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

State of Ohio; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Ohio, Department of Behavioral Health, is hiring a full-time Mental Health Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Cincinnati. The role focuses on medication administration, patient observation, and collaborative care within a 2:30pm-11pm shift.

Compensation is $27.56–$34.53 per hour, with union OCSEA, and standard benefits for state employees. Location: 1101 Summit Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237.

Qualifications

• Licensed Practical Nurse license issued by Ohio Board of Nursing.
• MDS certification issued by ANNAC (American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination).
• Active nursing license and eligibility to practice in Ohio May be required.

Responsibilities

• Administer medications and provide education to individuals in care.
• Monitor patient response to medications and treatment plans.
• Observe and document patient behavior, conditions, and progress.
• Maintain accurate patient care documentation and treatment records.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team to ensure patient safety and recovery.

Skills

Nursing

Communications

Advocacy

Adaptability

Critical Thinking

Education

Licensed Practical Nurse license (OH)

MDS certification

Job description

Job Description - Mental Health Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Full-Time (260005LS)

Mental Health Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Full-Time ( 260005LS )

Organization

Agency Contact Name and Information : [e-mail]

Unposting Date

Sep 4, 2026, 3:59:00 AM

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Hamilton County-Cincinnati

Compensation : $27.56 - $34.53 / hour

Schedule

Full-time

Work Hours : 2:30pm-11pm

Union : OCSEA

Primary Job Skill

Nursing

Technical Skills : Communications, Advocacy

Professional Skills : Adaptability, Critical Thinking

Agency Overview

Licensed Practical Nurse
Full-Time

Who we are:

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 located in the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus, OH.

DBH Values:

• Service-Oriented (Person Centered, Solution Oriented, Customer Service Focused)
• Collaborative (Approachable, Reasonable, Transparent)
• Value Driven
• Innovative (Yes Before No)
• Strong Sense of Urgency

Our team of highly qualified professionals advances a critical system of behavioral healthcare in Ohio that helps people be well, get well, and stay well. Join our collaborative, service-oriented environment, where you will be respected and valued

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is proud to be 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 workplace culture promotes wellness, second-chance hiring, and recovery-informed policies that reflect our mission to serve Ohioans with compassion and respect, both in the community and within our own team .

Job Description

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

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

This is a hourly position covered by the OCSEA/AFSCME bargaining unit (union), with a pay range of 10 on the OCSEAPay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are 2nd shift 2:30pm-11:00pm with rotating weekends and holidays. This position is located within our 1101 Summit Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237.

Unless required by any applicable union contract and/or requirements of the Ohio Revised Code, the selected candidate will begin atStep 1of 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.

Qualifications

Position Qualifications:

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

All eligible applications shall be reviewed considering the following criteria: qualifications, experience, education, and active disciplinary record.

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

Required Educational Transcripts

Official transcripts are required for all post-secondary education, coursework, or degrees listed on the application. Applicantsmustsubmit 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 [e-mail] or 614-466-8884.
All final applicants tentatively selected for this class will be required to submit to urinalysis to test for illegal drug use prior to appointments. An applicant with a positive test shall not be offered employment.

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 Workplace

The 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.