Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) - Duke Regional Hospital - Durham, NC - Day Shift
Durham, NC, US, 27710
About Duke Regional Hospital
Pursue your passion for caring with Duke Regional Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. With 388 beds it is the second largest of Duke Health's four hospitals and offers a comprehensive range ofmedical, surgical, and diagnostic services, including orthopedics, weight-loss surgery, women's services, and heart and vascular services.
Behavioral Health Technician - Duke Regional Hospital – Emergency Department
Schedule: 3 Day shifts 7a-7p, per week with rotating weekends
Department Summary
The Emergency Department at Duke Regional Hospital is a newly renovated Emergency Department comprised of 79 total beds, which includes: 49 beds for the Emergency Medicine unit, 12 beds Clinical Decision Unit, and an 18 bed Behavioral Health Unit. Our team is active in delivering exemplary care for each patient to ensure an excellent patient experience, every time.
Job Summary
Perform a variety of routine activities to provide physical and psychological care to patients with psychiatric disorders.
What you will do:
- 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.
What you will need:
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 Carolinaor
Certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor in North Carolinaor
Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician in North Carolinaor
Certification as a Behavioral Health Technician by The Academy of Addiction Professionals or American Medical Certification Associationor
- If a hire does not meet 1 of the 4 requirements, the BHT must start the process to complete one of the requiremenst 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.
Distinguishing Characteristics of this Level
N/ANearest Major Market:DurhamNearest Secondary Market:Raleigh
Freqently Asked Questions
Durham, NC has a growing need for Behavioral Health Technicians, fueled by expanding healthcare services and mental health initiatives. Compared to larger metro areas, competition is moderate, offering good opportunities for those with certifications like Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and experience in behavioral health care coordination.
Employers in Durham often prioritize candidates with certifications such as the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential, alongside state-specific licenses or trainings related to behavioral health. Completing continuing education in evidence-based techniques can boost your chances in this region’s competitive mental health job market.
Key competencies include applied behavior analysis, crisis intervention, and effective communication with patients and multidisciplinary teams. Familiarity with behavioral health documentation software and a compassionate approach are equally vital to thrive as a Behavioral Health Technician in a clinical or community setting.
Advancement paths include roles like Behavioral Health Program Coordinator or Specialist positions, often requiring added certifications or a degree in psychology or social work. Many technicians leverage hands-on experience to transition into behavioral health clinician roles or supervisory positions within healthcare organizations.
While both roles focus on supporting behavioral interventions, Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) must adhere to strict certification standards and supervision by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Behavioral Health Technicians might have broader duties, including patient monitoring and assisting in care coordination beyond ABA therapy.
Duke University emphasizes comprehensive onboarding with access to specialized behavioral health resources and interdisciplinary collaboration. Their Behavioral Health Technicians often engage in research-informed practices and benefit from ongoing professional development tailored to complex patient populations.
At Duke, technicians often work within a renowned academic medical environment, exposing them to cutting-edge behavioral health programs and diverse clinical cases. The institutional culture supports innovation and continuous learning, which may contrast with smaller clinics or community centers in the area.
Behavioral Health Technicians in Durham typically earn between $35,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications such as RBT. Positions at prestigious institutions like Duke University may offer competitive wages along with comprehensive benefits, reflecting the specialized skills required.
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