OhioMHAS Student Programs
Unpaid Internship Opportunities
General Application – Spring & Summer 2026

Who we are:

At the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), 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.

OhioMHAS 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.

Please note, this is a general application for unpaid internship opportunities. Your application will be made available to multiple hiring managers who have open positions compatible with your stated areas of interest.

Unpaid Internship positions can be used for credit toward a Practicum requirement.

What you’ll do at OhioMHAS:

The Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) offers a dynamic Student Program designed to provide undergraduate and graduate students with valuable hands-on experience in a variety of professional fields. This program is ideal for students pursuing careers in behavioral health, human services, and other related disciplines, as well as those interested in administrative and operational roles within a healthcare system.

Internship opportunities are available across OhioMHAS’ six regional behavioral health hospitals and central office, allowing students to gain exposure to different aspects of the behavioral health system. Internship placements may include, but are not limited to:

• Human Resources – Learn about talent acquisition, employee relations, training and development, and workforce planning within a large state agency.
• Information Technology – Gain experience in IT support, cybersecurity, data management, and digital transformation initiatives that support mental health services.
• Communications – Assist with public relations, content development, social media, and community outreach to promote mental health awareness and agency initiatives.
• Other Administrative Areas – Explore roles in finance, policy development, research, and program management, contributing to the effective operation of a statewide healthcare system.

Through this program, students will have the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, explore potential career paths, and develop critical job skills. By engaging with professionals in the field, interns will also build valuable networks and contribute to meaningful projects that impact communities across Ohio.

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

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

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 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/ADA Administrator at andrew.seifert@mha.ohio.gov or 614-466-8884.

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.