Direct Support Professional III

Job Summary

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.

• Functional Title
  :
  Direct Support Professional III
• Job Title
  :
  Direct Support Profession III
• Agency
  :
  Health & Human Services Comm
• Department
  : MH Series A
• Posting Number
  : 10974
• Closing Date
  : 02/04/2026
• Posting Audience
  :
  Internal and External
• Occupational Category
  :
  Healthcare Support
• Salary Group
  : TEXAS-A-14
• Salary Range
  : $3,649.83 - $4,594.50 per month
• Pay Frequency
  :
  Monthly
• Shift
  :
  Evening, 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
  :
  Nonexempt
• Job Location City
  :
  Harlingen
• Job Location Address
  : 1401 S Rangerville Rd

Harlingen, TX – 1401 S Rangerville Rd, Texas – 78161

• Provide routine and emergency care, treatment, and training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Assist with grooming, bathing, feeding, lifting and positioning, medication administration, and documentation of care.
• Observe and report individual’s conditions and behaviors, offering meaningful interactions.
• Participate in individualized training and active treatment programs for both males and females.
• Work as a team with supervision and training; may provide mentorship to new DSPs.
• Serve as a shift/team lead or “Charge,” supervising and monitoring staff, ensuring activity completion and maintaining documentation.
• Drive a state‑owned vehicle as required.

• Attend work on a regular basis; adhere to shift schedules, optional rotating schedules, extended shifts, and overtime.
• 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 treatment plans.
• Observe signs of disease, injury, reactions to medication; document observations appropriately.
• Report significant changes in physical condition or behavior.
• Assist with transportation of individuals for scheduled activities and emergency situations.
• Administer first aid and attend to healthcare needs under medical supervision.
• Evacuate individuals during emergencies and prevent or manage aggressive behavior, administering CPR as needed.
• Perform direct care and support services; offer training/mentorship to new DSPs and act as “Charge” when needed.
• Participate in disaster response and continuity of operations as required.

• Knowledge of individual care techniques and developmental programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication in English.
• Decisive judgment during critical incidents.
• Rapid, calm response in emergencies.
• Proficient in body mechanics, good posture, and lifting techniques.
• Ability to administer first aid, CPR, and perform safe restraint.
• Ability to train, mentor, and coach others.
• Effective teamwork skills.
• Flexibility to handle work assignments.

Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain within 90 days after hire (preferred). Out‑of‑state license holders must provide original certified driving record.

• High School diploma, GED, or 6 months of related work experience.
• One year of experience with individuals who have mental health/intellectual developmental disabilities (preferred).
• Experience implementing behavior programs for persons with intellectual developmental disabilities (preferred).

• Reporting experience preferred.
• Must pass criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities).
• Selective Service registration required for males 18–25.
• Random drug testing applies to all State Supported Living Center Employees.
• Flexibility for overtime, extended hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Refer to Tips for Success for job application guidance at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during hiring and selection for qualified individuals with a disability. Contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1‑888‑894‑4747 for assistance with online applications. Notify interview scheduling staff if accommodations are needed for the interview.

HHSC uses E‑Verify. Bring I‑9 documentation on first day of work. Download the I‑9 form.

This position is not eligible for telework. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies and the discretion of the direct supervisor.