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

Access to continuous training and professional development opportunities * Opportunity to work in a ... Provide direct care to patients, ensuring their comfort and well-being. * Assist with daily living ...

Opportunities for training and professional development Shifts: * Day Shift * Evening Shift * Night ... Provide direct care to residents, including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such ...

Travel Physical Therapist

Athens, AL · On-site

$1.6K - $1.9K/wk

Centra Healthcare`s mission is to provide unparalleled service enabling healthcare professionals to ... Direct deposit and weekly pay * CEU reimbursement * Medical credentials reimbursement * A chance to ...

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Direct Care Professional information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do direct care professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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 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.

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 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:

Infographic showing various Direct Care Professional job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,704 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Memory Care Nurse LPN

Merrill Gardens at Madison

Madison, AL

$23 - $31.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Senior Living Nurse

1st Shift: 6am - 2pm

Are you passionate about working with seniors? Are you dedicated to supporting seniors on their wellness journey to ensure they are provided with an atmosphere that values individualism and dignity? If so, we may have the perfect opportunity for you! Merrill Gardens at Madison is currently accepting applications for a Nurse to help support residents within our beautiful community residents call home.

If you are a compassionate, caring, responsible, and honest individual who genuinely loves working with the senior population, we would love the opportunity to speak with you! Please APPLY TODAY!

Family means everything to us. From the communities we create to the connections we make with residents, everything we do is rooted in our history as a fifth-generation family business.

We build on that family with the people we hire and the teams they form. As a family company, we can do things differently and for the past 30 years our long-term commitment to team members has been unsurpassed.

We offer our full-time employees:

  • Highly competitive pay and comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance).

  • Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Paid time off – 7 holidays, and 11 vacation days.

  • Free daily meal every shift.

  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting!

  • Tuition reimbursement for career growth.

  • Company-paid short & long-term disability insurance.

  • Pet insurance and team member discounts.

  • Advance Pay benefit – access wages before payday.

  • A stable, growing company with opportunities for advancement!

We offer our part-time employees:

  • Free daily meal every shift.

  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting!

  • Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Tuition reimbursement for career growth.

  • Pet insurance and team member discounts.

  • Advance Pay benefit – access wages before payday.

  • A stable, growing company with opportunities for advancement!

Our Nurses are responsible for:

  • Provide a high level of customer service to Residents and Team Members by achieving the standards outlined in the MG CARES program.

  • Supports and promote the philosophy, goals, objectives, and programs of the community and Merrill Gardens.

  • Mentors the caregiving Team Members in areas of resident services.

  • Maintains an attitude of respect and confidentiality at all times towards residents, Team Members, and visitors.

  • Assists with creating and maintaining a calm environment and an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positive emphasis throughout the community.

  • Assists with providing management reports as requested.

  • Attends and provides in-service training as directed.

  • Works within the parameters established by Merrill Gardens for resident care as described in the policy and procedures of the community and by state regulations.

  • Provides medication services to residents as allowed by state regulations and outlined in each resident’s service plan.

  • Evaluates residents’ needs and abilities as outlined in each resident’s service plan.

  • Documents the results of services provided and evaluations of the residents’ needs and abilities per state requirements and community procedures.

  • 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 Gardens’ policies and state requirements.

  • Available by phone always while on duty.

  • Other duties as assigned.

If you are someone with:

  • Current LPN/LVN or RN license in the community’s state.

  • 1-year experience in nursing (preferably geriatric care) minimum.

Physical Requirements:

This role involves frequent standing, walking, lifting (up to 75 lbs), and assisting with resident care. Regular bending, reaching, and physical movement are required throughout the workday. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Consider applying to become a Nurse with the Merrill Family of Senior Living Communities!

Yes, You Can have a meaningful Career!

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Our mission is to provide an inspiring environment for our residents, families, and team members where every life is defined by the possibilities.

Merrill Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer