Alcohol and Drug Counselor 2
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor

Who we are:

At the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), we strive to exemplifyThe Heart of Hopefor 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 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.

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.

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.

What you’ll do at DBH

As a Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare Alcohol and Drug Counselor 2 you will:

• Conduct interviews & provide counseling services to alcohol & other drug dependent patients/clients
• Facilitate screening and interviewing of patients/clients from intake to discharge
• Delivers direct services including facilitating of group & individual therapy
• Perform overall case management & crisis intervention
• Develop client treatment plans & ensure compliance with applicable standards, agency policies & administrative regulations & institutional rules
• Monitors clients’ progress in treatment; maintains clinical case records, documentation, and case files
• Refer clients to community programs and resources. Works closely with AA/NA volunteers.
• Participate as part of treatment team (planning meetings, case presentation and discussions, and provides services in accordance with principles of a therapeutic community)
• Complete & maintain accurate and timely documentation and reports
• Maintain knowledge and adherence to compliance requirements for Joint Commission, ODBH, and COBH.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and conferences as required

This is an hourly position covered by the Ohio Health Care SEIU/1199 bargaining unit (union), with a pay range of 10 on the Ohio Health Care SEIU/1199 Pay Range Schedule.Normal working hours are Monday - Friday, mostly daytime hours with an occasional evening. This position is located within Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcareat2200 West Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43223

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.

Position Qualifications

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor’ credential recognized by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board or other Ohio licensing authority with jurisdiction over professionals authorized to provide counseling services (e.g., Medical Board; Psychology Board; Nursing Board; Counselor & Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board); valid driver's license.

Primary Job Skill: Counseling & Rehabilitation
Technical Skills: Mental Health
Professional Skills:Establishing Relationships

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.

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.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, assessment &/or interview, please contact Andrew Seifert, EEO Program Administrator at andrew.seifert@dbh.ohio.gov 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.

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.

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.