Psychologist - Full Time- Summit Behavioral Healthcare

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 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 in Columbus. DBH values: Service-Oriented (Person Centered, Solution Oriented, Customer Service Focused), Collaborative (Approachable, Reasonable, Transparent), Value Driven, Innovative (Yes Before No), and Strong Sense of Urgency.

Our team advances a critical system of behavioral healthcare in Ohio that helps people be well, get well, and stay well. DBH is an Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace, committed to supporting the health and 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 regional hospitals have a high percentage of justice-involved patients. Psychologists work in the specialized areas of clinical and forensic psychology, serving an essential role in assessing and treating patients in DBH Regional Psychiatric Hospitals. They provide trauma-focused and patient-centered care, forensic evaluations including competency to stand trial and mental status at the time of offense, and collaboration and consultation with multidisciplinary treatment teams. Skills related to the forensic sub-specialty will be supported with training and mentorship if limited upon hire. Strong clinical skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Psychological Assessment & Evaluation: Conduct comprehensive psychological evaluations, including cognitive, personality, diagnostic, and risk assessments. Administer, score, interpret, and document psychological testing results. Perform forensic evaluations, including competency-to-stand-trial and mental state assessments. Develop risk assessments and risk management plans for justice-involved individuals.
• Therapeutic Services & Patient Care: Provide individual psychotherapy, group therapy, behavioral interventions, and psychosocial rehabilitation services. Deliver trauma-informed and patient-centered care to support recovery and treatment goals. Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans. Facilitate therapeutic groups and evidence-based interventions designed to improve patient outcomes.
• Forensic Psychology Services: Complete court-ordered forensic assessments and evaluations. Provide expert consultation and testimony regarding forensic findings when required. Support the treatment and assessment needs of a justice-involved patient population.
• Treatment Team Collaboration: Serve as a key member of the multidisciplinary treatment team. Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care. Provide psychological consultation and recommendations to support treatment planning and clinical decision-making.
• Program Development & Quality Improvement: Develop and implement programs that promote patient recovery and rehabilitation. Participate in hospital initiatives focused on improving patient care, treatment effectiveness, and clinical outcomes. Contribute to continuous quality improvement efforts and best practices in psychological services.
• Professional Leadership & Engagement: Attend and actively participate in meetings, committees, and workgroups. Maintain professional standards and documentation in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements. Engage in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance clinical and forensic psychology skills.

Qualifications

• License to practice psychology as issued by Ohio State Board of Psychology per Section 4732.12 or 4732.15(A) of Ohio Revised Code.

Skills

• Behavioral Health

Pay

Hourly rate: $43.56 (Step 1 of the Ohio Health Care SEIU/1199 Pay Range Schedule, Pay Range 15). Opportunity for pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance and yearly raises thereafter. Longevity supplement after 5 years of service.

Schedule

Permanent, full-time. Standard work hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Day, afternoon, and evening shifts available, with weekend and holiday rotations.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off including vacation, personal, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave
• Education and development opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public retirement systems (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) and optional deferred compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

Additional information

This position is covered by the Ohio Health Care SEIU/1199 bargaining unit (union). Located at Summit Behavioral Healthcare, 1101 Summit Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237. Reasons psychologists cite for working in state psychiatric hospitals include: personal and professional growth, advocating for patients, working with complex psychiatric challenges, untangling psycho-legal questions, ample continuing education opportunities, presenting at professional conferences and workshops, and mentoring upcoming psychologists through practicums and post-doctoral programs. Final candidate must pass a criminal background check (Rule 5122-7-21 outlines disqualifying offenses) and a pre-employment urinalysis for illegal drug use.