Behavioral Health Technician BHT -DUHS Float Pool

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Technician performs a variety of routine activities to provide both physical and psychological care to patients with psychiatric disorders, supporting a safe and therapeutic environment. This role is part of the Duke University Health System Float Pool and requires flexibility to work across different Duke Health hospitals. The position involves providing direct patient care, monitoring patient progress, assisting with daily living activities, and ensuring a safe and therapeutic environment for patients with psychiatric disorders.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
One year of experience working with patients in areas such as substance abuse, mental health, dementia, or intellectual/developmental disabilities preferred.
Listing on the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry OR Certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor in North Carolina OR Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in North Carolina OR Certification as a Behavioral Health Technician through the Academy of Addiction Professionals or the American Medical Certification Association.
If a candidate does not meet one of the above requirements at hire, they must begin the certification process within one year of employment and complete it within two years.
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification must be obtained and maintained by the end of new hire orientation (typically within the first week of employment).
CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification is strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience working with patients in areas such as substance abuse, mental health, dementia, or intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

Observe patients and assess their progress on a daily basis; report any significant changes in condition or behavior to the supervising RN.
Provide one-on-one patient interaction, including recreational and social activities, and reinforce patient education.
Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, personal hygiene, feeding, dressing, and bed-making.
Support patient mobility, including repositioning, range-of-motion exercises, transfers, and ambulation.
Monitor and provide care for patients in seclusion and/or restraint.
Ensure patient safety by providing appropriate supervision, protection, and control as needed.
Participate in the safe restraint of combative patients when necessary.
Follow all safety and infection control protocols, including universal precautions.
Participate in interdisciplinary team discussions to support coordination and delivery of patient care.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, including duties such as cleaning equipment, changing linens, restocking supplies, and keeping patient areas free of hazards.
Follow hospital and departmental safety procedures; promptly report unsafe conditions, equipment malfunctions, or injuries involving patients, visitors, or staff.
Participate in quality improvement efforts by reviewing processes and assisting with implementation of improvements to enhance patient care.
Plan and assist with recreational and therapeutic group activities.
Engage patients individually and in small groups to support understanding and engagement with their treatment plans.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Meet DUHS credentialing requirements to perform blood glucose monitoring via finger sticks and report results to nursing staff.
Perform and document vital signs, intake and output, and other delegated patient care measures within 90 days of employment.
Follow proper procedures for specimen collection, including patient identification, labeling, and verification.
Instruct patients on the collection and preservation of urine, sputum, and stool samples.
Complete required quality control measures for point-of-care testing equipment.