Behavioral Health Technician

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Behavioral Health Technician-Duke University Health System Float Pool 

4 week Track Schedule rotation 

7:00pm-7:30am 3-12 hour shifts per week 

Must float between Duke University Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital. Duke Raleigh may be added at a later date

General Description of the Job Class

This job classification is used for the Behavioral Health Technician Float Pool managed by ISRP.

Perform a variety of routine activities to provide physical and psychological care to patients with psychiatric disorders.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

Observe patients and assesses progress on daily basis; report significant changes in patients' condition and/or behavior to supervising RN.

Interact with patients on a one to one basis providing recreational or social activities and reinforce patient teaching.

Assist patients in activities of daily living including making beds, bathing, personal hygiene, feeding and dressing.

Assist patients with position changes, range of motion exercises, transfers and walking.

Provide care and monitoring of patients in seclusion and/or restraint.

Provide protection and control for patients as required to ensure patient safety in the facility.

Participate in restraining combative patients as necessary.

Ensure compliance with safety and infection control guidelines including universal precautions for self and patients.

Participate in staff discussions to assess, coordinate and execute patient care.

Maintain a clean, neat and safe work environment; activities may include but not be limited to tidying room, cleaning equipment, changing bed linens, restocking work areas, keeping rooms and hallways clear of debris, etc.

Practice proper safety techniques in accordance with hospital and departmental policies and procedures: immediately reports any mechanical or electrical equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, or employee/patient/visitor injuries to manager.

Participate in review of activities and processes for work area; assist in implementing changes to effect continual improvement in services provided; comply with regulatory and legal requirements.

Assist in organizing and conducting recreational activities.

Interact with patients on a one to one as well as small group basis; assist patients in planning how the treatment plan can be optimally utilized for their benefit.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

Graduation from high school or GED.

Experience

1 year of experience working with patients with substance abuse, mental health, dementia diagnosis, intellectually or disabled preferred.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

Listing on the Nurse Aid Registry of North Carolina

or

Certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor in North Carolina

or

Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician in North Carolina

or

Certification as a Behavioral Health Technician by The Academy of Addiction Professionals or American Medical Certification Association

or

If a hire does not meet 1 of the 4 requirements, the BHT must start the process to complete one of the requirements within 1 year of employment and complete within 2 years.

BCLS certification must be maintained/completed by the end of new hire orientation, which typically takes place during the first week of employment.

CPI certification strongly preferred.

Meet DUHS credential to perform analysis of blood glucose from finger sticks and report findings to nurse. Complete quality control measures for this equipment. Participate in specimen collection according to test requested. Is responsible for patient identification, specimen labeling, and collection verification. Instruct patients in collection and preservation of urine, sputum and stool samples for analysis. Obtain and record vital signs, intake and output amounts or other measures as delegated within 90 days of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of special procedures that are applicable to work performed.

Knowledge of procedures and techniques involved in administering routine treatments to patients.

Knowledge of sanitation, personal hygiene, infection control, and basic health and safety precautions applicable to work in a health care environment.

Knowledge of specimen collection, storage and transport.

Knowledge of behavioral principles and individual responses to stressors.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients and hospital staff.

Ability to work with, express sensitivity and understanding, and secure the cooperation of patients, including maintaining sympathetic attitude towards patients.

Ability to keep calm in stressful situations.

Ability to maintain routine records and prepare reports.

Ability to recognize patients in emergency states and seek appropriate assistance.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and other patient rights.

Ability to understand, follow and communicate/relate oral and written instructions and pertinent information accurately.

Ability to apply proper body mechanics and safety. individuals in didactic or recreational groups.