Overview
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Jobs in Lewisville, TX at Special Abilities of North Texas
Position Summary
Special Abilities of North Texas (SANT) is seeking compassionate, dependable Direct Support Professionals to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our day habilitation program.
DSPs provide supervision, personal care, life skills training, community inclusion opportunities, and meaningful engagement throughout the day. We currently have openings for two distinct roles:
Pod Leader – Focuses primarily on classroom leadership, lesson implementation, activity facilitation, documentation, and creating engaging learning experiences.
Schedule & Compensation
- Up to 39 hours per week (Full-Time)
- Monday–Friday
- Must be available to work at least 7 hours between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Starting Pay: $16.00 per hour
- Reports To: Director of Program Services
About Special Abilities of North Texas
Special Abilities of North Texas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the highest quality care, training, and support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through engaging programming and individualized support, we help adults build independence, confidence, relationships, and community connections.
We serve adults with a wide range of diagnoses including Autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Essential Responsibilities (All DSPs)
- Build positive relationships with ACEs, caregivers, staff, and visitors.
- Provide supervision and support throughout daily activities.
- Assist with activities of daily living including feeding, toileting, hygiene, and mobility as needed.
- Support individuals with varying communication styles and support needs.
- Implement positive behavior support strategies and maintain a calm, professional demeanor.
- Assist with documentation and data collection as assigned.
- Ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.
- Promote dignity, independence, choice, and community inclusion.
Pod Leader Responsibilities
- Lead or assist in implementing daily lesson plans and classroom activities.
- Facilitate programming focused on life skills, creative arts, vocational skills, gardening, fitness, sensory activities, and community engagement.
- Adapt activities to meet a wide range of learning styles and ability levels.
- Maintain classroom organization, schedules, materials, and supplies.
- Encourage participation and meaningful engagement for all ACEs.
- Assist with tracking participation, progress, and program outcomes.
- Serve as a positive role model and help create an energetic, supportive classroom culture.
Ideal Pod Leader Candidates
- Enjoy teaching, mentoring, coaching, or leading group activities.
- Are creative, organized, and self-motivated.
- Can manage multiple activities while maintaining participant engagement.
- Have experience in education, recreation, day habilitation, childcare, or related fields.
- Enjoy helping others and working in a team-oriented environment.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to safely assist individuals with transfers and ambulation.
- Ability to use adaptive equipment, including Hoyer lifts, following company procedures and training.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and assist with mobility needs.
- Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach, and carry items.
- Ability to respond quickly to participant needs and emergency situations.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- At least 2 years of caregiving, education, direct support, childcare, healthcare, or related experience preferred.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Reliable attendance and dependable work ethic.
- Ability to maintain professionalism and patience in all situations.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking people who genuinely want to make a difference in the lives of others. Success in this role requires compassion, flexibility, patience, and a commitment to treating every individual with dignity and respect.
At SANT, we believe every ACE deserves meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, build relationships, and participate fully in their community—and our DSPs make that possible every day.
Pay: From $16.00 per hour
Expected hours: 32.0 – 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Caregiving: 2 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Lewisville, TX 75077 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Company: Special Abilities of North Texas
Location: Lewisville, TX
Category:
