Direct Support Professional III

Texas Health and Human Services; Mexia (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Time-off benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission in Mexia, TX is seeking a Direct Support Professional III to join a team providing direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You will assist with daily living activities, medication management, and documentation under the supervision of care coordinators.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid Texas driver's license, CPR/First Aid certification preferred, and the ability to pass background checks.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR) preferred.
• Must pass background and registry checks (criminal, drug screen, CANRS, LEIE).
• Eligibility to work at least 18 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct person‑centered care, including hygiene, feeding, medication administration, and assistance in daily living skills.
• Observes, records, and reports individuals’ conditions, behaviors, and incidents to staff and supervisors.
• Implements behavior management plans (PBSPs, CIPs, SAPs) and positive behavior support strategies.
• Participates in and supports the development of individual treatment plans and skills acquisition plans.
• Provides first aid and CPR as needed, and follows emergency procedures.
• Assists with transportation and activities, ensuring safety and compliance with infection control protocols.
• Maintains a safe, injury‑free environment and reports hazards or incidents.
• Provides guidance, training, and mentorship to new DSPs and assists in shift/team lead duties as assigned.
• Participates in disaster response, continuity of operations, or other agency mandates.

Skills

English communication

Crisis management

First aid CPR

Teamwork

Mentoring/ coaching

Observation/ reporting

Decision making

Hygiene/ bedside care

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Date: Jul 6, 2026

Location: MEXIA, TX

Job Summary

Direct Support Professional III (DSP III) works as part of a team that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve their goals. The role includes routine and emergency care, treatment, and training for individuals, with responsibilities such as grooming, bathing, feeding, lifting and positioning, medication administration, observation, reporting, and participation in individualized training programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides direct person‑centered care, including hygiene, feeding, medication administration, and assistance in daily living skills.
• Observes, records, and reports individuals’ conditions, behaviors, and incidents to staff and supervisors.
• Implements behavior management plans (PBSPs, CIPs, SAPs) and positive behavior support strategies.
• Participates in and supports the development of individual treatment plans and skills acquisition plans.
• Provides first aid and CPR as needed, and follows emergency procedures.
• Assists with transportation and activities, ensuring safety and compliance with infection control protocols.
• Maintains a safe, injury‑free environment and reports hazards or incidents.
• Provides guidance, training, and mentorship to new DSPs and assists in shift/team lead duties as assigned.
• Participates in disaster response, continuity of operations, or other agency mandates.

Essential Job Functions

Attend work regularly and maintain required shift schedules. Perform direct care and support services, including habilitation, rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and activity facilitation. Document participation and progress, communicate with the interdisciplinary team, and support individuals in achieving their goals. Follow all safety, infection control, and reporting procedures, and assist in emergency evacuations and health interventions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of individual care techniques, treatment, therapy, and developmental programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication in English.
• Ability to make decisions and exercise good judgment during critical incidents.
• Ability to respond quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Proper body mechanics and lifting techniques.
• Competence in first aid, CPR, Ukeru, and Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).
• Training, mentoring, or coaching skills.
• Team‑work and flexibility in handling work assignments.
• Ability to master basic care and training techniques.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain within 90 days; out‑of‑state license holders must provide a certified driving record.
• Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR) preferred.
• Must pass background and registry checks (criminal, drug screen, CANRS, LEIE).
• Eligibility to work at least 18 years of age.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six months of experience working with individuals who have mental health or intellectual developmental disabilities.
• Prior experience as a DSP.
• Experience implementing behavior programs for individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities.
• Experience writing reports.

Additional Information

Applicants must be willing to work flexible hours, including overtime, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. The position may involve driving a state‑owned vehicle and working on a rotating schedule. Random drug testing and pre‑employment background checks are required.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits include 100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time‑off benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.

EEO Statement

Texas Health and Human Services Commission is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected status.