Police Officer 1 (Academy Sponsorship Provided) - Full Time - Summit Behavioral Healthcare

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is the new name for the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, effective October 1, 2025. This transition reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive, person-centered behavioral health care across Ohio.

About the Role

The Police Officer is responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment at Summit Behavioral Healthcare. This position protects patients, visitors, employees, and state property by enforcing laws, facility regulations, and supporting clinical and administrative teams.

Responsibilities

• Security & Patrol
  • Patrol hospital grounds and buildings on foot and by vehicle to ensure safety and security.
  • Check property for open doors, windows, fires, hazards, or security breaches.
  • Monitor traffic and parking areas, verify parking permits, issue citations, and ensure efficient traffic flow.
  • Prevent crime by enforcing state laws, hospital rules, and safety regulations.
  • Check identity of persons on premises and determine the nature of their business.
• Emergency Response
  • Respond to hospital codes, alarms, and emergency situations including evacuations, inclement weather, medical incidents, and security threats.
  • Assist with disaster preparedness and response activities, including fire drills and hospital-wide safety initiatives.
  • Testify in court proceedings when required.
• Investigations & Service Support
  • Investigate complaints, disturbances, and potential criminal activity.
  • Escort and assist visitors, staff, and patients as needed.
  • Support clinical staff by assisting in the safe handling, restraint, transport, or supervision of patients when required.
  • Provide routine assistance to staff and visitors (e.g., unlocking vehicles, assisting with mechanical issues, securing patient valuables).
• Administrative Duties
  • Maintain accurate logs, complete reports, and document unusual incidents.
  • Operate communication equipment, relay messages, and ensure timely information flow between staff.
  • Assist with safety inspections, key control, and security-related audits.
  • Stay current on law enforcement practices, hospital safety standards, and emergency procedures.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned to support the safety and mission of Summit Behavioral Healthcare.

Requirements

• Formal education in arithmetic (fractions, decimals, percentages) and in reading and writing English vocabulary.
• Valid driver’s license.
• One-year probationary period.
• OR possession of a certificate showing successful completion of an approved basic peace officer training program or completion of 20 years of active duty as a peace officer per Section 109.78 (D) of the Ohio Revised Code for developmental disabilities and mental health facility employees.
• Ability to successfully perform Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program (OPOTC) Fitness Testing Entry Standards for New Recruits.

Skills

• Law Enforcement Technical Skills: Communications, security operations.
• Professional Skills: Collaboration, problem-solving, reasoning, teamwork.

Pay

$24.56 per hour (Step 1 of Pay Range 8, Unit 2 Bargaining Unit).

Schedule

• 1st Shift: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• 2nd Shift: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• 3rd Shift: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM

Assigned shift depends on Unit 2 contract/current canvas. Days and hours may vary according to operational needs.

Benefits

• Full cost of the Police Academy covered by Summit Behavioral Healthcare in exchange for a two-year employment commitment post-academy.
• Eligible for state of Ohio employee benefits (e.g., health insurance, retirement plans). View Total Rewards Statement.

Benefits may vary based on employment status and individual circumstances. The state reserves the right to modify benefits at any time, subject to applicable law.

Location

Summit Behavioral Healthcare Campus
1101 Summit Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45237

About the Agency

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) employs over 2,800 professionals across six inpatient behavioral health hospitals, Ohio Pharmacy Services, Ohio’s prison systems, and the central office in Columbus. DBH is committed to providing comprehensive, person-centered care and fostering an inclusive, recovery-friendly workplace.

• Values: Service-Oriented, Collaborative, Value-Driven, Innovative, Strong Sense of Urgency.
• DBH is a certified Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace, supporting employees impacted by mental health and substance use challenges.