Peer Support Specialist/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky HealthCare EmPATH program seeks a Peer Support Specialist to work with patients in behavioral health crisis, including mental health and substance use disorders. This role supports trauma-resilient care, collaborates with a multidisciplinary team, and maintains a client caseload in an observation setting.

Responsibilities include peer support services, timely chart notes, EMR billing, team participation, and leading psychoeducation groups with post-discharge follow-up

Qualifications

• Kentucky Certified Peer Support Specialist preferred.
• Experience with peer support services for adults (18+) with mental health or substance use disorders.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support services to patients in behavioral health crisis.
• Prepare chart notes and submit billing through the EMR.
• Participate in team and staff meetings.
• Lead psychoeducation groups and follow up post-discharge with community supports.

Skills

Peer support

Trauma-informed care

Education

Kentucky Certification Peer Support Specialist (preferred)

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Occasional lifting/pulling objects up to 25 lbs. Sitting for long periods of time.

Shift

Monday through Friday 10AM-10:30PM with varying days and weekends.

Job Summary

The UK HealthCare EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment Treatment and Healing) program seeks a Peer Support Specialist 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. This individual will need to demonstrate understanding of peers’ experiences and feelings and have the ability to relate their own recovery story and with permission, the recovery stories of others to inspire hope. The Peer Support Specialist will maintain a caseload of clients/patients and assist them and clinical staff to help facilitate an appropriate level of care. In addition, the Peer Support Specialist may lead psychoeducation groups and follow up with the patient following discharge to ensure they are engaging with community supports. Responsibilities will include providing peer support services and related support to patients in a collaborative, academic environment, timely preparation of chart notes and submission of billing through the electronic medical record and participating in team/staff meetings. Qualified candidates will have peer support services experience in providing support with a focus on patients greater than or equal to 18 years of age and with a diagnosed mental health or substance use disorder.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Preferred Education/Experience

Kentucky Certified Peer Support Specialist preferred.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/08/2026

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.