Direct Support Professional III

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • San Antonio, TX

8d • $3,650 - $4,595 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional III 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 assistance with grooming, bathing, feeding, lifting and positioning, medication administration, and observing and reporting conditions and behaviors. The position supports meaningful interactions and individualized training and active treatment for people of all genders, and documents daily activities, responses, progress, and unusual incidents.

Work is performed in a team environment with guidance through supervision and training. The DSP III routinely assists other staff with more complex work, mentors and trains new DSPs, and may serve as a shift or team lead when the DSP IV Lead/Charge is not on duty. The role is required to drive a state-owned vehicle and may be eligible for telework subject to agency policy, supervisory discretion, and business needs. The position is based at the San Antonio State Supported Living Center and may involve 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.
• 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 after training and conduct Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).
• Ability to train, mentor, and coach others; work effectively with others as a team member; 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 from that state; an eligible driving record under HHSC Fleet Management policy is required.
• Must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment 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.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; flexibility in work hours, overtime, and extended hours may be required.
• Male applicants between ages 18 and 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• State Supported Living Center employees are subject to random drug testing.

Nice To Haves

• Six months of experience working with people with mental health or intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Experience as a Direct Support Professional.
• Experience implementing behavior programs for people with intellectual/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 habilitation and rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, mealtime plans, and treatment programs related to individuals’ goals.
• Encourage individuals to attend assigned activities, provide ongoing meaningful activities based on their preferences, and document participation and progress.
• Use active treatment to teach daily living skills and support individual goals and person-centered activities.
• Implement positive behavior support plans, crisis intervention plans, and skills acquisition plans to promote independence.
• Enter electronic documentation regarding individuals’ daily schedules, responses to activities and training, progress, and unusual incidents.
• Support development of person-centered treatment plans and provide the interdisciplinary team with feedback about individuals’ progress toward goals and skills acquisition.
• Attend to healthcare needs under medical personnel’s supervision; observe and document signs of illness, injury, medication reactions, or other conditions requiring intervention; provide first aid as appropriate; report significant changes; and administer CPR in emergencies.
• Assist with transporting and accompanying individuals on scheduled activities and during emergencies, ensuring staff have relevant trip and individual-needs information.
• Maintain a safe and sanitary environment, correct and report hazards, follow infection-control protocols, protect individuals from physical and emotional harm, and report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, and unusual incidents according to procedures.
• Follow protective and corrective measures after unusual incidents and evacuate individuals during fires, disasters, emergencies, or drills, completing required documentation afterward.
• Provide behavior intervention and help prevent or manage aggressive behavior to protect residents from harm or injury.
• Maintain compliance with HHSC standards for competency, training, and development.
• Guide and mentor new DSPs and model proper care practices, including grooming, bathing, feeding, lifting and positioning, medication assistance, observation and reporting, and meaningful engagement.
• Serve as shift or team lead when assigned and when the DSP IV Lead/Charge is not on duty.
• Participate in agency disaster response or recovery and Continuity of Operations Plan activation when required; this may involve a different shift pattern or work location.
• Attend work regularly, follow assigned or rotating schedules, and work overtime or extended shifts as required; perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for eligible full-time employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time-off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.
• May be eligible for additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED