Direct Support Professional II
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional II works as part of a team supporting people with intellectual disabilities in achieving their goals. The role provides routine and emergency care, treatment, and training in various settings, including grooming, bathing, feeding, meaningful interaction, observation and reporting, and participation in individualized training and active treatment programs. The DSP documents individuals’ daily activities, responses, and unusual incidents. Work involves routine duties and decision-making guided by training, supervision, and professional staff. The position requires driving a state-owned vehicle and is based at the Rio Grande State Supported Living Center in Harlingen, Texas. The role is available on morning, evening, and night shifts across multiple homes, and may qualify for additional evening or night pay. State supported living centers provide campus-based services and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may be medically fragile or have behavioral needs. The position may also support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations Plan activation, potentially at an alternate location or on an alternate shift.
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 these through training.
- Ability to provide individual care and 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 and as part of a team.
- Valid Texas driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire; eligible driving record required. Applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record from the licensing state.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must pass fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and applicable registry checks.
- Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; overtime, extended hours, and schedule flexibility may be required.
- Males aged 18–25 must be registered with Selective Service.
- Employees are subject to random drug testing.
Nice To Haves
- Six months of work experience.
- Experience writing reports.
- Experience with behavior programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Experience working with people with mental health or intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).
Responsibilities
- Attend work regularly and follow assigned, rotating, extended, or overtime shift schedules as required.
- Implement habilitation, rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs tailored to individuals’ programs.
- Teach life skills, including feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene.
- Participate in developing individuals’ treatment plans.
- Observe individuals for signs of illness, injury, medication reactions, or other conditions requiring medical intervention, and document observations.
- Report significant changes in individuals’ physical condition or behavior and maintain appropriate records.
- Assist with transporting individuals to scheduled activities and in emergencies.
- 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 Is or volunteer as a shift/team lead.
- Participate in agency disaster response, recovery, or COOP activities as assigned.
- Drive a state-owned vehicle.
Benefits
- 100% paid employee health insurance for eligible full-time employees.
- Defined benefit pension plan.
- Generous time off benefits.
- Opportunities for career advancement.
- Potential additional pay for work performed on evenings and nights.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
