Agency Overview
Police Officer 1
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:
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Service-Oriented (Person Centered, Solution Oriented, Customer Service Focused)
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Collaborative (Approachable, Reasonable, Transparent)
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Value Driven
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Innovative (Yes Before No)
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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:
The Police Officer is responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment at Summit Behavioral Healthcare. This position provides protection for patients/clients, visitors, employees, and state property by patrolling the hospital campus, enforcing laws and facility regulations, responding to emergencies, and supporting the clinical and administrative teams in the overall mission of providing quality behavioral health care.
Key Responsibilities
Security & Patrol
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Patrols hospital grounds and buildings on foot and by vehicle to ensure safety and security.
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Checks property for open doors, windows, fires, hazards, or security breaches.
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Monitors traffic and parking areas, verifies parking permits, issues citations as necessary, and ensures efficient traffic flow.
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Prevents crime by enforcing state laws, hospital rules, and safety regulations.
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Checks identity of persons on premises and determines the nature of their business.
Emergency Response
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Responds to hospital codes, alarms, and emergency situations including evacuations, inclement weather, medical incidents, and security threats.
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Assists with disaster preparedness and response activities, including fire drills and hospital-wide safety initiatives.
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Testifies in court proceedings when required.
Investigations & Service Support
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Investigates complaints, disturbances, and potential criminal activity.
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Escorts and assists visitors, staff, and patients as needed.
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Supports clinical staff by assisting in the safe handling, restraint, transport, or supervision of patients when required.
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Provides routine assistance to staff and visitors (e.g., unlocking vehicles, assisting with mechanical issues, securing patient valuables).
Administrative Duties
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Maintains accurate logs, completes reports, and documents unusual incidents.
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Operates communication equipment, relays messages, and ensures timely information flow between staff.
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Assists with safety inspections, key control, and security-related audits.
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Stays current on law enforcement practices, hospital safety standards, and emergency procedures.
Other Duties
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Performs additional tasks as assigned to support the safety and mission of Summit Behavioral Healthcare
This is an hourly position and is in the Unit 2 Bargaining Unit, with a pay range of 8 on the Unit 2 Pay Range Schedule. Working hours are 1st Shift: 6am-2pm | 2nd Shift: 2pm-10pm | 3rd Shift: 10pm-6am. Assigned shift will depend on Unit 2 contract/current canvas. Days & hours may vary according to operational needs. This position is located within our Summit Behavioral Healthcare Campus at 1101 Summit Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237
Summit Behavioral Healthcare covers the full cost of the Academy. In return, the candidate commits to two years of employment with Summit Behavioral Healthcare after the completion of the academy.
To view the Total Rewards Statement,
In addition to compensation, you are eligible for other benefits offered to state of Ohio (“State”) employees. The Total Rewards Statement is a sample for a full-time permanent employee and the actual total awards for an individual will depend on the employee’s actual circumstances. The State reserves the right to cancel and/or change the value of the Total Rewards Statement and any benefits plan it offers to State employees at any time, subject to applicable law.
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
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:
Formal education in arithmetic that includes fractions, decimals & percentages & in reading & writing English vocabulary; valid driver's license. Probationary period is one year.
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The possession of certificate having successfully completed approved basic peace officer training program or completion of 20 yrs. active duty as peace officer per Section 109.78 (D) of Ohio revised code for developmental disabilities & mental health facility employees. Probationary period is one year. Note: Applicant must be able to successfully perform Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program (OPOTC) Fitness Testing Entry Standards for New Recruits.
Job Skills: Law Enforcement
Technical Skills: Communications. Security
Professional Skills: Collaboration, Problem Solving, Reasoning, Teamwork
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 [email protected] or 614-466-8884.
All final applicants tentatively selected for this classification 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.
