Direct Care Staff Individualized Skills & Socializations

We're hiring a **Direct Care Staff (ISS Direct Support Professional)** to join The Forever Growing Institute! **Position:** ISS Direct Care Staff / Direct Support Professional **Location:** Llano, Texas **Employment Type:** Part-Time / Full-Time / Flexible Shifts Available (including days, evenings, weekends) **Program Focus:** Providing person-centered, empowering support through **Individualized Skills and Socialization (ISS)** services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities enrolled in Texas Medicaid programs such as HCS (Home and Community-based Services) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL). At The Forever Growing Institute, we are committed to helping individuals with special needs grow, thrive, and participate fully in their communities. As an ISS Direct Care Staff member, you'll facilitate meaningful activities that build skills, promote socialization, foster independence, and celebrate each person's strengths in a supportive, inclusive environment. **Key Job Duties & Responsibilities:** - Deliver **Individualized Skills and Socialization (ISS)** services, including on-site group activities, in-home support (when qualified), and community-based outings to help participants develop life skills, social connections, and personal interests. - Assist individuals with **activities of daily living (ADLs)** as needed, such as personal hygiene, grooming, meal preparation, eating, dressing, mobility, and household tasks, while promoting independence and self-advocacy. - Facilitate engaging, skill-building activities focused on communication, socialization, community integration, leisure/recreation, self-care, safety awareness, money management, and adaptive behaviors. - Implement and support individualized goals from each person's service plan, documenting progress, participation, and outcomes accurately and timely in compliance with HHSC, Texas Medicaid, and program standards. - Provide positive behavioral support, crisis prevention/intervention when necessary, and use person-centered, trauma-informed approaches to enhance emotional well-being and relationships. - Transport and accompany individuals to community activities, appointments, or events (reliable transportation required). - Collaborate with families, guardians, service coordinators, therapists, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure holistic, coordinated care. - Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment during sessions; ensure health, safety, and rights of individuals are always prioritized. - Complete required training, maintain certifications, and adhere to all Texas Administrative Code (TAC), HHSC guidelines, HIPAA, and ethical standards. **Qualifications:** - High school diploma or GED required; some college or related experience preferred. - Must be at least **18 years old** (21+ preferred for certain responsibilities). - Valid Texas driver's license, reliable vehicle, and proof of auto insurance (for community/transport duties). - Ability to pass criminal background check, abuse/neglect registry check, and TB screening. - Passion for working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities; previous experience in direct care, ISS, day habilitation, HCS/TxHmL programs, or similar is a plus but not required—we provide training! - Strong communication skills, patience, empathy, reliability, and a positive, team-oriented attitude. - Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings/weekends as needed for program activities. - Completion of required HHSC-approved training (e.g., CPR/First Aid, abuse prevention, ISS-specific training) provided upon hire. **Why Join The Forever Growing Institute?** - Make a lasting impact by supporting real growth and joy in the lives of individuals with special needs. - Be part of a warm, collaborative team dedicated to inclusion, awareness, and community. - Flexible scheduling to fit your life. - Opportunities for professional development and growth in a "Forever Growing" organization. - Join meaningful events like our Disabilities Awareness activities and music festivals! If you're compassionate, dependable, and excited to help others grow through fun, skill-building, and socialization, apply today! **How to Apply:** Email your resume and a brief note about why you're interested to francisco@franciscogonzalez.net with the subject line: **"ISS Direct Care Staff Application – Llano"**. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from diverse candidates. Pay: $12.00 - $15.00 per hour Work Location: In person