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Direct Service Professional Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Living Angels Home Care Services LLC is a small business in San Antonio, TX. We are professional ... On-the-job training We are looking for a Direct Support Professional to join our team and provide ...

Be Seen First

Living Angels Home Care Services LLC is a small business in San Antonio, TX. We are professional ... On-the-job training We are looking for a Direct Support Professional to join our team and provide ...

Direct Support Professional

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Evergreen Life Services (ELS) is a charitable, non-profit organization that provides a full range ... Whether you provide direct care in our adult day care or in a group home, or you serve in a support ...

Showing results 41-60

Direct Service Professional information

See Texas salary details

$7

$15

$20

How much do direct service professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service professional in Texas is $15.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $17.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by direct service professionals and how can they be addressed?

Direct Service Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing clients with complex behavioral needs, maintaining clear communication among team members, and balancing documentation requirements with hands-on support. To address these challenges, it's important to participate in regular training sessions, collaborate closely with supervisors and colleagues, and utilize available support resources. Building strong relationships with clients and fostering a positive, team-oriented environment also help make the role more rewarding and manageable.

What is the difference between Direct Service Professional vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Service ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires CPR, First Aid, and sometimes specialized trainingMay require basic certifications like CPR, First Aid, but less specialized training
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, group homes, residential facilitiesPrivate homes, individual client settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, social services, non-profitsHome care agencies, private clients
Job FocusSupporting individuals with disabilities, mental health, or developmental needsAssisting with daily living activities for elderly or disabled clients

While both roles involve providing care and support, a Direct Service Professional typically works in community or facility settings with a focus on individuals with disabilities or mental health needs, often requiring specialized training. A Personal Care Assistant usually works in private homes, assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility, often with fewer certifications required.

What is a direct service professional?

A direct support professional works to assist people with disabilities. In this career, your job duties include helping people in a residential assisted living community; however, most direct support professionals work offsite in the homes or schools of support program participants. You need strong organizational and communication skills to deal with clients, their other caretakers, and their family members. Most employers expect you to document your experience with each client and note changes in behavior and progress toward developmental goals. Educational qualifications include a high school diploma and previous experience or on-the-job training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct service professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Service Professional, you need a foundational understanding of client care, basic health and safety, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and CPR/First Aid certification are often required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are crucial soft skills for building trust with clients and supporting their daily needs. These abilities are essential for providing quality care, ensuring client well-being, and fostering a supportive environment.

Is a direct service professional a good career?

A direct service professional (DSP) provides support to individuals with disabilities or mental health needs, often working in community or residential settings. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others, with opportunities for certification, skill development, and flexible schedules, though it may involve physically and emotionally demanding work. Job satisfaction often depends on personal interests and the work environment.

What qualifications do I need for a direct service professional job?

A direct service professional typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent and may require CPR and first aid certifications. Relevant skills include strong communication, patience, and the ability to work with diverse populations; some positions may also require background checks and training specific to the client population.

What cities in Texas are hiring for Direct Service Professional jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Direct Service Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Service Professional job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,480 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

$2.8K - $3.0K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Texas Health and Human Services rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

679th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

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 II Job Title: Direct Support Professional II Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Garden Ridge-Residential Car Posting Number: 17713 Closing Date: 09/03/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Salary Range: $2,820.00- $3,047.58 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-A-12 Shift: Day 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 Facility Location: Denton State Supported Living Center Job Location City: DENTON Job Location Address: 3980 STATE SCHOOL RD Other Locations: Denton MOS Codes: No military equivalent
Brief Job Description:
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.
This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.
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!
The Direct Support Professional (DSP) II 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, 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 on the home, training, and unusual incidents. Completion of work requires use of simple and/or routine duties, while decision making is based on guidance that will be provided to you as you are prepared for the job and from other professional staff on your team. Work is in a team environment with guidance provided through supervision and training. May provide training/mentorship to new DSP Is and/or volunteer to serve as a shift/team lead. 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.
Implements habilitation and rehabilitation, behavior management, crisis intervention, and treatment programs with individuals specifically related to the individual's programs.
Teaches life skills such as feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene to individuals.
Participates in the development of the individual's treatment plan.
Observes individuals for signs and symptoms of disease, injury, reactions to medications, or other conditions which warrant medical intervention and properly documents observations.
Reports significant changes in individual's physical condition or behavior and records information on individuals as appropriate.
Provides assistance in the transporting of individuals going on scheduled activities and in emergency situations, as needed.
Administers first aid to individuals as appropriate.
Attends to healthcare needs of individuals under supervision of medical personnel.
Evacuates individuals in the event of a fire, natural disaster, emergency situation, or drill.
Prevents or manages aggressive behavior among individuals and administers cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in emergency interventions.
Performs direct care and support services to individuals.
May provide training/mentorship to new DSP Is and/or volunteer to serve as a shift/team lead.
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, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
• Ability to speak and read English
• Ability to make decisions and use good judgment when dealing with critical incidents.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in an emergency situation.
• Ability to demonstrate proper body mechanics, good posture, and proper lifting techniques.
• Knowledge of individual care techniques and of treatment, therapy, and developmental programs or to learn these through training.
• 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 communicate effectively and to train/mentor/coach others.
• Ability to work effectively with others and as a member of a team.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Valid Texas driver's license is required. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.
Certification in CPR, First Aid, Ukeru, and/or Safe Use of Restraint (SUR) is preferred.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Required:
High School diploma or equivalent, or previous employment experience.
Preferred:
6 months of work experience.
Experience in writing reports.
Experience in behavior programs for persons with intellectual developmental disabilities.
Experience in working with people who have mental health/intellectual developmental disabilities.
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 position requirements, 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.

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