Direct Support Professional IV-SES

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 46,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (100% for full-time)

Pension plan

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Austin is seeking a Direct Support Professional IV-SES to supervise and support residents at the New Horizons-Residential Care unit. The DSP IV-SES ensures care, training and activities are carried out in the assigned home with supervision of staff.

The position emphasizes quality active treatment, safety, and effective communication, with opportunities for additional pay for evenings, nights, weekends, and maximum security locations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Two years’ experience in this field.
• Experience in a supervisory role.

Responsibilities

• Attends work regularly and may work a specific shift schedule with overtime.
• Arranges work schedules to ensure adequate coverage.
• Monitors and documents individual participation for effective communication.
• Ensures care, training and support activities on the unit are delivered.

Skills

Communication skills

Supervisory experience

Education

High school diploma or GED (preferred)

Job description

Date: Nov 2, 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, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Direct Support Professional IV-SES Job Title: Direct Support Professional IV Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: New Horizons-Residential Care Posting Number: 22895 Closing Date: 11/16/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Healthcare Support Salary Range: $4,094.50 - $5,094.16 Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-A-16 Shift: Day

Additional Shift

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

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 may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) IV serves as home supervisor appointed by and responsible to the Unit Director. The home supervisor is responsible to ensure that care, treatment, training, and support activities are completed in the assigned home, including supervising, and monitoring the activities of other direct support staff. The home supervisor performs administrative and programming duties that include supervising and evaluating direct care staff within the unit. The home supervisor may delegate portions of these responsibilities and sufficient authority for fulfillment but may not relinquish overall responsibility for results. The home supervisor is also responsible for quality active treatment and operation of the unit. The home supervisor may be asked to assume the duties of the Unit Director in his/her absence. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position may be 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. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.


• Arranges work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and staff/individual ratios.


• Monitors/documents individual participation/progression for effective communication with other staff.


• Ensure efficient delivery of care, training, and support activities on the unit through supervision of activities and work behaviors or assigned employees.


• Attends meetings, serves on committee, and performs other specific tasks when directed by the Unit Director, Administrative Assistant, Director of Home Life, ADoP, or facility Director.


• Ensures programming and care of all assigned individuals through periodic planning sessions with administrative and professional staff.


• Ensure that the home is maintained as a safe and sanitary living environment for individuals.


• Plans, assigns and supervises work of others.


• Provides assistance in transporting of individuals going on scheduled activities and in emergency situations, as needed.


• 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 (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.


• Ability to make decisions and uses good judgment when dealing with critical incidents.


• Ability to react quickly and calmly in an emergency.


• Ability to demonstrate proper body mechanics, good posture, and proper lifting techniques.


• Strength and flexibility to safely perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Safety Utilization of Restraint (SUR) techniques to restrain and prevent harm to that individual or others until the harmful/violent behavior subsides.


• Ability to master basic techniques of individual care and training.


• Ability to be flexible in handling work assignments.


• Knowledge of individual care techniques and of treatment, therapy, and developmental programs.


• Knowledge of Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) standards


• Ability to provide individual care, to administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, to conduct Safety Utilization of Restraint (SUR), to communicate effectively, and to train 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 OR required. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Screening Criteria

• High school diploma or GED is preferred.


• Two (2) years’ experience working in the field related to this position (working with people with developmental or physical disabilities).


• Experience in a supervisory role.

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.


• 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 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. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

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 on-line 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 person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and location admission determinations, 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 with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

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: Austin