Direct Support Professional III

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Denton, TX

7d • $3,650 - $4,595 • Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional III works as part of a team at a state supported living center to provide routine and emergency care, treatment, and training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The position supports individuals in achieving personal goals through person-centered care, active treatment, habilitation and rehabilitation, behavior support, and participation in individualized programs. Duties may include grooming, bathing, feeding, lifting and positioning, supporting medication administration, observing and reporting conditions and behaviors, and providing meaningful interactions. The role documents individuals’ daily experiences, participation, progress, and unusual incidents.

The DSP III works with guidance from supervisors and professional staff, routinely assists other staff with more complex work, and provides training and mentorship to new DSPs. When assigned and the DSP IV Lead/Charge is not on duty, the DSP III serves as a shift or team lead. The position is required to drive a state-owned vehicle and is based at the Denton State Supported Living Center. It is not eligible for telework. The posting lists morning, evening, and night shift availability and states that flexibility, overtime, extended hours, weekends, and holidays may be required. Travel may be up to 5%.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or six months of work experience.
• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• 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.
• Ability to work effectively with others and as part of a team.
• 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 old to work at a state-operated facility.
• Must pass fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug screening, and specified registry checks.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; flexibility in work hours, overtime, and extended hours may be required.
• Males ages 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Employees are subject to random drug testing.

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 routine and emergency care, to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Implement habilitation and rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, mealtime plans, and treatment programs tied to individuals’ goals.
• Encourage individuals to attend assigned activities and programs, provide ongoing activities suited to their preferences, and document participation and progress.
• Use active treatment and person-centered approaches to teach daily living and other skills, support individual goals, and implement positive behavior support plans, crisis intervention plans, and skills acquisition plans.
• Enter electronic documentation about daily schedules, responses to activities and training, progress, issues, and unusual incidents.
• Participate in the development of person-centered treatment plans and provide the interdisciplinary team with feedback about individuals’ progress toward goals and skill acquisition.
• Attend to healthcare needs under medical personnel’s supervision; observe and document signs of illness, injury, medication reactions, or other conditions; provide first aid as appropriate; report significant changes; and perform CPR during emergency interventions.
• Assist with transporting and accompanying individuals on scheduled activities and during emergencies, ensuring appropriate 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.
• Follow procedures for reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation and unusual incidents, and carry out designated protective or corrective measures.
• Evacuate individuals during fires, disasters, emergencies, or drills and complete required documentation afterward.
• Provide behavior intervention and help prevent or manage aggressive behavior to protect residents from harm or injury.
• Maintain compliance with HHSC competency, training, and development standards.
• Guide, train, mentor, and coach new DSPs; model proper care and techniques; and assist with work of greater complexity.
• 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, which may require a different shift pattern or location.
• Attend work regularly, follow assigned or rotating 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.
• The position may be eligible for additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights, weekends, and maximum security locations.

What This Job Offers

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