Direct Support Professional III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • TX

109d • $3,649 - $4,594

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. 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.

Requirements

• High School diploma, GED, 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.
• Experience implementing behavior programs for persons with intellectual developmental disabilities is preferred.
• Experience writing reports is preferred.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date, is preferred.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

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 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.'
• 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.
• Serves as an active member of the interdisciplinary treatment team.

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
• Education Level: High school or GED