Direct Support Professional - Full-Time and Part-Time 2nd Shift, 3rd Shift and Weekends

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. Functional Title: Direct Support Professional III Job Title: Direct Support Profession III Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Unit 4 - Residential Care Posting Number: 19215 Closing Date: 10/20/2026 Posting Audience: Healthcare Support Salary Range: $3,649.83 - $4,594.50 Pay Frequency: TEXAS-A-14 Shift: Regular Night Additional Shift: Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third); Weekends Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 5% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Facility Location: Abilene State Supported Living Center

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

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.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) III works as part of a team that helps people with intellectual disabilities achieve their goals. This includes routine and emergency care, treatment, and training for people with intellectual disabilities in various settings. Responsibilities can vary, and may include such duties as 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 things that occur throughout their daily schedule, how they respond to activities in the home, training, and unusual incidents. Work is in a team environment with guidance provided through supervision and training. Provides training/mentorship to new DSPs as part of the team. May volunteer to serve as a shift/team lead when the DSP IV Lead/Charge is not on duty.

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. 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 skills such 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 things that occur 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. 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. Provides assistance in the transporting of 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. Follows reporting procedures for unusual incidents such as fires, abuse/neglect of individuals, injuries, falls, seizures, restraints, peer-to-peer episodes and unauthorized departures. Evacuates individuals in the event of a fire, natural disaster, emergency situation, or drill. Provides behavior intervention to ensure that residents are protected from harm or injury. Maintains compliance with HHSC standards for Competency, Training, and Development.

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. May volunteer to serve 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 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 react quickly and calmly in an emergency situation.

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 master basic techniques of individual care and training.

Ability to be flexible in handling work assignments.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

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

Six (6) months of experience in working with people who have mental health/intellectual developmental disabilities.

Experience implementing behavior programs for persons with intellectual developmental disabilities.

Experience writing reports.

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.

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 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.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. 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.