DSP IV Lead/Charge Martin

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Mexia, TX

2d • $4,095 - $5,094 • Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional IV, Lead/Charge DSP, performs advanced habilitative and rehabilitative care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at a State Supported Living Center. For an assigned home and shift, the Lead/Charge DSP coordinates habilitation, rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs tailored to individual goals. The position assigns and supervises staff, supports meaningful engagement according to individual plans, helps ensure safe and efficient home operations, and maintains required daily documentation. The Lead/Charge DSP also provides direct care to assigned individuals, trains and mentors new DSPs, coaches staff, documents and communicates progress to the designated supervisor, and serves on the interdisciplinary treatment team. The role may include performing Home Supervisor duties in their absence and may require driving a state-owned vehicle. Work is under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

The position is based at the Mexia State Supported Living Center and is not eligible for telework. Morning, evening, and night shifts are available, and the position may be required to work rotating schedules, extended shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays. Additional pay may be available for evening, night, weekend, or maximum-security assignments. Travel may be up to 5%.

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.
• Skill using computers, including an electronic health record system.
• Skill communicating with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English and communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing.
• Ability to make sound 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, perform Ukeru once trained, and conduct Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).
• Ability to train, mentor, coach, and supervise others.
• Ability to work effectively with others and as part of a team.
• Ability to master basic individual care and training techniques.
• Ability to be flexible in handling work assignments.
• Must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and required registry checks; employees are subject to random drug testing.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; flexibility in hours, overtime, and 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.
• Valid Texas driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within 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.
• Ensure Active Treatment Daily Plans are implemented and assign staff in accordance with individual plans and supervision levels.
• Promote meaningful participation in activities, and monitor and document individual participation and progress.
• Supervise assigned staff and help ensure efficient, safe operation of the home and completion of daily documentation.
• Provide direct care and support to assigned individuals.
• Implement positive behavior support plans, crisis intervention plans, and skills acquisition plans to promote independence.
• Ensure staff properly enter electronic information about individuals’ daily activities, training, responses, and unusual incidents.
• Train, mentor, coach, and model proper care and support practices for DSP staff, including personal care, feeding, lifting and positioning, medication assistance, observation, reporting, and meaningful interaction.
• Guide staff in understanding and implementing procedures, policies, and laws, including the Texas Administrative Code, and document DSP progress in formalized on-the-job training.
• Maintain a safe and sanitary home environment; teach and oversee infection control, risk management, safety hazard reporting, and maintenance work orders.
• Coach staff to protect individuals from physical and emotional harm, recognize positive performance, and correct mistakes as needed.
• Ensure proper procedures are followed during abuse and neglect investigations and train staff to report unusual incidents and implement protective or corrective measures.
• Support staff in working with individuals who have challenging behaviors, complex needs, or aggressive or self-injurious behaviors, and help prevent or manage aggression between individuals.
• Prepare staff for outings, provide information on individual needs and emergency procedures, and accompany staff and individuals as needed.
• Observe and document individuals’ health conditions, administer first aid as appropriate, ensure significant changes are reported, and perform CPR in emergencies.
• Lead evacuations during fires, disasters, emergencies, or drills; direct staff and complete required documentation and reporting.
• Participate as an active member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, contribute to treatment-plan development, and provide feedback on progress toward goals and skill acquisition.
• Perform Home Supervisor duties when assigned, including attending meetings and preparing required reports and documentation.
• Participate in agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations Plan activities, which may require a different shift or location.
• 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, weekends, and/or maximum-security locations.

What This Job Offers

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