Texas Health and Human Services
Direct Support Professional III
Texas Health and Human Services, Harlingen, Texas, United States, 78552
Functional Title: Direct Support Professional III
Job Title: Direct Support Professional III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: MH Series A
Posting Number: 10974
Closing Date: 02/04/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-14
Salary Range: $3,649.83 - $4,594.50
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Evening; Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Location: Harlingen, TX 1401 S RANGERVILLE RD
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
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 have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus‑based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state.
Key Responsibilities
Attend work on a regular basis and, at times, with a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime as per agency leave policy.
Implement habilitation and rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs related to each individual’s goals.
Teach life skills such as feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene.
Participate in the development of the individual’s treatment plan.
Observe individuals for signs of disease, injury, medication reactions, or other conditions requiring medical intervention and properly document observations.
Report significant changes in an individual’s physical condition or behavior.
Assist with transporting individuals on scheduled activities and in emergency situations.
Administer first aid and, when required, CPR.
Attend to healthcare needs under supervision of medical personnel.
Evacuate individuals during emergencies, natural disasters, or drills.
Prevent or manage aggressive behavior and administer CPR when needed.
Perform direct care and support services to individuals.
Provide training/mentorship to new DSPs.
Volunteer or serve as shift/team lead (“Charge”), ensuring active and efficient care, training, and support, maintaining a safe living environment, and supervising staff as needed.
Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations Plan activation, possibly requiring alternate shift patterns or locations.
Drive a state‑owned vehicle as required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of individual care techniques and related treatment, therapy, and developmental programs.
Ability to read, write, and speak English and communicate clearly orally and in writing.
Good judgment in critical incidents and ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
Demonstrate proper body mechanics, posture, and lifting techniques.
Ability to provide individual care, administer first aid/CPR, perform Ukeru (once trained), and conduct Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).
Ability to train, mentor, and coach others.
Capability to work effectively with others as part of a team.
Master basic techniques of individual care and training.
Flexibility in handling work assignments.
Registrations, Licensure & Certifications Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire. Out‑of‑state license holders must provide an original certified driving record from their state of licensure.
Initial Screening Criteria High School diploma, GED, or 6 months of work experience is required. One year of experience with people who have mental health/intellectual developmental disabilities is preferred, as is experience implementing behavior programs for this population.
Additional Information Experience writing reports is preferred. Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, and HHS LEIE). Males 18–25 must register with Selective Service. All employees are subject to random drug testing. Flexibility in work hours, overtime, extended hours, weekends, and holidays may be required. Applicants must be at least 18 years old 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 Active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified. Military occupations that relate to the selection criteria, registration, or licensure requirements are listed in the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions and Crosswalk guide.
ADA Accommodations 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, or notify the interview scheduler if accommodations are needed.
Pre‑Employment Checks and Work Eligibility Applicants may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E‑Verify; bring I‑9 documentation on the first day of work.
Telework Disclaimer This position may be eligible for telework. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies and the discretion of the supervisor and business needs.
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Job Title: Direct Support Professional III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: MH Series A
Posting Number: 10974
Closing Date: 02/04/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-14
Salary Range: $3,649.83 - $4,594.50
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Evening; Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Location: Harlingen, TX 1401 S RANGERVILLE RD
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
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 have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus‑based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state.
Key Responsibilities
Attend work on a regular basis and, at times, with a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime as per agency leave policy.
Implement habilitation and rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs related to each individual’s goals.
Teach life skills such as feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene.
Participate in the development of the individual’s treatment plan.
Observe individuals for signs of disease, injury, medication reactions, or other conditions requiring medical intervention and properly document observations.
Report significant changes in an individual’s physical condition or behavior.
Assist with transporting individuals on scheduled activities and in emergency situations.
Administer first aid and, when required, CPR.
Attend to healthcare needs under supervision of medical personnel.
Evacuate individuals during emergencies, natural disasters, or drills.
Prevent or manage aggressive behavior and administer CPR when needed.
Perform direct care and support services to individuals.
Provide training/mentorship to new DSPs.
Volunteer or serve as shift/team lead (“Charge”), ensuring active and efficient care, training, and support, maintaining a safe living environment, and supervising staff as needed.
Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations Plan activation, possibly requiring alternate shift patterns or locations.
Drive a state‑owned vehicle as required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of individual care techniques and related treatment, therapy, and developmental programs.
Ability to read, write, and speak English and communicate clearly orally and in writing.
Good judgment in critical incidents and ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
Demonstrate proper body mechanics, posture, and lifting techniques.
Ability to provide individual care, administer first aid/CPR, perform Ukeru (once trained), and conduct Safe Use of Restraint (SUR).
Ability to train, mentor, and coach others.
Capability to work effectively with others as part of a team.
Master basic techniques of individual care and training.
Flexibility in handling work assignments.
Registrations, Licensure & Certifications Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire. Out‑of‑state license holders must provide an original certified driving record from their state of licensure.
Initial Screening Criteria High School diploma, GED, or 6 months of work experience is required. One year of experience with people who have mental health/intellectual developmental disabilities is preferred, as is experience implementing behavior programs for this population.
Additional Information Experience writing reports is preferred. Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, and HHS LEIE). Males 18–25 must register with Selective Service. All employees are subject to random drug testing. Flexibility in work hours, overtime, extended hours, weekends, and holidays may be required. Applicants must be at least 18 years old 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 Active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified. Military occupations that relate to the selection criteria, registration, or licensure requirements are listed in the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions and Crosswalk guide.
ADA Accommodations 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, or notify the interview scheduler if accommodations are needed.
Pre‑Employment Checks and Work Eligibility Applicants may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E‑Verify; bring I‑9 documentation on the first day of work.
Telework Disclaimer This position may be eligible for telework. All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies and the discretion of the supervisor and business needs.
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