Direct Support Professional II

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

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services is hiring a Direct Support Professional II for the Richmond State Supported Living Center. This full-time position involves caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring their health, safety, and well-being. Shifts may include mornings, evenings, nights, and weekends. Ideal candidates should have a high school diploma, experience in behavioral programs, and the ability to manage emergency situations. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential. Compensation ranges from $3,047.58 to $4,149.83 per month, depending on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Required to have a valid Texas driver’s license, or the ability to obtain it within 90 days after hire.
• Experience in behavior programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred.
• 6 months of relevant work experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly and follow a specific shift schedule.
• Implement treatment programs for individuals in accordance with their individualized plans.
• Teach life skills such as personal hygiene to individuals.
• Observe individuals for signs needing medical intervention.
• Assist with transporting individuals for activities as needed.

Skills

Ability to speak and read English

Decision-making and judgment in critical incidents

Ability to react quickly in emergencies

Demonstrate proper body mechanics

Knowledge of individual care techniques

Ability to administer first aid/CPR

Effective communication

Teamwork skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Job description

Job Details

Direct Support Professional II
Agency: Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC)
Department: Leon – Residential Care
Posting Number: 15924
Posting Date: Apr 15, 2026
Closing Date: 07/14/2026
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Range: $3,047.58 – $4,149.83 per month
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-12
Shift: Day (First); Evening (Second); Night (Third); Weekends
Telework: Not Eligible
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA: Nonexempt
Facility: Richmond State Supported Living Center
Job Location: 2100 Preston, Richmond, TX

Job Overview

Drivers licence is required. This position is available for morning, evening, and night shifts on multiple homes and may offer additional pay for work performed during evenings, nights, weekends, or at maximum‑security locations. The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or have behavioral problems. The Direct Support Professional II works as part of a team that helps individuals with intellectual disabilities achieve their goals through routine and emergency care, treatment, and training in various settings.

Responsibilities (Essential Job Functions)

• Attend work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule, including rotating schedules, extended shifts, and overtime in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Implement habilitation and rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs with individuals related to their individualized programs.
• Teach life skills such as feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene to individuals.
• Participate in the development of the individual’s treatment plan.
• Observe individuals for signs and symptoms of disease, injury, reactions to medications, or other conditions warranting medical intervention and properly document observations.
• Report significant changes in individuals’ physical condition or behavior and record information as appropriate.
• Assist with the transport of individuals to scheduled activities and in emergency situations, as needed.
• Administer first aid to individuals as appropriate and attend to healthcare needs under supervision of medical personnel.
• Evacuate individuals in the event of a fire, natural disaster, emergency situation, or drill.
• Prevent or manage aggressive behavior among individuals and administer CPR in emergency interventions.
• Perform direct care and support services to individuals.
• Provide training/mentorship to new DSP I staff and/or volunteer to serve as a shift/team lead.
• Participate in disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) activation as needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• Ability to speak and read English.
• Ability to make decisions and use good judgment in critical incidents.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to demonstrate proper body mechanics, good posture, and proper lifting techniques.
• Knowledge of individual care techniques and developmental programs, or the ability to learn through training.
• Ability to provide individual care, administer first aid/CPR, perform Ukeru (upon training), 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 Requirements & Certifications

• Valid Texas driver’s license, or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire. Out-of-state drivers must provide an original certified driving record.
• Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR) is preferred.

Required Initial Screening Criteria

• High School diploma or equivalent, or prior 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 HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
• Male applicants between 18–25 years must register with the Selective Service.
• All State Supported Living Center employees are subject to random drug testing.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required; overtime and extended hours are possible. Must be willing 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.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 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 contacted for an interview, notify the scheduling person for required accommodations.