Direct Support Professional III

Texas Health and Human Services; Harlingen (TX); On-site; USD 40,732 - 51,274; Full time

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services seeks a Direct Support Professional III in Harlingen, Texas. This role involves assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include providing direct care, documenting progress, and implementing treatment plans. Candidates must have a high school diploma and the ability to obtain CPR certification.

The position offers shifts in supportive environments, centered on wellness and independence, while adhering to agency policies. Join us to make a difference!

Qualifications

• Six months of experience with individuals who have intellectual developmental disabilities.
• Experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP).
• Experience in behavior programs implementation.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with intellectual disabilities in achieving goals.
• Document information on individuals' daily activities and progress.
• Provide care and support services as directed.

Skills

Ability to read, write, and speak English

Ability to communicate verbally and in writing

Ability to make decisions in critical incidents

Ability to react quickly in emergencies

Ability to administer first aid and CPR

Ability to train and mentor others

Ability to work effectively as a team member

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

CPR certification

First Aid certification

Job description

General Information

Functional Title: Direct Support Professional III

Job Title: Direct Support Professional III

Agency: Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Department: MH Series A

Posting Number: 17373

Closing Date: 08/27/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Healthcare Support

Salary Range: $3,649.83 – $4,594.50 per month

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Shift: Day (also available for Morning, Evening, Night shifts on multiple homes)

Telework: Not Eligible

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non‑Exempt: Non‑exempt

Facility Location: Rio Grande State Supported Living Center

Job Location City: HARLINGEN

Job Location Address: 1401 S Rangerville Rd

Other Location: (None)

Brief Job Description

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.

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

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.

Responsibilities

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) III works as part of a team that helps people with intellectual disabilities achieve their goals. Responsibilities can vary, and may include grooming, bathing, feeding, lifting and positioning, assisting with medication administration, observing and reporting individual’s conditions and behaviors, providing meaningful interactions with individuals, and participating in individualized training and/or active treatment programs for both males and females.

The DSP documents information on the person’s life, such as events throughout their daily schedule, how they respond to activities in the home, training, and unusual incidents. Completion of work requires use of simple or routine duties, while decision making is based on guidance that will be provided to the candidate and from other professional staff on the team. Work is in a team environment with guidance provided through supervision and training. The DSP routinely assists other staff in performing work of greater complexity and provides guidance to new DSPs. Provides training/mentorship to new DSPs as part of the team. As assigned, serves as a shift/team lead when the DSP IV Lead/Charge is not on duty.

This position may or is required to drive 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, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Performs direct care and support services to individuals. Implements habilitation and rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, mealtime plans, and treatment programs with individuals specifically related to the individual’s goals and programs. Encourages individuals to attend assigned activities and programs. Stays meaningfully engaged with individuals, providing ongoing activities that serve each individual’s preferences. Documents individual participation/progression for effective communication with other staff.

Utilizes active treatment to train activities of daily living, supports individual goal achievement, and person-centered activities. Implements positive behavior support plans (PBSPs), crisis intervention plans (CIPs) and skills acquisition plans (SAPs) to teach new skills such as feeding, dressing, personal hygiene, and other skills which promote independence. Enters electronic information on the person’s life, such as events throughout their daily schedule, how they respond to activities in the home, training, and unusual incidents.

Participates and supports the individual in the development of their person-centered treatment plans. Uses a person-centered approach to working with individuals. Provides feedback to the IDT on the individual’s progress toward acquiring new skills and achieving their goals. Documents issues with individuals/residents for effective communication with and follow up by other administrative and supervisory staff.

Attends to healthcare needs of individuals under supervision of medical personnel. Observes individuals for signs and symptoms of disease, injury, reactions to medications, or other conditions which warrant medical intervention and properly documents observations. Administers first aid to individuals, as appropriate. Reports significant changes in individuals’ physical conditions or behavior to designated personnel. Administers cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in emergency interventions.

Provides assistance in the transporting of individuals going on scheduled activities and in emergency situations, as needed. Ensures they have the proper information about the trip and the needs of the individual(s) on the trip. Accompanies staff and individuals going on scheduled activities and in emergency situations, as needed.

Ensures that residents’ environment is free of safety hazards by correcting and reporting hazards. Ensures that the home is maintained as a safe and sanitary living environment for individuals by implementing infection control protocols. Ensures that individuals are free from physical and emotional harm. Models ongoing and respectful interaction with individuals. Follows proper procedures to report alleged or suspected Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation. Follows reporting procedures for unusual incidents such as fires, abuse/neglect of individuals, injuries, falls, seizures, restraints, peer-to-peer episodes and unauthorized departures. Follows designated protective/corrective measures following unusual incidents.

Evacuates individuals in the event of a fire, natural disaster, emergency situation, or drill. Completes required documentation after the event.

Provides behavior intervention to ensure that residents are protected from harm or injury. Prevents or manages aggressive behavior among individuals and administers cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in emergency interventions.

Maintains compliance with HHSC standards for Competency, Training, and Development.

Provides guidance to new DSPs and routinely assists them in performing work of greater complexity. Models proper care in areas such as grooming, bathing, feeding, lifting and positioning, feeding techniques, assisting with medication administration, observing and reporting individual’s conditions and behaviors, and engaging in meaningful interactions with individuals. As assigned, serves as a shift/team lead when the DSP IV Lead/Charge is not on duty.

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of individual care techniques and of treatment, therapy, and developmental programs or to learn these through training.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.
• 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.
• Ability to provide individual care, to administer first aid and/or CPR, to perform Ukeru (once trained), and to conduct Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).
• Ability to train, mentor, and coach others.
• Ability to work effectively with others and as a member of a team.
• Ability to master basic techniques of individual care and training.
• Ability to be flexible in handling work assignments.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or 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 from the state of driving licensure.
• Eligibility for a driving record based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR) is preferred.

Required

• High School diploma, GED, or 6 months of work experience.

Preferred

• Six (6) months of experience in working with people who have mental health/intellectual developmental disabilities.
• Experience as a DSP.
• Experience implementing behavior programs for persons with intellectual developmental disabilities.
• Experience writing reports.

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 for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. 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.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans

Military occupations that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may be applicable. 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.

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. Applicants must bring their I‑9 documentation on the first day of work.

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. 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: Brownsville