Mental Health/Psychiatric Nurse (RN)

Please note: Effective October 1, 2025, the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services has transitioned to its new name—the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health. This change reflects our continued commitment to providing comprehensive, person-centered care that addresses the full range of behavioral health needs for Ohioans. All positions and services now fall under the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health as we move forward in serving individuals, families, and communities across the state.

What You’ll Do At DBH

As a Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare Mental Health/Psychiatric RN you will:

• Be responsible for maintaining a therapeutic milieu that is safe and focused on delivering quality patient care
• Serve a fundamental role as an interdisciplinary treatment team member for psychiatric patients creating and executing their treatment plans
• Observe, evaluate, and record patient behavior, condition, & response to medication and treatment
• Will serve as charge nurse, initiate and direct psychiatric and nursing care for patients on your unit and provide support and direction for nursing staff while promoting a positive and safe environment for recovery
• Contribute vital input on records, plans, and reports
• Facilitate patient group activities.
  
  

This is an hourly position covered by the Ohio Health Care SEIU/1199 bargaining unit (union), with a pay range of 13 on the Ohio Health Care SEIU/1199 Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are five 8-hour shifts per week. Second shift is 2:30PM –11:00PM with an every other weekend rotation. This position is located within our Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare Campus at 2200 West Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43223.

Additional Salary / Appointment Information

• Additional $1.50 per hour shift differential for 2nd and 3rd shift
• Additional 10% pay Supplement ($3.50 per hour) for hours worked 3:00 pm – 7:00 am
• Additional hourly retention supplements available for educational degrees, professional certifications, and service time at COBH (up to 15%)
• Yearly cost of living increases per the 1199 contract
• Periodic step increases, the first of which is awarded after 180 days of employment!
• Additional longevity pay supplement after 5 years of service!
  
  

Please note:

• ALL positions must be able to complete a 3-week (business days Monday–Friday) 7:30am–4:00pm full-time orientation for first three weeks of employment, even if doing a part-time position.
• May work weekends and holidays; may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpredictable patient behavior
• Training and development required to remain in the classification after employment
• Biennial renewal of licensure as registered nurse required.
  
  

Position Qualifications

Requires current license as registered nurse in state of Ohio as issued by Board of Nursing per Section 4723.03 of Revised Code.

• Applications of those who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated against the following criteria:
  
  

All eligible applications shall be reviewed considering the following criteria: qualifications, experience, education, active disciplinary record, and work record.

Additional Qualifications

Primary Job Skill: Nursing

Technical Skills: Medication Management, Mental Health, Therapeutical Services

Professional Skills: Critical Thinking, Cultural Awareness, Building Trust, Coaching, Collaboration, Motivating Others, Decision Making, Delegation, Emotional Intelligence, Adaptability, Attention to Detail, Priority Setting

Required Educational Transcripts

Official transcripts are required for all post-secondary education, coursework, or degrees listed on the application. Applicants must submit an official transcript before receiving a formal employment offer. Failure to provide transcripts within five (5) business days of the request will result in disqualification from further consideration. Transcripts printed from the institution’s website will not be accepted. Ohio DBH reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree-granting institution.

Organization

Behavioral Health - Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare

Agency Contact Name and Information

theresa.guthrie@dbh.ohio.gov or 614-641-4346

Unposting Date

Ongoing

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation

$34.96 - $48.90

Schedule

Full-time

Classified Indicator

Classified

Technical Skills

Medication Management, Behavioral Health, Mental Health

Professional Skills

Adaptability, Attention to Detail, Building Trust, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Decision Making, Emotional Intelligence, Priority Setting

Agency Overview

Mental Health Nurse (RN)

Psych/DD Nurse

Who We Are

At the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), we strive to exemplify The Heart of Hope for individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use disorders.

We proudly employ over 2,800 dedicated employees across our six inpatient behavioral health hospitals, Ohio Pharmacy Services, Ohio's prison systems, and the central office located in the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus, OH.

DBH Values

• Service-Oriented (Person Centered, Solution Oriented, Customer Service Focused)
• Collaborative (Approachable, Reasonable, Transparent)
• Value Driven
• Innovative (Yes Before No)
• Strong Sense of Urgency
  
  

Our team of highly qualified professionals advances a critical system of behavioral healthcare in Ohio that helps people be well, get well, and stay well. Join our collaborative, service-oriented environment, where you will be respected and valued.

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is proud to be an Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace, committed to supporting the well-being of all employees, including those in recovery. We foster an inclusive, stigma-free environment where individuals impacted by mental health and substance use challenges are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our workplace culture promotes wellness, second-chance hiring, and recovery-informed policies that reflect our mission to serve Ohioans with compassion and respect, both in the community and within our own team.