Eastern State Hospital.
Experience in planning and implementing goal oriented Music or Recreational Therapy treatment appropriate to the needs of Adult patients with Psychiatric Diagnosis.
Experience in completing age-specific assessments and evaluations.
Experience working with psychiatric patients in a clinical setting, in Music or Recreational Therapy and in activity programs.

Additional Considerations

Board certification with the Certification Board for Music Therapists (MT-BC).
Recreational Therapist certification via National Council for Therapeutic Recreation (NCTRS).

Special Instructions

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

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities.
Eastern State Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities are open to applicants without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics or disability.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the application and supplemental materials thoroughly reflects their knowledge, skills, and abilities, as it relates to the advertised qualifications.
For consideration, a completed application must be received online by 11:59PM on the "Job Close Date"
Applicants who list "see resume" in lieu of completing the application may miss the opportunity for consideration.
Eastern State Hospital conducts a comprehensive and thorough background check on all employees.

Contact Information

Name: EASTERN STATE HOSPITAL

Phone: 757-208-7717 REFER TO PAGEUP(JOBS.VIRGINIA.GOV ACCOUNT) FOR APPLICATION STATUS.

Email: EMAIL APPLICATION MATERIAL NOT ACCEPTED.

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 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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