Direct Support Professional III - Unit Trainer
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional III works as part of a team providing routine and emergency care, treatment, and training to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at a state supported living center. The role supports individuals’ goals, wellness, independence, and participation in person-centered activities and programs. Duties include personal care, assistance with medication administration, observation and reporting, documentation, and implementation of individualized training and active treatment programs. The position also provides guidance and mentorship to new Direct Support Professionals and may serve as a shift or team lead when the DSP IV Lead/Charge is not on duty. Work is performed in a team environment with supervision and training. The position is based at the San Antonio State Supported Living Center and is not eligible for telework. It may be assigned to morning, evening, or night shifts and may involve rotating schedules, extended shifts, overtime, weekends, holidays, disaster response, or work at an alternate location. Travel may be up to 5%, and the employee may be required to drive a state-owned vehicle.
Requirements
- High school diploma, GED, or six months of work experience.
- Ability to read, write, and speak English.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing.
- Ability to make decisions and use good judgment during critical incidents.
- Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
- Ability to demonstrate proper body mechanics, posture, and lifting techniques.
- Ability to provide individual care and administer first aid and/or CPR.
- Ability to perform Ukeru once trained and conduct Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).
- Ability to train, mentor, and coach others.
- Ability to work effectively with others and as a team member.
- Ability to learn and master basic individual care and training techniques.
- Ability to be flexible in handling work assignments.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and applicable registry and exclusion-list checks.
- Males ages 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; flexibility in work hours, overtime, or extended hours may be required.
- State Supported Living Center employees are subject to random drug testing.
Nice To Haves
- Six months of experience working with people who have mental health or intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Experience as a Direct Support Professional.
- Experience implementing behavior programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Experience writing reports.
- Valid Texas driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 90 days after hire.
- Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).
Responsibilities
- Provide direct care and support services to individuals, including implementing habilitation, rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, mealtime, and treatment programs related to individual goals.
- Encourage individuals to attend assigned activities and programs and provide ongoing, meaningful activities suited to their preferences.
- Document participation, progress, daily activities, responses to training, unusual incidents, and other relevant information for communication and follow-up.
- Use active treatment and person-centered approaches to teach activities of daily living and other skills that promote independence.
- Implement positive behavior support plans, crisis intervention plans, and skills acquisition plans.
- Participate in developing person-centered treatment plans and provide the interdisciplinary team with feedback about individuals’ progress toward goals and skill acquisition.
- Observe individuals for signs of illness, injury, medication reactions, or other conditions requiring intervention; document observations and report significant changes to designated personnel.
- Attend to healthcare needs under medical personnel’s supervision, administer first aid as appropriate, and provide CPR during emergency interventions.
- Assist with transporting and accompanying individuals on scheduled activities and in emergencies, ensuring relevant trip information and individual needs are addressed.
- Maintain safe and sanitary living environments, correct or report hazards, follow infection control protocols, and protect individuals from physical and emotional harm.
- Report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation and follow procedures for unusual incidents and required protective or corrective measures.
- Evacuate individuals during fires, natural disasters, emergencies, or drills and complete required documentation.
- Provide behavior intervention and prevent or manage aggressive behavior to protect individuals from harm or injury.
- Maintain compliance with HHSC competency, training, and development standards.
- Guide, train, mentor, and coach new DSPs; model appropriate care techniques and assist with more complex work.
- Serve as a shift or team lead when assigned and when the DSP IV Lead/Charge is not on duty.
- Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations Plan activation as assigned.
- Attend work regularly, follow assigned schedules, and perform other duties as assigned.
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, and/or weekends.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
