Direct Support Professional II

Brief Job Description

This position is available for Morning, Evening and Night shifts on multiple homes. This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends. This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Implements habilitation and rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs with individuals specifically related to the individual’s programs.
• Teaches life skills such as feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene to individuals.
• Participates in the development of the individual’s treatment plan.
• Observes individuals for signs and symptoms of disease, injury, reactions to medications, or other conditions which warrant medical intervention and properly documents observations.
• Reports significant changes in individual’s physical condition or behavior and records information on individuals as appropriate.
• Provides assistance in the transporting of individuals going on scheduled activities and in emergency situations, as needed.
• Administers first aid to individuals as appropriate.
• Attends to healthcare needs of individuals under supervision of medical personnel.
• Evacuates individuals in the event of a fire, natural disaster, emergency situation, or drill.
• Prevents or manages aggressive behavior among individuals and administers cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in emergency interventions.
• Performs direct care and support services to individuals.
• May provide training/mentorship to new DSP Is and/or volunteer to serve as a shift/team lead.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Ability to speak and read English
• Ability to make decisions and use good judgment when dealing with critical incidents.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in an emergency situation.
• Ability to demonstrate proper body mechanics, good posture, and proper lifting techniques.
• Knowledge of individual care techniques and of treatment, therapy, and developmental programs or to learn these through training.
• Ability to provide individual care, to administer first aid and/or CPR, to perform Ukeru (once trained), and to conduct Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).
• Ability to communicate effectively and to train/mentor/coach others.
• Ability to work effectively with others and as a member of a team.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date, is preferred.
• Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR) is preferred.