Direct Support Professional IV, Lead/Charge DSP

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Brenham, TX

13d • $4,095 - $5,094 • Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) IV, Lead/Charge DSP performs advanced habilitative and rehabilitative care work with individuals with developmental disabilities at a State Supported Living Center. For an assigned home and shift, the role coordinates habilitation, rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs in support of individuals’ goals. The Lead/Charge DSP assigns and supervises staff, helps ensure individuals receive appropriate support and meaningful engagement, maintains required daily documentation, and provides direct care to assigned individuals. The position also trains and mentors new DSPs, coaches staff, documents and communicates progress to the designated supervisor, and serves as an active member of the interdisciplinary treatment team. It may perform Home Supervisor duties in that supervisor’s absence and works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

The role is based at Brenham State Supported Living Center and is not eligible for telework. It is available on morning, evening, and night shifts across multiple homes; shift assignments may be specific, rotating, extended, or overtime. The position requires driving a state-owned vehicle and travel of up to 5%. Additional pay may be available for evening, night, weekend, or maximum-security-location work. Employees must be willing to work weekends and holidays and may need flexibility in work hours or location for disaster response or continuity-of-operations needs.

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.
• Valid Texas driver’s license; applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record from the licensing state, and the record must meet HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• 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, and coach others; supervise others; work effectively with a team; master basic individual-care and training techniques; and adapt to changing work assignments.
• Must be at least 18 years old to work at a state-operated facility.
• Must pass fingerprint-based criminal background, pre-employment drug, and registry checks; State Supported Living Center employees are subject to random drug testing.
• Males ages 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; flexible hours, overtime, and/or extended hours may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP).
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience leading or supervising others.
• Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate habilitation, rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs according to individuals’ goals and plans.
• Ensure Active Treatment Daily Plans are implemented and assign staff so individuals can attend activities and receive supervision appropriate to their plans.
• Promote meaningful engagement in activities that reflect individuals’ preferences and monitor and document participation and progress.
• Supervise assigned staff and maintain required daily documentation for efficient and safe operation of the home.
• Provide direct care and support to assigned individuals, including implementing positive behavior support, crisis intervention, and skills acquisition plans.
• Ensure staff properly document individuals’ daily activities, responses, training, and unusual incidents in the electronic information system.
• Train, mentor, coach, and model appropriate care and program procedures for DSP staff; document training progress and report significant issues to the DSP V/Home Supervisor.
• Teach and oversee infection control, risk management, safety hazard reporting, and maintenance work-order procedures.
• Coach staff to protect individuals from physical and emotional harm, model respectful interactions, recognize positive performance, and correct mistakes as needed.
• Ensure appropriate procedures and supports are followed for abuse and neglect investigations and unusual incidents, including fires, injuries, falls, seizures, restraints, peer incidents, and unauthorized departures.
• Help staff implement behavior support plans and support individuals with complex, aggressive, or self-injurious behaviors while protecting individuals from harm.
• Prepare staff for outings, accompany individuals and staff on activities or during emergencies 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 perform CPR in emergencies.
• Lead evacuations during fires, disasters, emergencies, or drills; direct staff and complete and report required documentation.
• Participate in the interdisciplinary treatment team, contribute to treatment-plan development, and provide feedback on individuals’ progress toward goals and skills.
• Perform Home Supervisor duties when assigned during the supervisor’s absence, including attending meetings, following up on issues, and preparing reports.
• Participate in agency disaster response, recovery, or continuity-of-operations activities as required.
• Attend work regularly and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for eligible full-time employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time-off benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Additional pay may be available for work performed on evenings, nights, weekends, and/or maximum-security locations.

What This Job Offers

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