ESH Recreation Assistant/UKHC

Inside Higher Ed; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 20,664 - 31,133; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Kentucky is seeking a full-time Recreation Assistant to support patient care activities. Candidates should hold at least a high school diploma and possess strong communication and organizational skills. The role involves assisting patients with recovery activities, collaborating with staff, and maintaining a safe environment. This position offers a salary range of $15.00-22.60/hour and requires no prior experience.

Qualifications

• Effective communication with staff, patients, and families.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and leading recovery groups and activities.
• Support patient care and transport; follow infection control guidelines.
• Participate in staff meetings and maintain professional relationships.

Skills

Compassionate and trustworthy

Effective communication

Strong organizational skills

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's Degree preferred

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the ESH Recreation Assistant/UKHC role at Inside Higher Ed.

Job details are provided by the University of Kentucky and related program information.

Job Details

• Department Name: H1110: ESH ACTIVITY THERAPY/DUAL DIAGNOSIS
• Job Title: ESH Recreation Assistant/UKHC
• Requisition Number: RE51227
• Working Title: Recreation Assistant - ESH
• Work Location: Lexington, KY
• Grade Level: 05
• Salary Range: $15.00-22.60/hour
• Type Of Position: Staff
• Position Time Status: Full-Time
• Required Education: HS
• Required Related Experience: 0 yrs
• Required License/Registration/Certification: None
• Physical Requirements: Requires handling of objects up to 50 pounds, some standing and walking.
• Shift: Days, 8 hour shift
• Deadline To Apply: 09/17/2025

Job Summary (Responsibilities)

• Uses best practices such as behavior-based interview techniques; interviews applicants for vacant positions and selects the best candidates.
• Develops staff through effective coaching and counseling; reinforces University’s core competencies.
• Collaborates with Employee Relations and applies appropriate, consistent corrective action; provides feedback to direct reports.
• Completes performance evaluations and participates in staff meetings; fosters communication within the department.
• Ensures compliance with UK policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local regulations; monitors work environment for improvement opportunities.
• Assists the patient care team in providing care as defined by the scope of the job duties and the Personal Recovery Plan (PRP); schedule patients for classes; assist with planning and leading recovery mall and on-unit groups and activities.
• Assists with transportation and escorting of patients; lifting of patients may be required; completes rehabilitation screenings with patients per policy.
• Explains procedures and services to patients and guests; fosters teamwork and collaboration within the department and hospital; maintains professional relationships with staff, patients and families.
• Works with clinical and non-clinical staff to resolve patient problems and service issues; maintains a safe, therapeutic unit milieu; follows infection control guidelines and isolation precautions.
• Completes accurate and legible recording in the medical record; follows HIPAA regulations; participates in hand-offs to healthcare providers.
• Participates in staff meetings, committees, and projects as needed; supports a customer-focused environment and restraint-free patient environment.
• Maintains professional knowledge through trainings and ongoing education; supports patient recovery initiatives and demonstrates flexibility with scheduling.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Compassionate, honest, trustworthy with a strong work ethic; effective in team and independent settings.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients and families; comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, basic computer navigation, and internet skills.

Qualifications & Preferences

• Supervisory responsibilities: No
• Preferred Education/Experience: High school diploma required; Bachelor's Degree and mental health experience preferred

Additional Information

• Our University Community: The University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus; nondiscrimination policy and equal opportunity employers; pre-employment screenings may include background check and/or drug screen.

Referral information and related roles can be found on the page; informational listings for similar Recreation Assistant roles in Lexington, KY are available.