Direct Support Professional II

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at every stage of your life and work journey.

About the role

This position is available for Morning, Evening, and Night shifts on multiple homes and may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights, and/or weekends. The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) II works as part of a team that helps people with intellectual disabilities achieve their goals. This includes routine and emergency care, treatment, and training for people with intellectual disabilities in various settings. The DSP documents information on the person’s life, such as daily activities, responses to training, and unusual incidents. Work is performed in a team environment with guidance provided through supervision and training.

This position may require driving a state-owned vehicle and may involve training or mentoring new DSP Is or serving as a shift/team lead.

Responsibilities

• Implements habilitation and rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs tailored to individuals’ needs.
• Teaches life skills such as feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene.
• 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 requiring medical intervention; documents and reports observations.
• Provides assistance in transporting individuals for scheduled activities and emergencies.
• Administers first aid, CPR, and emergency interventions as needed.
• Attends to healthcare needs of individuals under medical supervision.
• Evacuates individuals during fires, natural disasters, or emergency drills.
• Prevents or manages aggressive behavior among individuals.
• Performs direct care and support services.
• May train or mentor new DSP Is and/or volunteer as a shift/team lead.
• Actively participates in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) activation as required.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent, or previous employment experience.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire (preferred).
• Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR) (preferred).
• Ability to speak and read English.
• Ability to make decisions and use good judgment during critical incidents.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Knowledge of proper body mechanics, posture, and lifting techniques.
• Knowledge of individual care techniques, treatment, therapy, and developmental programs (or ability to learn through training).
• Ability to communicate effectively and train, mentor, or coach others.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks (e.g., Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities).
• Males aged 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Flexibility in work hours, including overtime, weekends, and holidays.
• Subject to random drug testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• 6 months of work experience.
• Experience writing reports.
• Experience with behavior programs for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Experience working with individuals who have mental health or intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Benefits

HHSC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• A defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time-off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Pay

Salary range: $3,047.58 – $4,149.83 per month.

Schedule

• Full-time, regular position.
• Shift: Day, with additional availability for Evenings (Second) and Nights (Third).
• Pay frequency: Monthly.
• Travel: Up to 5%.
• Telework: Not eligible.