Mental Health Jobs in Columbus, OH
Mental Health jobs in Columbus, Ohio are concentrated in the Short North, Easton Town Center corridor, and the University District, with steady demand across community behavioral health, hospital systems, and nonprofit social services. Employers actively hiring include Nationwide Children's Hospital, SUN Behavioral Columbus, and State of Ohio. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 40+ Mental Health jobs
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:
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is seeking a skilled Portfolio Manager to help drive Ohio’s statewide efforts to address opioid use and strengthen community-based prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives. This role oversees a portfolio of projects funded through the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant, ensuring that programs and partners have the support, guidance, and resources needed to achieve measurable impact.
Position Overview
This position plays a key role in advancing Ohio’s efforts to strengthen prevention, expand treatment access, and support recovery for individuals, families, and communities affected by opioid use. Your leadership helps ensure that statewide strategies translate into real, meaningful outcomes.
- Lead and coordinate multiple grant-funded initiatives that advance Ohio’s response to opioid-related challenges, focusing on areas such as workforce development, access to care, prevention strategies, and community resilience.
- Partner with local agencies, health systems, and community organizations to align program goals, address barriers, and ensure services work together seamlessly.
- Manage grants and contracts, including selecting sub-awardees, monitoring progress, and ensuring compliance with timelines and requirements.
- Identify data needs and use program findings to guide quality improvement efforts and technical assistance.
- Facilitate meetings, build relationships with stakeholders across sectors (e.g., health care, behavioral health, criminal justice, child welfare), and collaborate on system-level solutions.
- Develop and maintain project plans, documentation, and reports for state, local, and federal partners.
- Assess training needs, help design training programs, and coordinate events or learning opportunities for partner organizations.
- Support the implementation of evidence-based practices, including improving referral pathways and integrating services within community settings.
- Contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement activities across assigned projects.
This is an hourly position and is exempt from the bargaining units, with a pay range of 14 on the E1 Exempt Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
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 listed above, with an opportunity for pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance and then a yearly raise thereafter.
Why Work for the State of Ohio
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- 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 (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
- Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Position Qualifications
For all “programmatic” positions, completion of undergraduate core program in one of following fields: mental health & developmental disabilities technology, social work or comparable field (e.g., child & family community services), special education, psychology or rehabilitation or 24 mos. exp. in development & implementation of treatment/ habilitation plans for persons who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled & working as part of interdisciplinary team to assess consumers'/residents' needs & abilities; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in state & federal regulations, standards & court orders governing care, custody, treatment, programming & environment of consumers/residents in mental health or developmental centers, or regulating drug treatment center operations or federally funded drug abuse services, or governing delivery of psychiatric services in adult correctional institution, or affecting community mental health programs (i.e., category of state & federal regulations, standards & court orders must be linked directly to type of facility & services being provided).
For all “administration staff” positions, completion of undergraduate core program in business administration/management sciences or 12 mos. exp. developing goals, objectives, policies & procedures of operational unit or program of agency or firm & monitoring implementation of same.
In addition to one of preceding categories (i.e., programmatic positions or administrative staff), 6 mos. trg. in supervisory principles/techniques or 6 mos. exp. scheduling, monitoring & evaluating personnel; 6 mos. trg. in budgeting or 6 mos. exp. determining budget needs & spending for operational unit or program of agency or firm; 6 mos. trg. in employee training & development or 6 mos. exp. writing training materials or conducting training; 3 mos. trg. in manpower planning or 3 mos. exp. scheduling personnel for adequate coverage & making staff projections.
- Or 6 mos. exp. as Mental Health Administrator 3, 65223.
- Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
- 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, and active disciplinary record.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Travel may be required; may be exposed to communicable diseases & consumers/residents who may display erratic or violent behavior.
Primary Job Skill: Project Management
Technical Skills: Grants Administration, Budgeting, Planning and Development, Project Management
Professional Skills: Problem Solving Presenting, Public Speaking, Verbal Communication, Attention to Detail
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. DBH reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree-granting institution.
Supplemental Information
Application Procedures
To be considered for this position, you must apply online through this posting website (careers.ohio.gov). We no longer accept paper applications. When completing your online Ohio Civil Service Application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined on this job posting. We will not give credit for your qualifications, experience, education, and training in the job selection process if there is no evidence provided on your application. In addition, “see resume” is not a substitution for completing supplemental questions. Answers to the supplemental questions must be fully supported by the work experience/education sections of your application. You may check the status of your application by signing into your profile on this website (careers.ohio.gov). We will communicate with you through the email you provided in your profile and job application. Be sure to check your email regularly.
Background Check Notice
The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
Rule 5122-7-21, “Background check on applicants,” outlines disqualifying offenses that will preclude an applicant from being employed by the Department of Behavioral Health.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, assessment &/or interview, please contact Andrew Seifert, EEO/ADA Administrator at andrew.seifert@dbh.ohio.gov or 614-466-8884.
ADA Statement
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug-Free WorkplaceThe State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
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:
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is seeking a skilled Portfolio Manager to help drive Ohio’s statewide efforts to address opioid use and strengthen community-based prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives. This role oversees a portfolio of projects funded through the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant, ensuring that programs and partners have the support, guidance, and resources needed to achieve measurable impact.
Position Overview
This position plays a key role in advancing Ohio’s efforts to strengthen prevention, expand treatment access, and support recovery for individuals, families, and communities affected by opioid use. Your leadership helps ensure that statewide strategies translate into real, meaningful outcomes.
- Lead and coordinate multiple grant-funded initiatives that advance Ohio’s response to opioid-related challenges, focusing on areas such as workforce development, access to care, prevention strategies, and community resilience.
- Partner with local agencies, health systems, and community organizations to align program goals, address barriers, and ensure services work together seamlessly.
- Manage grants and contracts, including selecting sub-awardees, monitoring progress, and ensuring compliance with timelines and requirements.
- Identify data needs and use program findings to guide quality improvement efforts and technical assistance.
- Facilitate meetings, build relationships with stakeholders across sectors (e.g., health care, behavioral health, criminal justice, child welfare), and collaborate on system-level solutions.
- Develop and maintain project plans, documentation, and reports for state, local, and federal partners.
- Assess training needs, help design training programs, and coordinate events or learning opportunities for partner organizations.
- Support the implementation of evidence-based practices, including improving referral pathways and integrating services within community settings.
- Contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement activities across assigned projects.
This is an hourly position and is exempt from the bargaining units, with a pay range of 14 on the E1 Exempt Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
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 listed above, with an opportunity for pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance and then a yearly raise thereafter.
Why Work for the State of Ohio
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- 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 (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
- Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Position Qualifications
For all “programmatic” positions, completion of undergraduate core program in one of following fields: mental health & developmental disabilities technology, social work or comparable field (e.g., child & family community services), special education, psychology or rehabilitation or 24 mos. exp. in development & implementation of treatment/ habilitation plans for persons who are mentally ill or developmentally disabled & working as part of interdisciplinary team to assess consumers'/residents' needs & abilities; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in state & federal regulations, standards & court orders governing care, custody, treatment, programming & environment of consumers/residents in mental health or developmental centers, or regulating drug treatment center operations or federally funded drug abuse services, or governing delivery of psychiatric services in adult correctional institution, or affecting community mental health programs (i.e., category of state & federal regulations, standards & court orders must be linked directly to type of facility & services being provided).
For all “administration staff” positions, completion of undergraduate core program in business administration/management sciences or 12 mos. exp. developing goals, objectives, policies & procedures of operational unit or program of agency or firm & monitoring implementation of same.
In addition to one of preceding categories (i.e., programmatic positions or administrative staff), 6 mos. trg. in supervisory principles/techniques or 6 mos. exp. scheduling, monitoring & evaluating personnel; 6 mos. trg. in budgeting or 6 mos. exp. determining budget needs & spending for operational unit or program of agency or firm; 6 mos. trg. in employee training & development or 6 mos. exp. writing training materials or conducting training; 3 mos. trg. in manpower planning or 3 mos. exp. scheduling personnel for adequate coverage & making staff projections.
- Or 6 mos. exp. as Mental Health Administrator 3, 65223.
- Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
- 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, and active disciplinary record.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Travel may be required; may be exposed to communicable diseases & consumers/residents who may display erratic or violent behavior.
Primary Job Skill: Project Management
Technical Skills: Grants Administration, Budgeting, Planning and Development, Project Management
Professional Skills: Problem Solving Presenting, Public Speaking, Verbal Communication, Attention to Detail
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. DBH reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree-granting institution.
Supplemental Information
Application Procedures
To be considered for this position, you must apply online through this posting website (careers.ohio.gov). We no longer accept paper applications. When completing your online Ohio Civil Service Application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined on this job posting. We will not give credit for your qualifications, experience, education, and training in the job selection process if there is no evidence provided on your application. In addition, “see resume” is not a substitution for completing supplemental questions. Answers to the supplemental questions must be fully supported by the work experience/education sections of your application. You may check the status of your application by signing into your profile on this website (careers.ohio.gov). We will communicate with you through the email you provided in your profile and job application. Be sure to check your email regularly.
Background Check Notice
The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
Rule 5122-7-21, “Background check on applicants,” outlines disqualifying offenses that will preclude an applicant from being employed by the Department of Behavioral Health.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, assessment &/or interview, please contact Andrew Seifert, EEO/ADA Administrator at andrew.seifert@dbh.ohio.gov or 614-466-8884.
ADA Statement
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug-Free WorkplaceThe State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
See All 40 Mental Health Jobs in Columbus
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Find Mental Health JobsMental Health Job Market in Columbus
Who's Hiring
- Nationwide Children's Hospital10
- SUN Behavioral Columbus8
- State of Ohio4
- Ellie Mental Health3
- US Department of Veterans Affairs2
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Mental Health Jobs in Columbus: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a mental health job in Columbus?
Columbus hires most actively through its large nonprofit behavioral health networks, hospital-affiliated outpatient programs, and Franklin County human services agencies. Candidates with direct care experience in community mental health settings have the strongest edge here, as the city's providers emphasize case management and crisis intervention. Familiarity with Columbus-specific programs like the Netcare Access crisis line or OhioHealth behavioral units signals local readiness to hiring managers.
Which companies hire mental healths in Columbus?
Columbus mental health roles are posted by Nationwide Children's Hospital, SUN Behavioral Columbus, and State of Ohio and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Columbus employers range from large integrated health systems and Franklin County public agencies to independent nonprofit treatment centers serving the city's diverse neighborhoods.
Are there remote mental health jobs in Columbus?
Yes, though availability depends heavily on the role, since direct care, crisis response, and group therapy positions are inherently on-site. About 9% of mental health openings tied to Columbus are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the broader shift in the field. Telehealth counseling, care coordination, and administrative behavioral health roles carry the highest share of remote flexibility among Columbus listings.
How can I get a mental health job in Columbus with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Columbus is through a mental health specialist or behavioral health technician role at one of the city's community mental health centers or residential treatment programs, where on-the-job training is standard. Employers like Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus Area Mental Health, and county-contracted nonprofits routinely hire entry-level candidates. Volunteering with Columbus crisis hotlines or completing a practicum with a Franklin County agency builds local references that carry real weight.
Which industries hire the most mental healths in Columbus?
Columbus mental health roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Columbus's strong hospital network, its large public university presence, and Franklin County's investment in community behavioral health infrastructure together drive consistent demand across those sectors.
See All 40 Mental Health Jobs in Columbus
Find roles in Columbus that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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