Direct Support Professional II

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

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off benefits

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services is seeking a Direct Support Professional II to deliver care and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This role involves preparing the individuals for their daily activities, administering first aid, observing their conditions, and working as part of a team. The position requires a high school diploma and the ability to work flexible shifts including evenings and weekends. The successful candidate will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain it within 90 days.
• Certification in CPR, First Aid, and Ukeru preferred.
• 6 months of work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide routine and emergency care to individuals with disabilities.
• Implement treatment plans and document observations.
• Assist in transporting individuals to activities.

Skills

Ability to speak and read English

Decision making and judgment

Emergency reaction

Individual care techniques

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Job description

Date: May 1, 2026

Location: AUSTIN, 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, and numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Functional Title: Direct Support Professional II

Job Title: Direct Support Professional II

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Sunrise - Residential Care

Posting Number: 16574

Closing Date: 10/30/2026

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

Additional Shift: Evenings (Second); Nights (Third); Weekends

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location: Austin State Supported Living Center

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 2203 W 35TH ST

MOS Codes: No military equivalent

Brief Job Description

This position is available for Morning, Evening, and Night shifts across multiple homes. It may be eligible to earn additional pay for work during evenings, nights, weekends, and maximum security locations. The role involves routine and emergency care, treatment, and training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include grooming, bathing, feeding, observing and reporting individual conditions, providing meaningful interactions, and participating in individualized training and active treatment programs. The DSP documents daily activities, responses to activities, training, and unusual incidents. Work is performed in a team environment with supervision and training. The position may require driving a state-owned vehicle.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or a rotating schedule, extended shift, and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Implements habilitation, rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs with individuals.
• Teaches life skills such as feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene to individuals.
• Participates in the development of the individual’s treatment plan.
• Observes individuals for signs and symptoms of disease, injury, reactions to medications, or other conditions, and properly documents observations.
• Reports significant changes in individuals’ physical condition or behavior and records information as appropriate.
• Provides assistance in transporting individuals to scheduled activities and in emergency situations, as needed.
• Administers first aid to individuals as appropriate.
• Attends to healthcare needs of individuals under supervision of medical personnel.
• Evacuates individuals in the event of a fire, natural disaster, emergency situation, or drill.
• Prevents or manages aggressive behavior among individuals and administers CPR in emergency interventions.
• Performs direct care and support services to individuals.
• May provide training/mentorship to new DSPs and/or volunteer to serve as a shift/team lead.
• Other duties as assigned, including participating in disaster response and/or recovery or COOP activation, may require an alternate shift pattern and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Ability to speak and read English.
• Ability to make decisions and use good judgment when dealing with critical incidents.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in an emergency situation.
• Ability to demonstrate proper body mechanics, good posture, and proper lifting techniques.
• Knowledge of individual care techniques and of treatment, therapy, and developmental programs or the ability to learn these through training.
• Ability to provide individual care, administer first aid and/or CPR, perform Ukeru (once trained), and conduct Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).
• Ability to communicate effectively and to train/mentor/coach others.
• Ability to work effectively with others and as a member of a team.

Registrations, Licensure, and Certifications

Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR) is preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria

High School diploma or equivalent, or previous employment experience.

Preferred Qualifications

6 months of work experience.

Experience in writing reports.

Experience in behavior programs for persons with intellectual developmental disabilities.

Experience in working with people who have mental health/intellectual developmental disabilities.

Additional Information

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 List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required, including overtime and/or extended hours and willingness to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

Military Eligibility

All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified.

ADA Accommodations

HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If assistance is needed completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1‑888‑894‑4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation, notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre‑Employment Checks and Work Eligibility

Applicants may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E‑Verify. I‑9 documentation must be brought on the first day of work.

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework, but all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies and the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.

Nearest Major Market

Austin