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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Sunrise

Direct Support

Centre, AL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/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

Centre, AL · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/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 ...

ANCS Gathering Place

1st and 2nd SHIFT DSP

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$11 - $15/hr

1ST Shift 7-3 2ND Shift - 3PM-11PM A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a person who provides assistance and support to individuals with disabilities, helping them lead independent and fulfilling ...

ANCS Gathering Place

1st and 2nd SHIFT DSP

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$11 - $15/hr

1ST Shift 7-3 2ND Shift - 3PM-11PM A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a person who provides assistance and support to individuals with disabilities, helping them lead independent and fulfilling ...

Autauga Elmore Developmental Services

Be Seen First

Support Coordination

Millbrook, AL · On-site

$40K/yr

Must be Alabama Medicaid Qualified Developmental Disability Professional (QDDP) eligible Experience: * Experience working directly with persons with Developmental Disabilities: 1 year (Required ...

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Direct Support Professional information

See Alabama salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 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 is a direct support professional?

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.

Where do direct support professionals get paid the most?

Direct Support Professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare and social services, such as certain metropolitan areas. States or cities with a strong focus on healthcare, social services, or specialized care often offer higher pay rates for this role. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence salary levels.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full 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 (DSP) / Caregiver (Huntsville)

Ability Plus Inc

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$11 - $13/hr

Other

Re-posted 5 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