Direct Support Professional II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Harlingen, TX

140d • $3,047 - $3,946 • Remote

About The Position

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 each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. 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. 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. 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!

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent, or previous employment experience.
• Valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) activation.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Education Level: High school or GED