Mental Health Specialist Jobs in Columbus, OH
Mental Health Specialist jobs in Columbus are in strong demand, concentrated in the Short North, Downtown, and Eastland neighborhoods across community health centers, hospital systems, and behavioral health agencies. Employers currently hiring include Nationwide Children's Hospital and Cognitive Balance Therapeutics. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Overview:
Day Shift: 7:00am- 3:30pm
FTE: 06- 24 hours/week, every other Saturday & Sunday required.
Rate: Starts at $20.16/hour with potential for higher pay based on relevant exp., plus $1.80 shift differential for weekends.
Job Description Summary:
Performs basic supportive and trauma-informed care to specified patients and families under the direction and supervision of registered nurse or clinical supervisor.
Job Description:
Essential Functions:
- Participates with the interdisciplinary team in specialized patient care. Cares for patient assignment as delegated.
- Effectively establishes therapeutic relationships with patients and families on the unit including but not limited to effective communication and education.
- Provides trauma-informed care, utilizes positive reinforcement and operates within a therapeutic relationship, maintains staff and patient safety through de-escalation, limit setting, and physical interventions
- Collaborates with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans.
- Acts as a resource to unit staff regarding diagnoses, behavior plans, relationship based care, protective equipment, crisis management.
Education Requirement:
- High School Diploma or equivalent, required.
- Current enrollment in and completion of half a Psychology, Social Work, or related undergraduate program, or equivalent experience, required.
Certifications:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required prior to finishing unit-based orientation (due within 90 days of hire), must maintain certification.
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) certification provided by the organization, required prior to finishing unit-based orientation (due within 90 days of hire), and maintain certification.
- First Aid certification by the organization, required prior to finishing unit-based orientation (due within 90 days of hire), and maintain certification.
Skills:
Effective written and verbal communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Experience:
One year of hospital experience in a mental health role within the past three years, or equivalent education, required.
Physical Requirements:
OCCASIONALLY: Biohazard waste, Chemicals/Medications, Climb stairs/ladder, Fume /Gases /Vapors, Lifting / Carrying: 0-10 lbs, Lifting / Carrying: 11-20 lbs, Lifting / Carrying: 21-40 lbs, Lifting / Carrying: 41-60 lbs, Patient Equipment, Pushing / Pulling: 0-25 lbs, Pushing / Pulling: 26-40 lbs, Pushing / Pulling: 41-60 lbs, Pushing / Pulling: 61-100 lbs
FREQUENTLY: Bend/twist, Blood and/or Bodily Fluids, Communicable Diseases and/or Pathogens, Computer skills, Flexing/extending of neck, Loud Noises, Reaching above shoulder, Squat/kneel
CONTINUOUSLY: Audible speech, Color vision, Decision Making, Depth perception, Hand use: grasping, gripping, turning, Hearing acuity, Interpreting Data, Peripheral vision, Problem solving, Repetitive hand/arm use, Seeing – Far/near, Sitting, Standing, Walking
Additional Physical Requirements performed but not listed above:
- Must be able to perform therapeutic crisis intervention moves (TCI).
- Able to wear and function in helmets and other safety equipment.
- Rapid physical response when needed.
- Applies the principles of body mechanics in lifting or moving patients and/or equipment.
- Must be able to move or reposition patients of any weight or size with the assistance of another person(s) and/or equipment.
"The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the individuals so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision. EOE M/F/Disability/Vet"
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Who's Hiring

Mental Health Specialist Jobs in Columbus: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a mental health specialist job in Columbus?
The strongest entry points in Columbus are its network of federally qualified community health centers, hospital-affiliated behavioral health units, and county-funded mental health agencies concentrated Downtown and on the Near East Side. Candidates with crisis intervention experience or a focus on dual-diagnosis treatment stand out in this market. Checking with Columbus Public Health and OhioHealth's outpatient programs often surfaces openings before they hit broader listings.
Which companies hire mental health specialists in Columbus?
Companies currently hiring mental health specialists in Columbus include Nationwide Children's Hospital and Cognitive Balance Therapeutics, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Columbus's employer mix skews toward large integrated health systems, county behavioral health boards, and nonprofit community agencies that serve the city's diverse residential neighborhoods.
Are there remote mental health specialist jobs in Columbus?
Yes, though remote availability is limited for roles requiring direct client contact such as crisis counseling or residential case management. About 0% of mental health specialist openings tied to Columbus are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with most flexibility concentrated in care coordination, utilization review, and telehealth therapy positions. Technology-enabled outpatient providers based in the Polaris and Easton corridors tend to post the most hybrid roles.
How can I get a mental health specialist job in Columbus with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Columbus is through a community support specialist or mental health technician role at a county-contracted agency or residential treatment facility. Organizations serving Columbus's Near East Side and South Side neighborhoods regularly hire entry-level candidates and promote from within. Completing a supervised internship through Columbus State Community College's behavioral health programs or volunteering with Netcare Access can build local credentials that Columbus employers recognize.
See All 10 Mental Health Specialist Jobs in Columbus
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