Behavioral Health Specialist/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky Healthcare (UKHC) Enterprise is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist to support care for adult and pediatric patients on medical-surgical units with psychiatric, behavioral, or substance use issues. This role acts as an expert resource and collaborates with psychiatric and addiction consult services to guide nursing care and education.

The nurse will lead Behavioral Health Emergency Response Team (BERT) responses and mentor the nursing staff, providing formal and

Qualifications

• RN license or eligibility to obtain license by date of hire (KY)
• BSN is required; MSN preferred
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification within one year of hire

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care for adults and pediatric patients with psychiatric/behavioral health needs
• Lead Behavioral Health Emergency Response Team (BERT) responses
• Coach/mentoring and educate nurses and teams on behavioral health care
• Collaborate with psychiatric and addiction consult services

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

BSN

MSN preferred

Job description

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

Required License/Registration/Certification

Registered Nurse (RN) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification within 6 months of hire

Physical Requirements

The essential functions for this position include the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull 50-100 pounds on a daily basis and 25-50 pounds frequently; as well as stand, walk and sit for long periods of time. The conditions of work may involve exposure to communicable diseases, hazards of radiation, and injury from intractable patients or sharp instruments.

Shift

Must be able to work three 12-hour shift per week, 7:00am – 7:00pm; may include some weekends per departmental needs.

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky Healthcare ( UKHC ) Enterprise is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist. The Behavioral Health Specialist will support the care of adult and pediatric patients on medical surgical units who have psychiatric, behavioral, and/ or substance use issues. This nurse will act as an expert resource and work collaboratively with the psychiatric and addiction consult services. This nurse will support patient care through direct nursing consultation, coaching/mentoring, learning needs assessment, formal and informal education, and providing guidance to the nurses and team. This nurse will lead Behavioral Health Emergency Response Team ( BERT ) responses to psychiatric emergencies within the Kentucky Children’s Hospital, Good Samaritan, and Chandler Medical Center.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

The ideal candidate will be an experienced RN, hold a BSN , and will have strong interpersonal skills. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification within one year of hire.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

BSN required, MSN preferred along with nursing experience in behavioral health setting(s).

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 10/04/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently licensed by the state of Kentucky as a Registered Nurse (RN) or eligible to obtain license by date of hire?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you currently hold or are you eligible to obtain a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification prior to start date?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please choose the answer that best describes your years of paid, full-time employment experience working in a behavioral health role.
  • none
  • more than 0, up through 1 year
  • more than 1, up through 3 years
  • more than 3, up through 5 years
  • more than 5 years
• * Please describe your experience as it relates to this position.

  (Open Ended Question)