PASRR Program Coordinator (Rehabilitation Program Specialist 2) - 20038160

Ohio Department of Behavioral Health; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 31,566,000 - 43,014,000; Full time

Job summary

The PASRR Program Specialist at the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health supports statewide PASRR processes to determine nursing facility appropriateness for individuals with Serious Mental Illness. The role ensures regulatory compliance, coordinates with providers, and contributes to policy development, quality improvement, and operational efficiency.

Located in Columbus, OH, the position interacts with nursing facilities, hospitals, social workers, and other stakeholders, requiring a graduate

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a human service field as required by accredited college or university.
• Optionally, a graduate degree leading to LPC licensure per Ohio Board guidelines.
• Other related rehab fields may qualify per program requirements.
• Experience with PASRR or similar regulatory reviews is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Review clinical documents and records using clinical expertise.
• Apply federal and state PASRR regulations and evolving policies.
• Make determinations and develop placement and treatment recommendations.
• Coordinate PASRR requirements for transitions to nursing facilities.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare program-related communications and reports.

Skills

Regulatory Compliance

Collaboration

Attention to Detail

Policy Development

Documentation

Education

Graduate degree in a human service area

Licensure pathway (LPC) option

Graduate degree in related rehab areas

Tools

PASRR systems

Interdisciplinary teamwork

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

The PASRR Program Specialist supports statewide Pre‑Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) processes to determine nursing facility appropriateness for individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI). This role ensures regulatory compliance, facilitates coordination across providers, and contributes to policy development, quality improvement, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Review & Determination

• Review and assess clinical documents and records using clinical expertise and best practices.
• Apply federal and state PASRR regulations, including interpretive intent and evolving state policy initiatives.
• Make determinations and develop individualized placement and treatment recommendations.
• Ensure timely case reviews and documentation to meet federal standards.
• Complete assigned cases from initiation through the Chapter 119 appeals process.

Case Coordination & Stakeholder Support

• Coordinate PASRR program requirements for individuals with SMI transitioning from hospitals, private residences, or community programs to nursing facilities.
• Provide verbal and written guidance on program requirements, documentation, alternative care options, and administrative rules.
• Serve as a member of an interdisciplinary team by offering consultation, feedback, support, and backup as needed.
• Communicate with nursing facilities, hospitals, social workers, and other stakeholders to facilitate case processing.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records and case documentation.
• Develop, send, and receive program‑related communications.
• Perform outcome reviews and prepare summary and analytical reports.
• Create and maintain PASRR electronic databases, spreadsheets, tables, graphs, web pages, and other management information tools.

Quality Improvement & Policy Development

• Identify opportunities for workflow improvement and process streamlining within the bureau’s continuous quality improvement framework.
• Review and revise PASRR policies and procedures; provide recommendations to enhance program efficiency.
• Assist in routine bureau operations, including news‑letter distribution, training manual development, policy/procedure manual creation, and delivering training seminars.
• Support the Bureau Chief with program operations and project needs.

This is an hourly position covered by the Ohio Health Care SEIU/1199 bargaining unit (union), with a pay range of 13 on the Ohio Health Care SEIU/1199 Pay Range Schedule. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. This position is located within our PASRR Bureau at Rhodes State Office Tower, 30 E. Broad St., 33rd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

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.

Required Education and Experience

Graduate degree in a human service area (i.e., rehabilitation counseling, special education, guidance & counseling, psychology, social work, child & family community services) as required by an accredited college or university

• Or a graduate degree that leads to licensure as a licensed professional counselor by the Ohio Counselor & Social Worker Board.
• Or completion of graduate degree in other related vocational rehabilitation areas (e.g., rehabilitation management/administration from an accredited college or university).
• Or completion of graduate field of study in human services area (i.e., same examples as cited previously) as required by accredited college or university; 12 mos. exp. as Rehabilitation Program Specialist 1, 69731.
• Or in Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services only, licensed, certified, or registered clinical professional per OAC 5122-21-03 (E) Personnel Requirements (2).
• Or in Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities only, 4 yrs. exp. in private or governmental agency responsible for habilitative &/or rehabilitative programs development in developmental disabilities (i.e., working with individuals with developmental disabilities); bachelor’s degree in professional human services field (e.g., psychology, education, anthropology) in accordance with provisions of 42 CFR 483.430(b)(5)(x) & interpretive guidelines issued by centers for Medicaid & Medicare services.

Job Skills

Counseling and Rehabilitation

Technical Skills

Counseling and Rehabilitation, Regulatory Compliance

Professional Skills

Collaboration, Attention to Detail, Responsiveness

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. The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree-granting institution.

$36.01

Full-time

Classified

Agency Overview

At the Ohio Department of Behavioral (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, Ohio.

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.