Direct Support Professional IV-SES
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional IV serves as a home supervisor appointed by and responsible to the Unit Director. The position oversees care, treatment, training, and support activities in an assigned home, including supervising and monitoring other direct support staff. Administrative and programming responsibilities include supervising and evaluating direct care staff, supporting quality active treatment, and ensuring effective operation of the unit. The home supervisor may delegate portions of these responsibilities but remains accountable for overall results and may be asked to assume the Unit Director’s duties in their absence. The position works under limited supervision with considerable latitude to use initiative and independent judgment. The role is based at the Austin State Supported Living Center, which provides campus-based services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including people who are medically fragile or have behavioral problems. The employee may be required to drive a state-owned vehicle and may assist with transporting individuals for scheduled activities and emergencies. The position may involve on-call duties, rotating or alternate schedules, overtime, extended hours, and work on weekends and holidays. It may also require participation in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, potentially at an alternate location or on an alternate shift.
Requirements
- Two years of experience working in a field related to the position, such as working with people with developmental or physical disabilities.
- Experience in a supervisory role.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing.
- Ability to make decisions and exercise good judgment when handling critical incidents.
- Ability to respond quickly and calmly in an emergency.
- Ability to demonstrate proper body mechanics, posture, and lifting techniques.
- Strength and flexibility to safely perform CPR and Safety Utilization of Restraint (SUR) techniques to prevent harm until harmful or violent behavior subsides.
- Ability to master basic individual care and training techniques.
- Ability to be flexible in handling work assignments.
- Knowledge of individual care techniques and treatment, therapy, and developmental programs.
- Knowledge of Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) standards.
- Ability to provide individual care, administer first aid or CPR, conduct SUR, communicate effectively, and train others.
- Ability to work effectively with others and as a team member.
- A valid Texas driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one within 90 days after hire, is identified as preferred or required in the posting. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record, and an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
- Applicants must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and specified registry checks.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
- Employees are subject to random drug testing.
- Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; flexibility in work hours and overtime or extended hours may be required.
Nice To Haves
- High school diploma or GED is preferred.
- Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 90 days after hire is described as preferred or required.
Responsibilities
- Attend work regularly, follow assigned or rotating shift schedules, work overtime or extended shifts as needed, and perform other assigned duties.
- Serve in a rotating on-call status as required to meet facility operational needs.
- Arrange work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and appropriate staff-to-individual ratios.
- Monitor and document individuals’ participation and progress to support effective communication with other staff.
- Supervise staff activities and work behaviors to ensure efficient delivery of care, training, and support on the unit.
- Attend meetings, serve on committees, and perform specific tasks as directed by designated facility leadership.
- Coordinate programming and care for assigned individuals through periodic planning sessions with administrative and professional staff.
- Ensure the home is maintained as a safe and sanitary living environment.
- Plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.
- Assist with transporting individuals for scheduled activities and in emergency situations as needed.
- Participate in or support agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities when assigned.
- Assume the Unit Director’s duties in their absence when requested.
Benefits
- 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
- Defined benefit pension plan
- Generous time off benefits
- Opportunities for career advancement
- May be eligible for additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights, and/or weekends
- May be eligible for additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
