Direct Support Professional II
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional II works as part of a team to help people with intellectual disabilities achieve their goals. The role provides routine and emergency care, treatment, and training in various settings, including grooming, bathing, feeding, observing and reporting on individuals’ conditions and behaviors, meaningful interactions, and participation in individualized training and active treatment programs. The position documents events throughout individuals’ daily schedules, their responses to activities and training, and unusual incidents. Work involves routine duties and decision-making guided by training, supervision, and other professional staff. The employee may mentor new DSP I staff or volunteer as a shift or team lead, and may be required to drive a state-owned vehicle. The role serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may be medically fragile or have behavioral problems at a campus-based state supported living center. Work is in Richmond, Texas, and may involve morning, evening, or night shifts across multiple homes. The position is not eligible for telework and may involve travel up to 10%.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent, or previous employment experience.
- Ability to speak and read English.
- Ability to make decisions and exercise good judgment during critical incidents.
- Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
- Ability to demonstrate proper body mechanics, posture, and lifting techniques.
- Knowledge of individual care techniques and treatment, therapy, and developmental programs, or ability to learn them through training.
- Ability to provide individual care, administer first aid and/or CPR, perform Ukeru once trained, and conduct Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).
- Ability to communicate effectively and train, mentor, or coach others.
- Ability to work effectively with others as a team member.
- Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire; applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record, and an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
- Must pass fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and registry checks.
- Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
- Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; flexibility in hours, overtime, and extended hours may be required.
- Males aged 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Nice To Haves
- Six months of work experience.
- Experience writing reports.
- Experience with behavior programs for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
- Experience working with people who have mental health or intellectual/developmental disabilities.
- Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).
Responsibilities
- Attend work regularly and follow assigned or rotating schedules, including extended shifts or overtime as needed; perform other assigned duties.
- Implement habilitation, rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs related to individuals’ plans.
- Teach life skills, including feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene.
- Participate in development of individuals’ treatment plans.
- Observe individuals for signs and symptoms of illness, injury, medication reactions, or other conditions requiring medical intervention, and document observations.
- Report significant changes in individuals’ physical conditions or behavior and record relevant information.
- Assist with transporting individuals to scheduled activities and in emergencies as needed.
- Administer first aid as appropriate and attend to healthcare needs under medical personnel’s supervision.
- Evacuate individuals during fires, natural disasters, emergencies, or drills.
- Prevent or manage aggressive behavior and administer CPR during emergency interventions.
- Provide direct care and support services to individuals.
- May train or mentor new DSP I staff or volunteer to serve as a shift or team lead.
- Participate in or support agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations Plan activation, which may require an alternate shift pattern or work location.
Benefits
- 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
- Defined benefit pension plan.
- Generous time off benefits.
- Opportunities for career advancement.
- Additional pay may be available for work performed on evenings, nights, weekends, and/or maximum security locations.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
