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

Job Responsibilities With care and commitment, our Direct Service Professionals turn everyday moments into meaningful experiences for residents. Claratel Behavioral Health will provide you with the ...

Direct Support Professional

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Supervisors who care deeply about the participants and your wellbeing * Job Security: A stable job ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Supervisors who care deeply about the participants and your wellbeing * Job Security: A stable job ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Supervisors who care deeply about the participants and your wellbeing * Job Security: A stable job ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Lithonia, GA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Supervisors who care deeply about the participants and your wellbeing * Job Security: A stable job ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Supervisors who care deeply about the participants and your wellbeing * Job Security: A stable job ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Supervisors who care deeply about the participants and your wellbeing * Job Security: A stable job ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.50/hr

Supervisors who care deeply about the participants and your wellbeing * Job Security: A stable job ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Showing results 21-40

Direct Care Professional information

See Decatur, GA salary details

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$16

$22

How much do direct care professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care professional in Decatur, GA is $16.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $17.36 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 are the most commonly searched types of Direct Care jobs in Decatur, GA? The most popular types of Direct Care jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What are popular job titles related to Direct Care Professional jobs in Decatur, GA? For Direct Care Professional jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Care Professional jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Care Professional jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Direct Care Professional jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Direct Care Professional job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Care Professional job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,061 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Direct Service Professional - 377515

DeKalb Community Service Board

Lithonia, GA • On-site

$15.36/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 hours ago


Job description

About Claratel Behavioral Health
Claratel Behavioral Health is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization offering a full range of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder services to underserved individuals. As a public, not-for-profit organization, Claratel Behavioral Health operates in more than 20 locations in DeKalb County, Georgia, with a diverse workforce of more than 400 direct-care and support staff.
If you are passionate about driving change in behavioral health and developmental services and are eager to work in an environment that values innovation and inclusivity, Claratel Behavioral Health is the place for you. Here, your work is impactful, your growth is prioritized, and your well-being is supported. Together, we can forge pathways to a healthier future for all.
Direct Service Professional
About Claratel Behavioral Health
Claratel Behavioral Health is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization offering a full range of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder services to underserved individuals. As a public, not-for-profit organization, Claratel Behavioral Health operates in more than 20 locations in DeKalb County, Georgia, with a diverse workforce of more than 400 direct-care and support staff.
If you are passionate about driving change in behavioral health and developmental services and are eager to work in an environment that values innovation and inclusivity, Claratel Behavioral Health is the place for you. Here, your work is impactful, your growth is prioritized, and your well-being is supported. Together, we can forge pathways to a healthier future for all.
About The Role
As a Direct Service Professional, you'll provide support across home, work, and community settings, helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build life skills, connect with others, and achieve their personal goals. Every day is an opportunity to make an impact.
Multiple Shifts Available:
  • Full-Time & Part-Time Openings.

Job Responsibilities
With care and commitment, our Direct Service Professionals turn everyday moments into meaningful experiences for residents. Claratel Behavioral Health will provide you with the training and resources to succeed in this role.
Empower daily living - Support with activities like cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, health maintenance, and self-administration of medication.
Foster independence - Teach and encourage social skills, community involvement, and problem-solving so individuals can thrive. Provide input and implement Individual Support Plans (ISP)/Behavior Support Plans (BSP) and strategies as instructed.
Ensure safety and well-being - Carefully follow care plans, medical instructions, and dietary needs. Report environmental risks or barriers and safeguard the individual and their possessions by following all policies and procedures.
Be a mentor and role model - Demonstrate positive behaviors, coach individuals through challenges, and support them in building meaningful relationships.
Prepare Documentation - Record progress, behavior support tracking, incident reports, and communication logs accurately and on time.
Provide Transportation - Transport individuals safely to appointments, activities, and events that enrich their lives.
Collaborate and grow - Work closely with teammates, supervisors, and families to ensure the best support, while continuing your own professional development.
Innovate - Actively participate in the agency's ongoing efforts to continually improve the quality of services provided and the effectiveness of the agency's operations by sharing ideas and insights.
Residential Setting Responsibilities
For positions within residential homes, you'll also:
  • Assist with daily household routines (laundry, meal planning, grocery shopping, chores).
  • Follow all medication administration procedures accurately (SSAM/Proxy Caregiver).
  • Maintain clear communication logs during shift transitions.

Candidate Qualifications
Essential
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Valid Georgia Driver's License with an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. unassisted and help individuals with mobility needs
  • Regular bending, squatting, standing, and moving throughout your shift
  • Strong communication skills, basic computer literacy, and the ability to manage conflict effectively.

Desired
  • 6+ months of experience working with individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.
  • Familiarity with medication administration, behavioral support, or person-centered planning.

Compensation
  • $15.36 per hour

Benefits
In addition to competitive pay:
  • A generous paid time off plan (earn 20 days your first year)
  • 10 paid holidays
  • We offer our eligible employees an array of benefits that support their physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing.
  • Coverage options, provided through the state health and flexible benefit programs, include health, dental, vision, life, disability, and much more.
  • We also offer a fully employer-funded retirement plan and the option to make personal retirement contributions.
  • Our benefits are designed to help provide peace of mind and financial security for you and your family, ensuring you can focus on making a difference in the lives of others.

Pre-employment drug screening and successful completion of a criminal history background check is required.
Claratel Behavioral Health participates in E-Verify (Company ID: 226305)
Claratel Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates who may require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law to perform the essential functions of this job are encouraged to contact Human Resources at hrhelp@claratel.org.