Mental Health Associate/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky HealthCare EmPATH program seeks a Mental Health Associate to work with patients in behavioral health crisis, including mental health and substance use disorders, in an observation setting.

You will join a multidisciplinary team delivering holistic care through psychoeducation, peer support, case management and medical treatment, with emphasis on trauma-resilient practices and safety.

Qualifications

• CPR/BLS certification and CPI certification are preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Schedule flexibility is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with patients in behavioral health crisis as part of a multidisciplinary team in an observation setting.

Skills

CPR/BLS certification

CPI certification

Medical terminology

Schedule flexibility

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

This position requires intermittently sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time; occasionally standing or walking with objects weighing up to 25 pounds; lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to or over 50 pounds; and some job-related travel. Also involves some occasional to intermittent exposure to risk of back injury from moving, lifting, or positioning patients, equipment, or materials; and exposure to combative/violent people; and cuts/punctures. This position also requires Non-Violent Crisis Prevention course completion and certification, as this position does involve physical team interventions in order to keep patients safe.

Shift

Must be able to work three 12-hour shifts per week; will also be required to work some weekends and holidays.

Job Summary

The UK HealthCare EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment Treatment and Healing) program seeks a Mental Health Associate to work with patients in behavioral health crisis, including mental health and substance use disorders.
The EmPATH program focuses on providing supportive, trauma-resilient care to adults in acute behavioral health crisis through a holistic approach which includes individual and group psychoeducation, peer support services, case management and the medical treatment of substance use and mental health disorders. This individual will be part of a multidisciplinary team of providers to provide comprehensive mental health care and support for patients in an observation setting.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

CPR / BLS certification, Crisis Prevention Institute ( CPI ) certification, knowledge of medical terminology, and schedule flexibility are preferred.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Preferred Education/Experience

One to three years of experience, preferably from work in an allied health field.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 11/05/2026

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.