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

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health in Cincinnati is seeking a Full-Time Licensed Practical Nurse to join a multidisciplinary team. The role covers 2:30pm–11:00pm shifts, with rotating weekends and holidays, at 1101 Summit Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237.

Compensation ranges from $27.56 to $34.53 per hour under OCSEA/AFSCME. Applicants must hold an Ohio LPN license and MDS certification; official transcripts are required.

Qualifications

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license is required.
• MDS certification required.
• Official transcripts must be provided.

Responsibilities

• Provide medication administration, education, and empowerment to individuals receiving care.
• Monitor and document patient response to medications and treatment interventions.
• Observe, evaluate, and record patient behavior, condition, and overall progress.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to patient care, treatment plans, and clinical observations.
• 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.
• Serve as a key member of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Promote a safe, positive, and therapeutic environment through safety checks, observation rounds, and group facilitation activities.

Skills

Nursing

Communications

Advocacy

Education

Licensed Practical Nurse license

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 an hourly position covered by the OCSEA/AFSCME bargaining unit (union), with a pay range of 10 on the OCSEA Pay 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 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.

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. 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.

Organization

Behavioral Health - Summit Behavioral Healthcare

Agency Contact Name and Information

[e-mail]

Unposting Date

Sep 3, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Hamilton County-Cincinnati

Compensation

$27.56 - $34.53 / hour

Schedule

Full-time

Work Hours

2:30pm-11pm

Classified Indicator

Classified

Professional Skills

Adaptability, Critical Thinking

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 in our own team.