Mental Health Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Full-Time

About the role

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 employ over 2,800 dedicated employees across six inpatient behavioral health hospitals, Ohio Pharmacy Services, Ohio’s prison systems, and the central office in the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus, OH. DBH values service‑oriented, collaborative, value‑driven innovative, and a strong sense of urgency. The department is an Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace, promoting wellness, second‑chance hiring, and recovery‑informed policies.

Responsibilities

• Medication Administration & Support: Provide medication administration, education, and empowerment to individuals receiving care; monitor and document patient response to medications and treatment interventions.
• Patient Observation & Documentation: Observe, evaluate, and record patient behavior, condition, and overall progress; maintain accurate documentation related to patient care, treatment plans, and clinical observations.
• Health Monitoring & Treatment Support: Monitor patient health status including vital signs, treatment plan progress, and participation in therapeutic activities; support individuals in achieving treatment goals through ongoing care and engagement.
• Team Collaboration & Patient Safety: Serve as a key member of a multidisciplinary treatment team focused on patient recovery and wellness; promote a safe, positive, and therapeutic environment through safety checks, observation rounds, and group facilitation activities.

Requirements

All eligible applications shall be reviewed considering the following criteria: qualifications, experience, education, and active disciplinary record. 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. DBH reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree‑granting institution.

Qualifications

License to practice nursing as a licensed practical nurse issued by the Ohio Board of Nursing pursuant to Section 4723 of the Ohio Revised Code; MDS certification issued by ANNAC (American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination).

Skills

Primary Skill: Nursing. Technical Skills: Communications, Advocacy. Professional Skills: Critical Thinking, Adaptability.

Pay

This is an hourly position covered by the OCSEA/AFSCME bargaining unit (union), with a pay range of 10 on the OCSEA Pay Range Schedule. The compensation is $27.56 – $34.53 per hour. Unless required by any applicable union contract and/or requirements of the Ohio Revised Code, the selected candidate will begin at Step 1 of the pay range schedule, with an opportunity for a pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance and then a yearly raise thereafter.

Schedule

Normal working hours are 2nd shift, 2:30 pm – 11:00 pm, with rotating weekends and holidays. This is a full‑time position.