Student Internship

Organization

Behavioral Health

Unposting Date

Ongoing

Work Location

James A Rhodes Office Tower 11, 30 East Broad Street, 11th Floor, Columbus, 43215-3430

Primary Location

United States of America – OH, Franklin County – Columbus

Other Locations

United States of America – OH, Franklin County – Columbus

Compensation

Unpaid Internship

Schedule

Part‑time – Flexible

Primary Job Skill

Internship

Technical Skills

Data Analytics, Behavioral Health, Communications, Database Administration, Human Resources, Information Technology, Mental Health, Nursing, Administrative support/services

Professional Skills

Active Learning, Attention to Detail, Goal Setting, Listening, Teamwork

Agency Overview

Student Programs

Unpaid Internship Opportunities

General Application – Summer & Fall 2026

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 six inpatient behavioral health hospitals, Ohio Pharmacy Services, Ohio’s prison systems, and the central office 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.

Job Description

This is a general application for unpaid internship opportunities. Your application will be reviewed for multiple internship openings that match your stated interests.

Unpaid internship positions can be used for credit toward a university practicum requirement.

What you’ll do at DBH

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) offers a dynamic Student Internship Program designed to provide undergraduate and graduate students with meaningful, hands‑on experience across a broad range of professional fields. Internships are based at the central office (30 E Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215) and may include placements in the following areas:

Behavioral Health & Clinical Services

• Medical Director’s Office – Support initiatives related to clinical standards, medical policy, and quality of care.
• Forensic Services – Learn about the intersection of behavioral health and the criminal justice system.
• Hospital Services – Assist with projects that support state psychiatric hospital operations and patient care.
• Crisis Services – Contribute to statewide crisis response initiatives and system coordination.
• Treatment Services & Integrated Care – Explore programs focused on mental health, substance use treatment, and whole‑person care.

Community, Recovery & Justice‑Involved Services

• Office of Community Services – Support community‑based behavioral health initiatives.
• Bureau of Recovery Support – Assist with programs that promote long‑term recovery and peer support.
• Bureau of Workforce Sustainability – Work on strategies to strengthen Ohio’s behavioral health workforce.
• Criminal Justice & Recovery Services – Engage with programs serving justice‑involved individuals.
• Bureau of Criminal Justice / Bureau of Correctional Recovery Services – Learn how behavioral health services are delivered within correctional settings.
• Community & Family Resiliency – Support initiatives that strengthen families and communities across Ohio.

Administrative, Policy & Regulatory Functions

• Director’s Office & External Affairs – Gain experience in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and government relations.
• Behavioral Health Policy – Assist with research, policy development, and legislative analysis.
• Licensure & Certification – Learn about regulatory oversight of behavioral health providers.
• Legal Services – Support legal research, compliance, and administrative processes.
• Financial Management & Capital Planning – Explore budgeting, fiscal analysis, and capital project planning.

Technology, Data & Operations

• Information Technology – Gain experience in IT support, cybersecurity, systems management, and digital transformation.
• Health Information Systems – Support projects related to electronic health records and clinical data systems.
• Data Analytics – Assist with data collection, analysis, visualization, and reporting to inform statewide decision‑making.
• Hospital & Administrative Operations – Contribute to process improvement and operational efficiency projects.

Communications & Human Resources

• Communications & Marketing – Assist with public relations, content creation, social media, and outreach campaigns.
• Human Resources – Learn about talent acquisition, employee relations, training, and workforce planning.

Through this program, interns apply classroom knowledge in a real‑world environment, explore potential career paths, and develop critical professional skills. Interns collaborate with experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful statewide initiatives, and gain insight into how Ohio supports mental health and addiction recovery across diverse communities.

Internships are unpaid and tailored to align each student’s academic focus and career goals. Schedules are flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate academic commitments.

Why Work for the State of Ohio

The State of Ohio provides a variety of competitive benefits to eligible full‑time and part‑time employees. Benefits include medical coverage, free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after the 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, public retirement systems, and optional deferred compensation.

Qualifications

Position Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program related to the desired internship field.
• Must be able to provide your own transportation to/from work location.

Primary Job Skill: Internship
Technical Skills: Human Resources, Information Technology, Administrative Support/Services, Behavioral Health, Communications, Mental Health, Nursing, Data Analytics, Database Administration
Professional Skills: Active Learning, Attention to Detail, Listening, Goal Setting, Teamwork

Application Procedures

To be considered, apply online through the careers.ohio.gov posting. Provide evidence of how you meet the minimum qualifications and answer supplemental questions fully. Background checks will be conducted on selected candidates.

Background Check Notice

Selected candidates must undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify an applicant; assessment will be individualized.

ADA Statement

Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Drug‑Free Workplace

The State of Ohio prohibits the use of recreational marijuana and other drugs in the workplace.