ESH Recreation Assistant/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky is seeking an Eastern State Recreation Assistant in Lexington, KY, supporting the patient care team with recovery-focused activities and scheduling classes for patients.

You will assist with transportation, maintain a safe, therapeutic unit, and document in the medical record while following HIPAA guidelines. Strong teamwork and communication are essential in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• HS required.
• Bachelor's degree and mental health experience preferred.
• Experience in healthcare settings is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist the patient care team with scheduling classes and planning activities.
• Escort and transport patients as needed.
• Maintain a therapeutic, safe unit environment and document communications.
• Provide feedback and participate in staff meetings as requested.

Skills

Compassionate care

Team player

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Department Name H1110: ESH ACTIVITY THERAPY/DUAL DIAGNOSIS

Work Location

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 05

Salary Range

Salary Range $15.00-22.60/hour

Type of Position

Type of Position Staff

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education

HS

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Requires handling of objects up to 50 pounds, some standing and walking

Shift

Day Shift . Will also be required to work some weekends and holidays

Job Summary

The Eastern State Recreation Assistant uses best practices such as behavior-based interview techniques, interviews applicants for vacant positions and selects best candidates. Develops staff through effective coaching/counseling, reinforces University’s core competencies. Collaborates with Employee Relations and applies appropriate, consistent corrective action. Provides direct reports with performance and behavior related feedback, negative and positive, daily. Completes PEs at least annually. Fosters communication through regular staff meetings. Ensures compliance with UK policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local regulations. Constantly monitors work environment for improvement opportunities and implements improvement initiatives. Assists the patient care team in providing care as defined by the scope of the job duties and the Personal Recovery Plan ( PRP ); scheduling patients for classes, assisting with planning an leading recovery mall and on-unit groups and activities.

Assists with transportation and escorting of patients. Lifting of patients may be required. Gives feedback for the personal recovery plan ( PRP ). Completes rehabilitation screenings with patients per policy. Within the scope of practice, explains all procedures and services for patients and guests, corrects problems and inconveniences of patients and families or redirects to appropriate staff, fosters a sense of teamwork and collaboration within the department and hospital, demonstrates good working relationships with other patients, and demonstrates effective verbal and written communication. Works closely with other members of the healthcare team. Builds therapeutic rapport and de-escalates patient situations as needed. Manages the unit milieu to keep the unit environment therapeutic, pleasant, and professional. Demonstrates the appropriate use of personal protective equipment/attire; follows established hospital infection control guidelines and follows isolation precautions for infectious patients.

Assists recovery mall/unit staff in ensuring a safe environment. Use all equipment in a safe and effective manner and report all accidents and incidents appropriately. Restraint-free environment. Completes accurate and legible recording in the medical record. Follows established HIPPA regulations, communicates pertinent information related to patient care, and provides communication during patient hand-off to all healthcare providers. Assumes accountability for development. Completes all required competencies. Participates in staff meetings or other meetings as requested. Serves on committees, project teams, etc., as needed and/or required. Functions as a part of the recovery team and maintains an integrated services system that focuses on patient recovery, collaborates with other disciplines, departments, and treatment teams, and ensures a collaborative approach to patient care. Works directly with clinical and non-clinical staff in resolving patient problems and service issues. Ensures high level of satisfaction from patients related to services.

Facilitates communication of the philosophy of a customer-focused environment and the expectation of service excellence. Participates in goal of restraint-free patient environment. Identifies and communicates opportunities for improvement. Maintains Professional and Technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing professional networks; participating in professional societies; maintaining certifications; completing required annual training within established timeframes.

Work hours may vary. Other related duties, as assigned. Exhibits personal engagement in Patient and Employee Satisfaction initiatives. Has current understanding of Patient and Employee Satisfaction Scores and goals in work area. Fosters and models interdisciplinary team collaboration to achieve desired clinical outcomes and improve culture. Expresses and demonstrates willingness to assist team and other departments during increased capacity by being flexible with schedule and willing to work in other areas.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

The ideal candidate will be compassionate, honest, trustworthy, and have a strong work ethic. Must enjoy working in a team, but also be able to take direction and communicate effectively with staff, patients and their family members independently. In addition, must also be confident and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. Candidate will also need strong organizational, prioritization, basic computer navigation skills, and a working knowledge of the Internet.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

High school diploma required. Bachelors Degree and mental health experience preferred

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/27/2026

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 (*).

• * Do you have any prior recreation experience?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have any previous psych experience?
  • Yes
  • No