Behavioral Health Technician-ED Extension Unit Pediatrics 7:00am-7:30pm
Durham, NC, US, 27710
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 Duke Health's four hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.
General Description of the Job Class
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.
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
Nearest Major Market:DurhamNearest Secondary Market:Raleigh
Freqently Asked Questions
This role requires tailoring physical and psychological support to children with psychiatric needs, including assisting with daily hygiene, monitoring behavior changes, and engaging patients through recreational activities designed specifically for pediatric care. The focus is on fostering safety, comfort, and therapeutic progress in a specialized hospital setting.
Certifications such as nurse aid registry listing, substance abuse counseling, EMT credentials, or behavioral health technician certification are essential, aligning with state regulations. In Durham, maintaining BCLS and CPI certifications enhances a candidate's eligibility and reflects local healthcare compliance standards critical for employment at facilities like Duke University.
This position emphasizes direct support in pediatric psychiatric settings, including patient observation, assisting with medical and daily living tasks, managing seclusion or restraint situations, and collaborating closely with nursing staff to ensure holistic, safe patient care tailored to children’s unique mental health needs.
Durham’s expanding healthcare sector, especially pediatric mental health, shows increasing demand for skilled behavioral health technicians. Applicants face moderate competition, but possessing relevant certifications and pediatric experience significantly improves hiring prospects amidst Duke University’s rigorous standards.
Salaries for pediatric behavioral health technicians in Durham typically range from $32,000 to $42,000 annually, influenced by certification level, experience, and specific hospital policies. Duke University tends to offer competitive compensation packages reflecting the role’s specialized nature and local living costs.
Duke University supports professional growth through ongoing education, certification assistance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Behavioral Health Technicians in pediatrics benefit from access to specialized training programs and mentorship, positioning them for career advancement within an innovative and leading healthcare environment.
Technicians must navigate high-stress scenarios involving patient safety and behavioral crises, requiring calmness and quick response. Balancing therapeutic care with physical assistance and adhering to strict safety protocols demands resilience and adaptability in this specialized pediatric psychiatric environment.
Duke University fosters a compassionate, collaborative care atmosphere emphasizing patient dignity and inclusivity. Behavioral Health Technicians are integral to this culture, promoting therapeutic relationships, respecting patient rights, and implementing care plans that reflect Duke’s commitment to innovative and patient-centered mental health services.
Beyond state-required certifications, locally valued credentials include BCLS, CPI, and behavioral health technician certifications from recognized bodies like the Academy of Addiction Professionals. These credentials demonstrate readiness to meet Durham’s stringent healthcare standards and enhance employability in pediatric psychiatric settings.
Duke University offers a unique blend of cutting-edge resources, extensive interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Behavioral Health Technicians here engage in specialized pediatric care with access to advanced therapeutic programs and a supportive work environment uncommon in nearby healthcare facilities.
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