Social Worker Senior/EmPATH/On-Call

University of Kentucky; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky HealthCare EmPATH program seeks a social worker senior to support patients in behavioral health crises, addressing mental health and substance use disorders.

The role involves collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to provide trauma-resilient care, psychoeducation, peer support, case management, and medical treatment in an observation setting.

Qualifications

• MSW degree required or preferred.
• CSW license for Kentucky preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide behavioral health social services to patients and their families.
• Be part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive mental health care.
• Support patients in observation settings addressing environmental/psychological factors.

Skills

Good communication

Organized

Problem solving

Education

MSW (Master of Social Work)

Job description

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. Will need to attend New Employee Orientation for the first three days of employment from approx. 8:00am-4:30pm. You will also need to do several weeks of Unit training before the on call schedule starts.

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?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

One year social work experience in a medical setting preferred.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 10/13/2026

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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a Master's of Social Work degree?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you possess a Certified Social Worker (CSW) License which will allow you to work in the state of Kentucky?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Describe any experience you have had providing social services in a medical setting.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * How many years of paid work experience do you have providing social services in a medical setting?
  • None
  • More than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
  • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
  • More than 5 years