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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Athens, AL (NOW HIRING)

Cornerstone Caregiving

Direct Support Professional

Elkton, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

PRN Caregiver Thursdays & Fridays Only * PRN position * Thursdays and Fridays only * Valid driver's license required * Clean background check required We are committed to providing exceptional care ...

Cornerstone Caregiving

Direct Support Professional

Madison, AL · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

We are committed to providing exceptional care to individuals in need. Our CNAs are highly trained and compassionate, with a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others. With flexible ...

The Arc

Onsite Support Personnel

Athens, AL · On-site

Work with participants, employers, families, agency personnel, direct support professionals, Work Programs Coordinator, QDDPs, and other appropriate parties to problem solve issues related to ...

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Direct Support Professional information

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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Athens, AL is $15.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $16.92 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 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 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.

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 areas 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 cities near Athens, AL are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Athens, AL with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Athens, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,690 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Direct Support Professional Sun/Mon/Tue e/o Sat 7p - 7a

Progressive Directions Inc. (PDI)

Pulaski, TN

$16/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Description

Are you a caring, compassionate, dependable, and understanding individual? Do you love to help and support people who want to live independently to be healthy, safe, valued, and participating members of their communities? If you looking for part time or full-time enjoyment, semi-retired, or seeking a career change in a more rewarding position, we want YOU to join our team at Progressive Directions to have a rewarding career in supporting individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities! Help us bring independence closer to home to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities!

Progressive Directions, Inc. is a nonprofit charitable organization established over forty years ago in Clarksville, TN. Since then, PDI has been guided by its mission to support persons with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities by providing innovative programs and delivering transformative services to the community. PDI continues reinforcing core beliefs by helping individuals attain personal success through gaining pride, dignity, and independence.

More about our company visit: https://progressivedirections.org/

To apply directly, visit our company career website link to apply: https://progressivedirections.org/employment-opportunities/

NOTICE: This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Direct Support Staff Job Summary:

The Direct Support Professional ensures the basic needs of the persons supported residing at the home are met. The Residential Specialist/Direct Support Professional will provide a minimum of personal hygiene, self-care skills, money management, housekeeping, recreation, and promoting community involvement. The Direct Support Professional ensures that the safety and well-being of the persons supported are always met, including waking or sleeping hours.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (include but are not limited to the following):

  1. Provide necessary assistance in bathing, dressing, toileting, and hygiene.
  2. Assist in meal preparation and grocery shopping. Providing ample opportunity for choice. (According to the needs of the persons supported)
  3. Assist in household chores. (I.e., vacuuming, dishes, sweep/mop floors, laundry, general housekeeping, etc.)
  4. Assist persons supported in taking medications prescribed by a doctor, according to the agency's medication administration policy.
  5. Assist persons supported in all personal and self-care skills areas, as indicated by the person's supported Individual Support Plan (ISP).
  6. Review the persons supported Individual Support Plan (ISP) for outcomes and implementation plans.
  7. Assist the persons supported with obtaining money to shop and shopping for needed items (personal and otherwise).
  8. I will report all medical, behavioral, or other concerns to the residential manager (RM) and house staff.
  9. Other duties may be assigned based on the needs of the persons supported.

Community Involvement:

  1. Review and follow the Persons supported Individual Support Plan (ISP) outcomes and implementation plans.
  2. Ensure each person's supported daily needs are met while away from home by preparing the needed items to take with the persons supported as measured by availability.
  3. Assist the persons supported(s) in meaningfully choosing how to spend their day.
  4. Present choices of places the persons supported would like to visit.
  5. Be prepared in advance for any outings by requesting the necessary funds or other needed items (as much as possible).
  6. Be aware of upcoming events in the community.
  7. Ensure the persons supported(s) served have ample opportunity to attend community events.
  8. Coordinate trips/visits with relatives or other important people in the person's supported life.
  9. Assist in coordinating activities based on the person's supported interests.

Documentation Requirements:

  1. Communication between staff in the communication log.
  2. Daily notes in the person's supported file.
  3. Behavior Date sheets (as needed as behaviors occur).
  4. Medication Administration Record (MAR).
  5. All activities and outings (in daily notes unless otherwise specified).
  6. Will attend doctor appointments as necessary and document results.
  7. Will communicate all medical, behavioral, or other concerns to the Residential Manager (RM) and other home staff.

Professional Responsibilities:

  1. Assumes responsibility for the person's supported safety while in the community.
  2. Deals effectively with stress and stressful situations.
  3. Deals effectively and cooperatively with parents, co-workers, persons supported, and the general public.
  4. Maintains familiarity with agency policies and procedures.
  5. Attending all staff meetings as required by the RM.
  6. Maintains a clear line of communication between residential and management staff.
  7. Attends and participates in all Circle of Support meetings for the persons supported served.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma or GED preferred.

Direct Support Professional Level 2 Certification, required

Valid Tennessee, Kentucky, or Alabama driver's license (military exceptions available).

Ability to read and follow directions.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Satisfactory criminal background check and clear Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Ability to attend and pass all required training courses.

TB test within the last 12 months (if you do not have one, we will send you to get one upon hire).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, and talk or hear. The employee must frequently stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and move up 50 pounds.

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