Direct Support Professional III-Group Home

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Corpus Christi, TX

10d•$3,650 - $4,595•Onsite

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 disabilities in a group-home setting. The role supports individuals’ goals, wellness, independence, and participation in person-centered activities and treatment programs. Duties include personal care, medication assistance, observation and reporting, documentation, and implementation of active treatment and behavior support programs. The position routinely assists and guides other staff, mentors new Direct Support Professionals, and may serve as shift or team lead when the DSP IV Lead/Charge is not on duty. The position requires driving a state-owned vehicle and is based at the Corpus Christi State Supported Living Center. It is an evening/night-shift role, is not eligible for telework, and may require travel up to 5%.

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.
Knowledge of individual care techniques and treatment, therapy, and developmental programs, or ability to learn them through training.
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.
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; work effectively with others as part of a team; master basic individual-care and training techniques; and remain flexible with work assignments.
Valid Texas driver’s license, or ability to obtain one no later than 90 days after hire. Applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record; an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
Must be at least 18 years old to work at a state-operated facility.
Must pass fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and registry checks, including CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, and HHS LEIE checks.
Employees are subject to random drug testing.
Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; flexible hours, overtime, or extended hours may be required.
Males aged 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

Nice To Haves

Six months of experience working with people with 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.
Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).

Responsibilities

Provide direct care and support services, including personal care, grooming, bathing, feeding, lifting, positioning, and assistance with medication administration.
Implement habilitation and rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, mealtime, and treatment programs connected to individuals’ goals and plans.
Encourage individuals to attend assigned activities and remain meaningfully engaged in activities suited to their preferences; document participation and progress.
Use active treatment and person-centered activities to teach daily living skills and support individual goals and independence.
Implement positive behavior support plans, crisis intervention plans, and skills acquisition plans.
Enter electronic records about individuals’ daily schedules, responses to activities and training, progress, and unusual incidents.
Support the development of person-centered treatment plans and provide the interdisciplinary team with feedback on individuals’ progress.
Observe individuals for signs of illness, injury, medication reactions, or other conditions requiring medical intervention; document observations and report significant changes to designated personnel.
Provide first aid and CPR when appropriate, and attend to healthcare needs under medical personnel’s supervision.
Assist with transporting and accompanying individuals on scheduled activities and in emergency situations, ensuring relevant trip information and individual needs are addressed.
Maintain a safe and sanitary home environment, 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 designated protective or corrective measures.
Evacuate individuals during fires, disasters, emergencies, or drills and complete required documentation.
Provide behavior intervention to protect individuals from harm and prevent or manage aggressive behavior.
Maintain compliance with HHSC competency, training, and development standards.
Guide and mentor new Direct Support Professionals, assist them with complex work, and model proper care and interaction techniques.
Serve as a shift or team lead when assigned and when the DSP IV Lead/Charge is not on duty.
Attend work regularly, follow assigned or rotating schedules, and work overtime or extended hours when required; perform other assigned duties, including supporting disaster response or continuity-of-operations activities.