Direct Suppoprt Professional II

Texas Health and Human Services; Mexia (TX); On-site; USD 34,010 - 46,312; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension

Generous time-off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Direct Support Professional II at Mexia State Supported Living Center provides direct care and supervision to individuals with intellectual disabilities across morning, evening, and night shifts. You’ll join a team delivering routine and emergency care, training, and observation, with documentation of activities, responses, and progress.

May mentor new DSPs and serve as a shift lead; driving a state-owned vehicle may be required.

Qualifications

• Speak and read English.
• Make decisions and use good judgment during critical incidents.
• React quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Demonstrate proper body mechanics, good posture, and lifting techniques.

Responsibilities

• Attend work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific or rotating shift schedule, extended shift, and/or overtime as appropriate.
• Implement habilitation and rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs.
• Teach life skills such as feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene.
• Participate in the development of individual treatment plans.
• Observe for signs and symptoms of disease, injury, medication reactions, or other conditions requiring medical intervention and properly document observations.
• Report significant changes in physical condition or behavior and record relevant information.
• Assist in transporting individuals for scheduled activities or emergencies.
• Administer first aid as appropriate.
• Attend to healthcare needs under supervision of medical personnel.
• Evacuate individuals in the event of a fire, natural disaster, emergency, or drill.
• Prevent or manage aggressive behavior and administer CPR during emergencies.
• Perform direct care and support services to individuals.
• Provide training/mentorship to new DSPs and/or serve as shift/team lead.
• Participate in disaster response and/or Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) activation as needed.

Skills

English language

Decision making

Emergency response

Body mechanics

Care techniques

CPR/First aid

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Date: Jul 17, 2026

Location: MEXIA, TX

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time‑off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Position Details

Functional Title: Direct Support Professional II
Job Title: Direct Support Professional II
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Martin - Residential Care
Posting Number: 19128
Closing Date: 09/15/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Range: $3,047.58 - $4,149.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-12
Shift: Day (First); Evening (Second); Night (Third)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Employment Type: Regular, Full Time, Non‑Exempt

Facility Location: Mexia State Supported Living Center
Job Location City: MEXIA
Job Location Address: 540 CHAPEL DRIVE

Brief Job Description

This position is available for Morning, Evening and Night shifts on multiple homes. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) II works as part of a team that helps people with intellectual disabilities achieve their goals. Responsibilities include routine and emergency care, treatment, and training for individuals in various settings. Duties may involve grooming, bathing, feeding, observing, reporting, providing meaningful interactions, and participating in individualized training and active treatment programs. Documentation of daily activities, responses to activities, training progress, and incidents is required. The role may also provide training or mentorship to new DSPs and may serve as a shift/team lead. The position may require driving a state‑owned vehicle.

Essential Job Functions

• Attend work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific or rotating shift schedule, extended shift, and/or overtime as appropriate.
• Implement habilitation and rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs.
• Teach life skills such as feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene.
• Participate in the development of individual treatment plans.
• Observe for signs and symptoms of disease, injury, medication reactions, or other conditions requiring medical intervention and properly document observations.
• Report significant changes in physical condition or behavior and record relevant information.
• Assist in transporting individuals for scheduled activities or emergencies.
• Administer first aid as appropriate.
• Attend to healthcare needs under supervision of medical personnel.
• Evacuate individuals in the event of a fire, natural disaster, emergency, or drill.
• Prevent or manage aggressive behavior and administer CPR during emergencies.
• Perform direct care and support services to individuals.
• Provide training/mentorship to new DSPs and/or serve as shift/team lead.
• Participate in disaster response and/or Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) activation as needed.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Speak and read English.
• Make decisions and use good judgment during critical incidents.
• React quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Demonstrate proper body mechanics, good posture, and lifting techniques.
• Understand individual care techniques and relevant therapeutic programs or learn through training.
• Provide individual care, administer first aid and CPR, perform Ukeru (once trained), and conduct Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).
• Communicate effectively and train or mentor others.
• Work effectively with others as part of a team.

Registrations, Licensure, or Certifications

Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain it within 90 days of hire; out‑of‑state drivers must provide a certified driving record. Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or SUR is preferred.

Qualifications

Required: High School diploma or equivalent, or previous employment experience.
Preferred: 6 months of work experience, experience writing reports, experience in behavior programs for persons with intellectual developmental disabilities, and experience working with people who have mental health or intellectual developmental disabilities.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, and Employee Misconduct and HHS LEIE lists. Males aged 18–25 must register with the Selective Service. All employees are subject to random drug testing and may be required to work overtime, weekends, and holidays. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Veterans and Military

Military occupation(s) relevant to the selection criteria and registration or licensure are encouraged to apply. See Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions for more information.

ADA Accommodations

HHSC provides reasonable accommodation during hiring and selection for qualified individuals with a disability. Contact HHS Employee Service Center at 1‑888‑894‑4747 for assistance.

Pre‑Employment Checks and Work Eligibility

Applicants may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E‑Verify; bring I‑9 documentation on the first day. Download the I‑9 Form.

Telework

This position may be eligible for telework. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies and supervisor discretion.