Residential Support Specialist

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.

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 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!

Under the direction of the Director of Vocational Services, the Vocational Services Supervisor oversees all aspects of the operation of the assigned work centers. As a supervisor to the work center, responsibilities also include, but not limited to supervising Rehab Tech II and Rehab Tech III assigned to the work center, the planning coordination, development and implementation of the vocational programs, ensuring coverage needs are met, ensuring production schedule is carried out as planned, quality checking is implemented, ensuring work centers are environmentally safe and clean, ensuring vocational processes and procedures are carried out, ensuring all incidents are tracked and reported that occur in the work center, ensuring assigned staff are following through with clients’ supervision level, etc. Oversee the clients working on their assigned job and assisting when necessary. Making sure the policies and procedures for the Department of Labor are being followed. Participate in Time Studies and writing Task Analysis. These duties will require on-going contact and coordination with the Department Rehab Tech II and Rehab Tech III, Warehouse Manager, Job Procurement Coordinator, and Department Coverage Coordinator, and Unit staff. The Vocational Services Supervisor also works closely with the Vocational Services Manager. As a work centers supervisor, may be required to perform direct contact duties as needed. Work schedule may vary situational as requested or upon need and some travel may be required.

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.

Manages the operations specific to the mail service workshop.

Ensures the health and safety of the individuals served and the overall safety and cleanliness of the Workshop environment.

Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of the vocational training programs.

Manages the over-all production related operations of the assigned workshops.

Complies with all personnel requirements.

Ensures DOL requirements are followed in the assigned workshops and that payroll procedures are carried out as required.

Facilitates effective management in supervising the Employment Specialists and in coordinating and implementing employment services.

Completes special assignments as requested.

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):

Knowledge of techniques used in planning and supervising recreational and social activities in a residential rehabilitation setting; of child and adolescent problems, growth, and development; of techniques used in planning and monitoring activities of residents in special schools or correctional homes; and of techniques used in counseling children and parents.

Demonstrated ability to communicate with others orally and in writing.

Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with co-workers.

Demonstrated ability to use good judgment with dealing with unusual incidents.

Knowledge of the facility Operating Procedures Manual (OPM).

Ability to train staff in job related subject areas.

General knowledge of ICF/IID standards.

Ability to assess residents’ functional levels, to facilitate productive interaction between residents and staff, to investigate incidents, and to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent is generally preferred.

Minimum of two (2) years work experience supervising the work of others or supervising projects

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.

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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