Direct Support Professional III

Overview

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Harlingen, TX, and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. HHSC supports you at each stage of your life and work journey. The benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off, opportunities for career advancement, and more.

Learn more about the Benefits of Working at HHSC.

Functional

Title:

Direct Support Professional III

Job Title: Direct Support Professional III

Agency: Health & Human Services Commission

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

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Shift: Evening

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: Nonexempt

Job Location City: HARLINGEN

Job Location Address: 1401 S RANGERVILLE RD

This position is available for Morning, Evening and Night shifts on multiple homes and may be eligible for additional pay for evening, night hours. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) works as part of a team that helps people with intellectual disabilities achieve their goals, including routine and emergency care, treatment, and training in various settings. Responsibilities may include grooming, bathing, feeding, lifting and positioning, medication assistance, observing and reporting conditions, meaningful interactions, and participation in individualized training and active treatment programs for both males and females.

The DSP documents information about each person’s life, daily schedule, responses to activities, training, and unusual incidents. Work requires simple and/or routine duties with guidance provided by supervisors and other professional staff. May provide training/mentorship to new DSPs and may serve as a shift/team lead or “Charge.” The Charge ensures care, training, and support activities are completed in the assigned home and may supervise other staff.

The position requires driving a state-owned vehicle.

• Attend work regularly; may be required to work specific or rotating schedules, extended shifts, and overtime per agency policy.
• Implement habilitation/rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs related to the individual’s goals.
• Teach life skills (e.g., feeding, dressing, personal hygiene).
• Participate in development of the individual’s treatment plan.
• Observe and document health changes, injuries, reactions to medications, or other conditions warranting medical intervention.
• Report significant changes and maintain appropriate records.
• Assist with transportation to activities and in emergencies.
• Administer first aid as appropriate and attend to healthcare needs under medical supervision.
• Evacuate individuals during emergencies or drills; manage aggressive behavior and provide CPR when needed.
• Provide direct care and support services; may mentor new DSPs.
• Serve as a shift leader/Charge as needed, ensuring safe, sanitary living environments and active team collaboration.
• Participate in disaster response and Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) activities as required.

• Knowledge of individual care techniques and related programs; able to learn through training.
• Clear written and spoken English communication.
• Decision-making and sound judgment in critical incidents; ability to stay calm in emergencies.
• Proper body mechanics, lifting techniques, and safety for individuals in care.
• Ability to train/mentor others; work effectively as part of a team; maintain flexibility in assignments.
• Ability to administer first aid/CPR, and perform Safe Use of Restraint (SUR) after training, if applicable.

• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain within 90 days; preferred. Out-of-state licenses require a certified…