Behavioral Health Technician-DUHS-Float Pool Nights

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University Health System is seeking a Behavioral Health Technician for the Float Pool at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. The role provides care to patients with psychiatric disorders, supports safety, comfort, and daily living activities, and collaborates with nursing staff to deliver compassionate, high-quality care.

The position involves a 7:00pm-7:30am shift pattern with 4-week track rotations and requires completion of BCLS, competency in vital signs, and knowledge of infection

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED.
• 1 year of experience working with patients with substance abuse, mental health, dementia diagnosis, intellectually or disabled preferred.
• BCLS certification must be maintained/completed by the end of new hire orientation.

Responsibilities

• Observe patients and assess progress daily; report significant changes to supervising RN.
• Interact with patients one-to-one providing recreational or social activities and reinforce patient teaching.
• Assist patients in activities of daily living including beds, bathing, hygiene, feeding and dressing.
• Assist with position changes, ROM exercises, transfers and walking.
• Provide care and monitoring in seclusion/restraint as required for safety.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment and follow infection control guidelines.
• Participate in staff discussions to optimize patient care and implement improvements.

Skills

Compassionate care

Observation

Patient safety

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Requisition Number: 274047

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location: Durham, NC, US 27710

Date: Oct 12, 2026

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.

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.

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.

Essential Physical Job Functions: 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: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.