Direct Support Professional II

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off benefits

Opportunities for career advancement

Job summary

A state healthcare agency is seeking a Direct Support Professional II in San Antonio, Texas, to provide essential care for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Responsibilities include implementing treatment plans and supporting daily living skills. The position requires strong communication skills, a High School diploma, and the ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends. Excellent employee benefits and a commitment to community wellness are offered in this role.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent or previous employment experience required.
• 6 months of work experience preferred.
• Experience in behavior programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attend work on a regular basis and manage shift schedules.
• Implement behavior management and treatment programs.
• Teach life skills like feeding and personal hygiene.
• Observe individuals for medical conditions and document observations.
• Assist in transporting individuals as needed.

Skills

Ability to speak and read English

Ability to make decisions in critical situations

Ability to react calmly in emergencies

Proper body mechanics and lifting techniques

Communication and mentoring abilities

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Job description

Date: Mar 3, 2026

Location: SAN ANTONIO, 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.

Job Information

Functional Title: Direct Support Professional II

Job Title: Direct Support Professional II

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Unit 2 - Residential Care

Posting Number: 14459

Closing Date: 09/01/2026

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: Regular Night

Additional Shift: Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third)

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: San Antonio State Supported Living Center

Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO

Job Location Address: 6711 S NEW BRAUNFELS AVE

Other Locations: None

MOS Codes: No military equivalent

Brief Job Description

This position is available for Morning, Evening and Night shifts on multiple homes. This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends, and for work performed at maximum security locations. Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus‑based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers.

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) II, you work as part of a team that helps people with intellectual disabilities achieve their goals. Responsibilities include routine and emergency care, treatment, and training. Typical duties: grooming, bathing, feeding, observing and reporting individual’s conditions and behaviors; providing meaningful interactions; participating in individualized training and/or active treatment programs for both males and females. Documentation of daily activities, responses to activities, training, and incidents is required. Work is performed in a team environment with supervision and training. You may provide training/mentorship to new DSP Is and/or volunteer to serve as a shift/team lead. Driving a state‑owned vehicle may be required.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attend work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific or rotating shift schedule, extended shift, and/or overtime per agency leave policy.
• Implement habilitation, rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs.
• Teach life skills such as feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene.
• Participate in the development of the individual’s treatment plan.
• Observe individuals for signs and symptoms of disease, injury, medication reactions, or other conditions that warrant medical intervention and properly document observations.
• Report significant changes in individual’s physical condition or behavior and record information appropriately.
• Assist in transporting individuals for scheduled activities and in emergency situations as needed.
• Administer first aid to individuals as appropriate.
• Attend to healthcare needs under supervision of medical personnel.
• Evacuate individuals during fire, natural disaster, emergency, or drill.
• Prevent or manage aggressive behavior and administer CPR during emergency interventions.
• Perform direct care and support services.
• Provide training/mentorship to new DSP Is and/or volunteer as shift/team lead.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or COOP activation as required.

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 emergency situations.
• Ability to demonstrate proper body mechanics, good posture, and proper lifting techniques.
• Knowledge of individual care techniques and of treatment, therapy, and developmental programs; ability to learn 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 Requirements Or Certifications

Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date is preferred. Applicants with an out‑of‑state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record. Eligible driving record is 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

• 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; overtime and/or extended hours may be required. 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. Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but are not limited to those listed in this posting. All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position.

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 you need assistance 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 to participate in the interview process, please notify the scheduling person.

Pre‑Employment Checks And Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E‑Verify. You must bring your I‑9 documentation on your first day of work.

Telework Disclaimer

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

Nearest Major Market: San Antonio