Behavioral Health Specialist/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky Healthcare seeks a Behavioral Health Specialist to support patients with psychiatric and behavioral issues. This role includes providing direct nursing consultation and leading emergency responses. Candidates must be RNs with strong interpersonal skills and a BSN.

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Experience in behavioral health settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support adult and pediatric patients with psychiatric, behavioral, or substance use issues.
• Collaborate with psychiatric and addiction consult services.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

BSN

MSN

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 daily and 25-50 pounds frequently; as well as stand, walk, and sit for long periods. Work conditions may involve exposure to communicable diseases, radiation hazards, and injury from intractable patients or sharp instruments.

Shift

Must be able to work three 12-hour shifts per week, from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am; some weekends may be required based on departmental needs.

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky Healthcare (UKHC) Enterprise seeks a Behavioral Health Specialist. This role supports adult and pediatric patients with psychiatric, behavioral, or substance use issues on medical-surgical units. The nurse will serve as an expert resource, collaborating with psychiatric and addiction consult services, providing direct nursing consultation, coaching, mentoring, education, and guidance to the team. Additionally, the nurse will lead Behavioral Health Emergency Response Team (BERT) responses to psychiatric emergencies at Kentucky Children’s Hospital, Good Samaritan, and Chandler Medical Center.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

The ideal candidate is an experienced RN with a BSN, possesses strong interpersonal skills, and will obtain Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification within one year of hire.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No, this position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Preferred Education/Experience

BSN required; MSN preferred, along with experience in behavioral health settings.

Deadline to Apply

05/15/2025

Our University Community

We value employee well-being and are committed to a healthy work, learning, and living environment. The University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus. We encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and minorities to apply. Candidates may be required to pass pre-employment screenings, including background checks and drug screens.

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 the 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 year, up through 3 years
  • more than 3 years, up through 5 years
  • more than 5 years
• * Please describe your experience as it relates to this position.

  (Open Ended Question)