SAP 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.

Functional Title:SAP Specialist
Job Title:Rehabilitation Teacher III
Agency:Health & Human Services Comm
Department:Active Treatment Services
Posting Number:17683
Closing Date:06/19/2026
Posting Audience:Internal and External
Occupational Category:Community and Social Services
Salary Range:$4094.50-$5921.25
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group:TEXAS-B-18
Shift:Day
Additional Shift:Days (First)
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:Lufkin State Supported Living Center
Job Location City:POLLOK
Job Location Address:6844 N US HWY 69
Other Locations:Pollok; Lufkin
MOS Codes: 4C0X1

Brief Job Description:

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 support at 13 locations 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!

Performs highly complex skill acquisition planning (SAP) and instructional work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a State Supported Living Center (SSLC). Develops and implements Skills Acquisition Plans (SAPs) intended to promote future independence of individuals by addressing skill deficits in various domains such as education vocation socialization recreation self-administration of medication (SAM) and daily living. Works with an interdisciplinary team (IDT) to identify the individuals skill acquisition needs. Develops trains and implements the SAP. Produces training aids and manuals and works with other to ensure appropriate adaptive equipment and devices are in place to support SAP implementation. Monitors the individuals progress in achieving the goals of the SAP across various settings. Monitoring opportunities include holidays evening and weekend hours as scheduled. Communicates progress attends meetings and completes reports. Oversees and leads the work of others. Ensures and addresses safety issues and concerns. Provides presentations to community providers for discharge planning. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work regularly 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.

Develops and implements Skills Acquisition Plans (SAPs) to teach assigned individuals the skills necessary to prepare for successful reentry into a community setting and/or to have maximized independence in the current setting. SAPs include skill development in domains such as education vocation socialization recreation self-administration of medication (SAM) and daily living skills. Individual skills include reading and math skills how to make purchases independently counting correct change how to dress independently food preparation skills and job-related skills.

Reviews and evaluates historical documentation contained in the electronic health record including conducting a review of previous behavior support plans to look for challenging behaviors dietary needs communication strategies prior Skill Acquisition Plans (SAPs) and associated outcomes. Analyzes the information and shares it with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) for plan development.

Administers scores and analyzes formal and informal assessments to evaluate strengths needs preferences and best strategies for skill acquisition planning. Assesses functional levels through direct and indirect assessment using observations and semi-structured interviews. Administers and scores the FSA (Functional Skill Assessment) to assess skills in the areas of leisure/entertainment hygiene dining bathing dressing personal care money domestic safety academic and campus and community. When assigned administers and scores vocational/day-programming assessment to assess aspects of mobility visual acuity physical capacity gross motor skills endurance impulse control task orientation and safety. Reviews and interprets vocational/day-programming assessments and works in conjunction with vocational and day-programming teams to incorporate meaningful skill acquisition plans. Analyzes the information and shares it with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) for plan development.

Works with the IDT members to develop the contents of the SAP. Ensures the SAP contains the elements of need/barriers the justification for the SAP the current level of performance the breakdown of the skill (task analysis) goals of the SAP/mastery criteria a material list to train the SAP teaching instructions for the SAP (prompting strategies/teaching steps) and data collection procedures. Identifies appropriate instructional strategies for the needs and abilities of the individual taking into account their preferred method of communication personal strengths and preferences appropriate prompt level and types of prompts based on learning style and level of performance.

Produces training aids and manuals (e.g. written products competency checks and formal modeling and rehearsal trainings) which provide the necessary instruction for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to implement the SAP. Trials the SAP with the individual to ensure it can be carried out by Director Support Professionals (DSPs) as written. Updates the teaching instructions training aids and materials as necessary then trains the DSP to perform the SAP observing implementation is performed correctly by the DSP. Revises the training aids and manuals based on either progress or lack thereof or difficulty of DSPs implementing as designed.

Monitors the quality of SAPs through treatment integrity checks procedural fidelity checks and a review of monthly progress notes across various settings. Monitoring opportunities include holidays evening and weekend hours as scheduled. Uses the interrater agreement check and treatment integrity protocols per SSLC standards to ensure fidelity and to determine if changes to the SAP are needed. Documents the individuals progress on the SAP in the electronic health record. As assigned observes individuals during activities classes events and trips in the community to assess that SAPs are being implemented properly and to assess the individuals progress on the skills.

At least monthly communicates progress to the IDT through verbal reports progress notes in the electronic health records email and during routine monthly ISP/ISP-A meetings set by the Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP). Included in the progress review makes comments on noted improvements regressions or items significant to individual skill acquisition. Consults with the supervisor as needed such as in challenging situations. Submits reports as required.

Provides day-to-day oversight of other staff such as DSPs in the context of training and assisting them in implementing SAPs. Ensures that DSPs are adequately trained to perform their duties successfully. Serves in a lead role to coordinate or oversee the work of other SAP Specialists depending on the needs and structure of the SSLC. As assigned serves in a temporary supervisor role such as in the absence of the assigned supervisor.

Works with habilitation therapies staff to ensure individuals have the communication support and adaptive equipment (aids and devices) needed to implement the SAP. Works with habilitation therapies staff as needed to train staff on these supports such as communication buttons PECS (picture exchange system) and communication dictionaries. Provides feedback to habilitation services staff and gets ongoing assistance to successfully and safely implement the SAP.

Ensures that materials necessary for the implementation of SAPs are available and in working condition. Conducts routine checks on SAP material condition and submits orders for new materials as needed.

Ensures and addresses safety issues and concerns such as by recognizing and responding to de-escalate agitation and aggression. Responds effectively in crises using verbal de-escalation and the application of Ukeru and Safe Use of Restraints (SUR) to ensure the health and safety of all persons. Communicates effectively with other team members to ensure a culture that promotes the least restrictive interventions necessary. Collaborates with others to provide a safe clean treatment environment for SAP implementation. Actively promotes safety through the continuous monitoring of the environment and active engagement of individuals to minimize unsafe situations and injuries.

Provides presentations to community providers regarding transition of individuals typically during discharge planning meetings. Participates in presentations to community members when SSLC tours are provided as assigned. Answers questions from Regulatory surveyors about meaningfulness of the SAP such as what outcomes are being sought. Answers questions during investigations of Abuse Neglect and Exploitation as related to the implementation of the SAP or personal observation of a specific incident under review.

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agencys obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of behavioral analysis theories and practice and regulatory guidelines as related to the field of intellectual disabilities.

Knowledge of Skill Acquisition Plans and the active treatment loop.

Knowledge of facility operations and policies procedures laws rules standards and guidelines.

Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and ICF/IID standards.

Skill in education/training and active treatment methods tools techniques and processes.

Skill in solving problems making decisions and using good judgments when dealing with critical incidents.

Ability to assess clients functional levels.

Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with other committees.

Ability to train staff at all levels.

Skill in implementing educational and behavioral treatment and therapy.

Skill in observing and accurately document skills acquisition programming.

Skill in modeling appropriate implementation of plans.

Skill in using computers and relevant software including Microsoft Word Excel Access and electronic health data systems.

Ability to communicate effectively and provide accurate and complete oral and written reports.

Ability to plan implement supervise and evaluate an individualized program of instruction with or on behalf of the client.

Ability to work independently to work cooperatively in a teamwork situation and to work harmoniously in general with co-workers.

Ability to monitor staff implementation of plans.

Ability to safely perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and restraint techniques once trained.

Registrations Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Valid Texas Drivers License

Initial Screening Criteria:

Masters degree from an accredited college or university with a major in rehabilitation psychology sociology social work education or a related field; and

Experience working with individuals with IDD services.

-OR-

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a major in rehabilitation psychology sociology social work education or a related field; and

One (1) year of work experience in working with individuals with IDD services.

- OR -

High school diploma; and

Two (2) years of work experience in working with individuals with IDD services.

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 tothose 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 Auditors Job Descriptions Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditors 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-. 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.