Social Worker Senior/EmPATH/On-Call

Inside Higher Ed; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 35,817 - 62,956; Part time

Job summary

A university health service in Kentucky is seeking an On-Call Senior Social Worker to support patients in behavioral health crises, addressing mental health and substance use disorders. The role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, providing trauma-resilient care and comprehensive mental health support. Candidates must possess an MSW and a Certified Social Work (CSW) license, with preference for those having experience in medical settings. No prior experience is required. This position emphasizes communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• No experience required.
• Certified Social Work (CSW) license required.
• Preferred: One year social work experience in a medical setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide behavioral health social services in cases of psychological issues.
• Work with patients in behavioral health crisis focusing on trauma-resilient care.
• Participate in a multidisciplinary team for comprehensive mental health care.

Skills

Good communication skills

Organized

Excellent problem solving skills

Education

MSW

Job description

Job Title

Social Worker Senior/EmPATH/On-Call

Requisition Number

DU14039

Department Name

M8000:AMB-UK EMPATH

Work Location

Lexington, KY

Salary Range

$26.00 - $45.70/hour

Type of Position

Staff

Position Time Status

On Call

Required Education

MSW

Required Related Experience

No experience required

Required License/Registration/Certification

Certified Social Work (CSW)

Physical Requirements

Standing and walking for long periods of time; occasionally transporting objects up to 25 lbs; occasional exposure to combative/violent people.

Shift

Varies; on-call

Job Summary

The UK HealthCare EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment Treatment and Healing) program seeks a social worker senior 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. A Senior Social Worker provides behavioral health social services to patients and their families in cases where specific problems related to environmental and/or psychological aspects influence the effective utilization of inpatient or outpatient treatment.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Good communication skills, organized, and excellent problem solving skills.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Preferred Education/Experience

One year social work experience in a medical setting preferred.

Deadline To Apply

01/15/2026

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.