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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Sunrise

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Brookwood, AL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Direct Support roles within this organization are mandated reporters, and as such must report any instances of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that they are involved in or witness. Sunrise is an ...

Sunrise

direct support professional

Centre, AL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

To provide support, assistance and supervision to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enable them to live valued lives in the community. Qualifications: * Must successfully ...

Sunrise

direct support professional

Centre, AL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

To provide support, assistance and supervision to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enable them to live valued lives in the community. Qualifications: * Must successfully ...

Sunrise

Direct Support Professional Lead

Centre, AL

$15/hr

Assists Residential Program Director in providing supervision to meet the needs and goals of the individuals according to their plans * Ensures each individual's training, behavior and support ...

Sunrise

Direct Support Professional Lead

Centre, AL · On-site

$15/hr

Assists Residential Program Director in providing supervision to meet the needs and goals of the individuals according to their plans * Ensures each individual's training, behavior and support ...

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Alabama is $14.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They help with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and transportation, while also supporting clients in achieving personal goals and participating in community activities. DSPs play a vital role in promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life for those they support.

What are some common challenges Direct Support Professionals face when supporting individuals with disabilities, and how can they effectively handle them?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral outbursts, ensuring effective communication with nonverbal individuals, and balancing the need for independence with safety. Handling these situations requires patience, empathy, and strong problem-solving skills. Many DSPs find it helpful to use individualized behavior support plans, maintain clear communication with team members, and participate in ongoing training. Building trust and understanding the unique needs of each individual also play a key role in overcoming daily challenges.

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

AspectDirect Support ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized trainingCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProviding personal care in private homes or facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome care agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, often requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. However, Direct Support Professionals typically work in community or residential settings supporting people with disabilities, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal care services in private homes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the role that best matches their skills and career goals.

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

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and an understanding of developmental disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, incident reporting tools, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting individuals and building trust. These skills are vital for ensuring client safety, promoting independence, and delivering compassionate care tailored to each individual's needs.

What Is a Direct Support Professional?

Direct support professionals (DSPs) provide non-medical care and services to intellectually or physically disabled persons. These services may be in the patient's home, at assisted living facilities, or in government institutions. The primary duties of DSPs are to help the patient with everyday tasks, such as taking medication, providing transportation to doctor's appointments, and running errands. DSPs also aim to teach patients life skills, including light housework and meal preparation, to enable them to be a little more independent.

More about Direct Support Professional jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Support jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Direct Support jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Alabama? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,700 per year, or $14.8 per hour.
DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

Sunrise

Brookwood, AL • On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

Are you passionate about helping others? Would you like to make a difference in someone's life? If you answered yes, we encourage you to join the Sunrise family! Sunrise is one of the largest, private not-for-profit organizations in the country dedicated to serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At Sunrise we pride ourselves in taking an individualized approach in addressing the unique needs of each person seeking or receiving services. As an employer, we seek to provide an environment of growth and development for our employees that is consistent with recognizing the rights, needs, and wants of all people.

Purpose:

To provide support, assistance and supervision to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enable them to live valued lives in the community.


Qualifications:

  • Must successfully complete the required pre-employment Background and Drug Screenings
  • Must possess a valid Driver's License with all necessary endorsements and have a minimum of 3 years of driving experience.
  • Must possess basic computer skills
  • High School Diploma or equivalent if required by work location
  • Minimum one year of experience working in the human service field if required by work location


Essential Functions:

  • Identifies and reports any suspected abuse or violations of an individual's rights
  • Provides support, assistance and supervision to meet the needs and goals of the individuals according to their plans
  • Ensures that each individual's training, behavior and support programs are being implemented and documented in accordance with regulatory requirements
  • Ensures that the health, safety and well-being of the individuals are protected at all times
  • Provides a positive, reinforcing environment that promotes independence and choice
  • Follows positioning schedules, uses proper equipment and assistive devices per plan
  • Provides necessary level of assistance for appropriate diet, texture and equipment
  • Ensures all homes, outside areas and vehicles are well maintained and organized
  • Performs all other duties as assigned

SR84A5


This position will remain open until lled. If you were referred by a current Sunrise employee, please make sure to indicate so when completing the employment application process.
This company is a Drug-Free Workplace. As part of our policies, all candidates for employment must submit to a pre-employment drug screening after receiving a conditional offer of employment. A positive confirmed screening, or refusal to submit to such screening, will result in a withdrawal of the conditional job offer.
Direct Support roles within this organization are mandated reporters, and as such must report any instances of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that they are involved in or witness.

Sunrise is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.


Candidates applying for this role must complete a Level 2 Background Screening. For more information on Florida's screening requirements including exemption procedures and disqualifying offenses please review the AHCA Background Check Resource: https://info.flclearinghouse.com

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