Mental Health Associate/UKHC

UK HealthCare; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 22,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY is hiring a Mental Health Associate (MHA) to support a licensed provider in delivering patient care for children, adolescents and adults with psychiatric diagnoses. This role emphasizes safety and patient care within a pediatric/psychiatric setting.

The position requires CPR/BCLS and CPI certifications, a BS, and the ability to work three 12.5‑hour shifts weekly, including some weekends/holidays.

Qualifications

• CPR and BCLS certification required or preferred.
• Non‑Violent Crisis Prevention (CPI) course and certification are required due to safety considerations.
• Knowledge of medical terminology is preferred.
• Flexibility to work variable shifts is expected.

Responsibilities

• Assist a licensed healthcare provider in delivering patient care to children, adolescents (5–17) or adults with primary psychiatric diagnosis.
• Support patient safety and crisis interventions as needed.

Skills

CPR/BCLS certification

CPI certification

Medical terminology

Schedule flexibility

Education

BS

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title Mental Health Associate/UKHC

Requisition Number RE55783

Working Title MHA

Department Name H3060:Children's/Maternal/Psychiatric Svcs

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 06

Salary Range $16.20-24.82/hour

Type of Position Staff

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education BS

Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience No experience required.

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 12.5‑hour shifts per week (7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.) Will also be required to work some weekends and holidays

Job Summary The Mental Health Associate will assist a licensed healthcare provider in the delivery of patient care to children and adolescents 5-17 years or adult patients with a primary psychiatric diagnosis. 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.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities CPR / BCLS 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 09/17/2026

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.