ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Direct Care Professional Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Merrill Gardens at Madison

Memory Care Nurse (LPN)

Madison, AL · On-site

$23 - $31.50/hr

Communicates with families, physicians, and other healthcare professionals as directed and appropriate. * Provides direct care to residents according to their identified service needs within Merrill ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDirect Care Professional JobsDirect Care Professional Jobs in Decatur, AL

Direct Care Professional information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do direct care professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care professional in Decatur, AL is $15.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $16.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Direct Care Professional?

A direct care professional, or a personal care assistant, works with patients who have chronic illnesses or long-term disabilities. In this role, your duties include running errands, providing transportation, and performing basic home health care for clients. You also help with daily activities, such as dress and undressing, cooking and cleaning, and bathing. The main career qualifications for this job are a high school diploma and background as a care worker. Sometimes a bachelor’s degree in a field like psychology is required. You need strong communication and organizational skills as well as compassion and empathy.

What does a direct care professional do?

A direct care professional provides assistance and support to individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or developmental conditions. They help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and transportation, often working in settings like homes, clinics, or care facilities. Certification in CPR and first aid is typically required, and strong communication and compassion are essential skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Direct Care Professional, and why are they important?

To excel as a Direct Care Professional, you need a solid understanding of basic caregiving practices, personal care assistance, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant training or certifications such as CPR and First Aid. Familiarity with care documentation systems and assistive devices is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong interpersonal communication skills help build trust and effectively support clients with diverse needs. These competencies are vital for ensuring client well-being, promoting dignity, and maintaining a safe and supportive care environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Direct Care Professionals, and how can they be managed effectively?

Direct Care Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing clients’ behavioral issues, maintaining clear communication with team members and families, and adapting to varying care needs. These challenges can be managed by practicing patience, utilizing de-escalation techniques, participating in ongoing training, and collaborating closely with supervisors and colleagues. Developing strong documentation habits and self-care routines also help maintain both quality of care and personal well-being.

Is a DSP the same as a caregiver?

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a type of caregiver who provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs, often in community or residential settings. While both roles involve caregiving tasks such as personal care and support, DSPs typically receive specialized training and may work with specific populations or under certain certifications, distinguishing them from general caregivers. The terms can sometimes be used interchangeably depending on the setting, but DSPs usually have a defined scope of practice and specific job requirements.

What are Direct Care Professionals?

Direct Care Professionals are individuals who provide essential support and assistance to people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or other special needs, often in residential or community settings. Their responsibilities include helping clients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication management, and transportation. They also offer emotional support and help clients participate in social and recreational activities, aiming to improve their overall quality of life. Direct Care Professionals work under the supervision of healthcare professionals and are vital in promoting independence and well-being for those they assist.

How can I make 2000 a week working from home?

A Direct Care Professional working from home can increase earnings by taking on multiple clients, working extended hours, or offering specialized services such as training or consulting. Building a strong reputation, obtaining relevant certifications, and leveraging online platforms can help maximize income potential within the role.

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

AspectDirect Care ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes state-specific certificationsOften requires similar certifications like CPR and First Aid
Work EnvironmentAssists clients in homes, facilities, or community settingsPrimarily in clients' homes or assisted living facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by healthcare agencies, home care companies, and community organizationsCommonly employed by home care agencies and private clients

Both roles involve providing personal care and support to individuals with disabilities or health needs. While the titles are often used interchangeably, 'Direct Care Professional' is a broader term that may include a variety of caregiving tasks, whereas 'Personal Care Assistant' typically emphasizes assisting with daily living activities in home settings.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Direct Care Professionals typically do not earn $4,000 weekly without additional certifications or specialized experience. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree include certain sales positions, real estate agents, or skilled trades like electricians or plumbers with experience, but these often require licensing or apprenticeships. Most jobs paying this amount consistently without a degree are rare and usually involve commission, entrepreneurship, or specialized skills.
More about Direct Care Professional jobs
What job categories do people searching Direct Care Professional jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Care Professional jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Direct Care Professional jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Direct Care Professional job openings:
Direct Care Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Care Professional job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,704 per year, or $15.7 per hour.
Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver (Huntsville)

Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver (Huntsville)

Ability Plus, Inc.

Huntsville, AL

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

HIRING FOR FULL AND PART TIME (Positions available in Huntsville, Decatur, Gadsden)

At Ability Plus, our mission is Enabling Lives & Dreams... Ability Plus offers a community-inclusive home environment to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Ability Plus is seeking people who are enthusiastic, caring, capable and want to make a positive difference for residents and care recipients. We offer a supportive team environment and career development opportunities.

SHIFTS AVAILABLE

Direct Care Staff provide personal care to individuals with intellectual disabilities in a residential setting. Duties include but are not limited to: assisting residents with personal hygiene, daily living activities, documenting behavior and assisting with medications. ALL applicants must present a high school diploma/GED, Valid Driver's License, proof of valid auto insurance and successfully complete the E-Verify process. All Applicants MUST PASS a drug test, background check, TB test and have a clean driving record. Benefits available for full time (40hr) employees after 90 days.

Summary:

We are seeking Direct Care Staff for ALL SHIFTS. This is a great way to enter the healthcare world! The Direct Care Staff is responsible for the care, training and supervision as required of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Direct Support professionals are responsible for following the Home & Community Based Services (HCBS) guidelines and the Person Centered Plan (PCP) of the individuals served.
  • Behavior should be professional at all times, consistent with API's culture, mission, values, philosophy and policies and procedures, including treating individuals and others with dignity and respect.
  • Assist individuals with making their own choices by maintaining safe and healthy lifestyles, monitor for changes in their general health, appearance, behavior and patterns of activities.
  • Provide direct supervision, must remain alert and awake at all times. This is not a sleeping position.
  • Responsible for monitoring and maintaining a clean, safe and secure environment at all times.
  • Ensure each individual is encouraged in making their own healthy dietary choices, following any pre-established orders by medical professionals and following Person Centered Plan.
  • Carry out request per individual served pertaining to daily activities, including cooking, household chores, recreational activities, learning activities, physical fitness activities and money management.
  • Responsible for assisting individuals as directed by the Person Centered Plan or Behavioral Support Plan with personal hygiene skills and tasks, including assisting with bathroom responsibilities, ensuring individuals complete shaving, brushing teeth, bathing/showering, shampooing, and dressing appropriately for the weather and type of activities.
  • Complete paperwork, as necessary, to meet API, federal and state regulatory requirements.
  • Complete mandatory, on-going training requirement within API and state required timeframes and meeting region required competency levels.
  • Report to work on time, if unable to report to work, or if there is a need to be late for work, or leave early, follow API's approval policy.
  • Promote the rights and freedom of individuals served.

EDUCATION/BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Valid U.S. driver's license or Official State ID
  • Acceptable background check.

NECESSARY SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES - The ability to:

  • Ability to communicate, write and prepare complete, concise and clear reports.
  • Ability to perform housekeeping duties.
  • Ability to intervene during crisis situations.
  • Adequate vision and hearing to be able to supervise clients as required.
  • Ability to remain awake, aware and alert during working hours and work independently.
  • Dependable
  • Committed to the daily care and quality of life of the consumers of Ability-Plus

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Working conditions are normal for a home health care environment.
  • Work may require ongoing weekend and evening work.
  • Work will require frequent local driving.
  • Work requires ongoing interaction with intellectually disabled clients.
  • Work can require frequent walking, standing, bending and lifting up to the weight of an adult

Apply