Direct Support Professional IV, Lead/Charge DSP

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Lubbock, TX

12d • $4,095 - $5,094 • Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional IV, Lead/Charge DSP performs advanced habilitative and rehabilitative care work with individuals with developmental disabilities at the Lubbock State Supported Living Center. For an assigned home and shift, the position coordinates habilitation, rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs connected to individuals’ goals and plans. It assigns and supervises staff, ensures individuals receive appropriate supervision and meaningful engagement, and supports safe and efficient home operations and completion of daily documentation.

The Lead/Charge DSP also provides direct care to assigned individuals, implements positive behavior support, crisis intervention, and skills acquisition plans, and documents and communicates progress. The role trains, mentors, coaches, and models appropriate practices for DSP staff, including care techniques, incident reporting, infection control, evacuations, outings, and maintenance reporting. It serves as an active member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and may perform Home Supervisor duties in that person’s absence. The position works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

The position is based at the Lubbock State Supported Living Center and is not eligible for telework. Morning, evening, and night shifts are available across multiple homes; the listed shift is regular night, with additional day and evening shifts also noted. Travel may be up to 5%, and the employee may be required to drive a state-owned vehicle. Flexibility, overtime or extended hours, and weekend and holiday work may be required. Additional pay may be available for evening, night, and/or weekend work.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP).
• Experience implementing behavior programs or assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with activities of daily living.
• Experience completing documentation or writing reports.
• Knowledge of individual care techniques and treatment, therapy, and developmental programs.
• Knowledge of person-centered planning.
• Computer skills, including use of an electronic health record system.
• Ability to communicate with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; read, write, and speak English; and communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing.
• Ability to make sound decisions during critical incidents and react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Ability to demonstrate proper body mechanics, posture, and lifting techniques.
• Ability to provide individual care, administer first aid and/or CPR, perform Ukeru once trained, and conduct Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).
• Ability to train, mentor, coach, and supervise others; work effectively with others and as part of a team; master basic individual care and training techniques; and remain flexible with work assignments.
• Must pass fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and specified registry checks; state-supported living center employees are subject to random drug testing.
• Must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; overtime and/or extended hours and flexibility in work hours may be required.
• A valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain one within 90 days after hire is preferred. Applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record, and an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP).
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience leading or supervising others.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one no later than 90 days after hire.
• Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate habilitation, rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs for individuals in the assigned home and shift, based on their goals and plans.
• Ensure Active Treatment Daily Plans are implemented and individuals can participate in assigned activities and programs.
• Assign and supervise staff according to individual supervision plans, and ensure staff are meaningfully engaged with individuals.
• Monitor and document individuals’ participation and progress, including required electronic records and daily documentation.
• Provide direct care and support to assigned individuals and implement positive behavior support plans, crisis intervention plans, and skills acquisition plans.
• Train, mentor, coach, and model proper care and program procedures for DSP staff, and document staff progress in on-the-job training.
• Maintain a safe and sanitary home environment; train staff on infection control, risk management, safety hazards, and maintenance work orders.
• Coach staff to protect individuals from physical and emotional harm, model respectful interactions, recognize positive performance, and correct mistakes as needed.
• Ensure proper procedures and supports are followed for abuse and neglect investigations and unusual incidents; train staff on reporting and corrective or protective measures.
• Support staff working with individuals who exhibit challenging, aggressive, or self-injurious behaviors, and help prevent or manage aggression between individuals.
• Prepare staff and individuals for outings, accompany them on activities or emergency situations as needed, and ensure staff understand individual needs and emergency procedures.
• Observe individuals for health changes, document observations, report significant changes, provide first aid as appropriate, and administer CPR in emergencies.
• Lead evacuations during fires, disasters, emergencies, or drills; direct staff and complete required documentation and reporting.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team activities, contribute to treatment plan development, and provide feedback on individuals’ progress toward goals.
• Perform Home Supervisor duties when assigned in the supervisor’s absence, including attending meetings and preparing reports and documentation.
• Participate in agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations Plan activities as assigned.
• Attend work regularly, follow assigned or rotating shift 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed