Direct Support Professional II
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional II works as part of a team providing routine and emergency care, treatment, and training to people with intellectual disabilities in various settings. The role supports individuals in achieving their goals and may involve grooming, bathing, feeding, observing and reporting on individuals’ conditions and behaviors, providing meaningful interactions, and participating in individualized training and active treatment programs for males and females. The position documents events in individuals’ daily lives, including their responses to activities, training, and unusual incidents. Work consists of simple or routine duties, with decision-making guided by training, supervision, and other professional staff. The employee may train or mentor new Direct Support Professionals I, volunteer as a shift or team lead, and may be required to drive a state-owned vehicle. The role is based at the Abilene State Supported Living Center, which provides campus-based services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including people who are medically fragile or have behavioral problems. The position is designated for evening shift, with openings across morning, evening, and night shifts and multiple homes. It is not eligible for telework, may involve up to 5% travel, and may require flexible, rotating, extended, or alternate shifts and overtime. Weekend and holiday work is required. Additional pay may be available for evening, night, weekend, and maximum-security-location work.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent, or previous employment experience.
- Ability to speak and read English.
- Ability to make decisions and use good judgment during critical incidents.
- Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
- 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 and as a team member.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and required registry checks.
- Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; flexibility, overtime, and extended hours may be required.
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.
- Valid Texas driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 90 days after hire; an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
- CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR) certification.
Responsibilities
- Attend work regularly, follow assigned or rotating shift schedules, and perform other duties as assigned.
- Implement habilitation, rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs related to individuals’ programs.
- Teach life skills such as feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene.
- Participate in developing individuals’ treatment plans.
- Observe individuals for signs and symptoms of disease, injury, medication reactions, or other conditions requiring medical intervention, and document observations.
- Report significant changes in individuals’ physical condition or behavior and record information as appropriate.
- Assist with transporting individuals to scheduled activities and in emergency situations.
- Administer first aid and attend to individuals’ 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 Direct Support Professionals I and/or volunteer to serve as a shift or team lead.
- Participate in agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations Plan activation, which may require a different 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.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
