Location: Pollok,TX, USA
Direct Support Profession III
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.
MSP statement (use as needed): This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.
Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.
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. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers
The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuityas well as 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) 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. Responsibilities can vary, and may include such duties as grooming, bathing, feeding, lifting and positioning, assisting with medication administration, observing and reporting individual's conditions and behaviors, providing meaningful interactions with individuals, and participating in individualized training and/or active treatment programs for both males and females. The DSP documents information on the person's life, such as things that occur throughout their daily schedule, how they respond to activities in the home, training, and unusual incidents. Completion of work requires use of simple and/or routine duties, while decision making is based on guidance that will be provided to you as you are prepared for the job and from other professional staff on your team. Work is in a team environment with guidance provided through supervision and training. May provide training/mentorship to new DSPs. May volunteer or be designated to serve as a shift/team lead or Charge. The Charge is responsible to ensure that care, treatment, training, and support activities are completed in the assigned home, including supervising and monitoring the activities of other direct support staff. This position is required to drive a state-owned vehicle.
Essential Job Functions:
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 goals and 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 DSPs.
May volunteer or be designated to serve as a shift/team lead of Charge. When serving as a Charge , ensures active and efficient care, training, and support for individuals in home living environment, ensures that the home is maintained and is a safe and sanitary living environment for individuals; ensures efficient operation of the home through direct supervision of assigned staff and maintenance of daily documentation requirements and serves as an active member of the interdisciplinary treatment team. The Charge may be designated to perform the duties of the Home Supervisor in their absence.
Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of individual care techniques and of treatment, therapy, and developmental programs or to learn these through training.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner. 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.
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 train/mentor/coach others.
Ability to work effectively with others and as a member of a team.
Ability to master basic techniques of individual care and training.
Ability to be flexible in handling work assignments.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date, is required. 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. Initial Selection Criteria:
High School diploma, GED, and/or 6 months of work experience is required.
One (1) year of experience in working with people who have mental health/intellectual developmental disabilities is preferred.
Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR) is preferred.
Experience implementing behavior programs for persons with intellectual developmental disabilities is preferred.
Experience writing reports is preferred.
Additional Information:
Requisition #617226
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/ Entities.
Males between the ages of 18 - 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
MOS Code:
There are no Military occupations that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For additional information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-###-####. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS