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

Travel Physical Therapist

Bessemer, AL · On-site

$1.7K - $2.0K/wk

Direct deposit * Free CEUs * 24/7 Clinical Support * Professional and General Liability Coverage * Accident Insurance * Critical Illness Insurance * Disability Insurance * Term Life Insurance

Church Life Support

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Provide daily assistance, operational and project management for the Church Life Director. * Work ... Know how to communicate professionally both verbally in writing. Education * Associate's Degree in ...

Church Life Support

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Provide daily assistance, operational and project management for the Church Life Director. * Work ... Know how to communicate professionally both verbally in writing. Education * Associate's Degree in ...

Be Seen First

Customer Support

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Well-spoken professional with strong communication, customer service and computer skills. The ... Work with customers through direct contact over the phone and through email. Follow up is very ...

Showing results 41-60

Direct Support Professional information

See Calera, AL salary details

$9

$15

$19

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Calera, AL is $15.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.30 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.

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Calera, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Calera, AL are:

What cities near Calera, AL are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Calera, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,415 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Director of National Strategic Client Services- Employee Benefits

Insurance Office of America

Bessemer, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Insurance Office Of America rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 311 rated insurance


Job description

Description

Job Description:

Title: Director of National Strategic Client Services – Employee Benefits  

Work Mode: Remote, with some required travel (Eastern Time Zone Only) | Location/Supporting: Longwood, FL | Requirement/Experience: Level-Funded and Self-Funded Plans 
 
Please note: If this position is posted as either fully remote and/or hybrid, in accordance with company policy, individuals residing within a 50-mile radius of a branch location may be required to work onsite in a hybrid capacity as there may be occasions when on-site presence is necessary to meet specific business needs. Additionally, our remote work policy includes having a dedicated, distraction-free workspace. Remote work is not a substitute for childcare, elder care, or other personal responsibilities during working hours. To view our branch locations, please visit: ioausa.com/locations 

 
About the Role: Responsible for leading IOA’s national strategic client service initiatives for complex and high-value Employee Benefits accounts. This role serves as the strategic leader across designated national accounts, partnering closely with Producers, Account Executives, Account Managers, and operational leadership to deliver consultative, data-driven solutions that improve client outcomes, support retention, and drive organic growth. The Director of National Strategic Client Services provides strategic guidance, operational leadership, and subject matter expertise while helping to enhance IOA’s national client advisory model and service capabilities. 

 
Key Responsibilities: 

  • National Account Strategy: Serve as the strategic lead for assigned national accounts, aligning client objectives, financial performance, and long-term benefits strategies with business goals. 

  • Strategic Planning: Develop and execute multi-year benefits strategies, including plan design, funding optimization, vendor management, and renewal planning. 

  • Consultative Client Leadership: Provide advanced consulting on self-funded and partially self-funded plans, stop-loss strategies, pharmacy programs, benchmarking, financial modeling, and compliance considerations. 

  • Renewal & Vendor Management: Lead complex renewals, RFPs, vendor evaluations, and negotiations to achieve optimal financial and service outcomes. 

  • Client Insights & Reporting: Deliver data-driven analysis, strategic recommendations, and executive-level presentations that support informed decision-making and improved program performance. 

  • Business Growth: Partner with Producers on new business pursuits, finalist presentations, strategic proposals, and account expansion opportunities. 

  • Operational Leadership: Collaborate with operational and practice leadership to refine service models, improve delivery standards, and support scalable growth. 

  • Account Team Management: Direct and support Account Executives, Account Managers, and service teams, ensuring accountability, role clarity, and consistent execution standards. 

  • Performance Monitoring: Review account performance, retention, growth opportunities, and client outcomes with leadership to support strategic planning and continuous improvement. 

  • Process Improvement: Identify and implement best practices, standardization opportunities, reporting enhancements, and service delivery improvements across national accounts. 

  • Team Development: Mentor, coach, and support professional development of Account Executives, Account Managers, and service team members. 

  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with Producers, consultants, operational teams, carrier partners, and senior leadership to align resources and ensure exceptional client experiences. 

  • Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure accuracy, documentation standards, regulatory compliance, and risk management practices across assigned accounts. 

  • Relationship Building: Develop and maintain positive, productive two-way relationships with IOA leadership, peers, co-workers, and employees. 

  • Compliance: Ensure adherence to company policies and industry standards. 

  • Champion IOA core values and demonstrate integrity and leadership. 

 
Ideal Candidate Qualifications: 

  • 8+ years of Employee Benefits or insurance industry experience 

  • All required active licensing 

  • Strong expertise with self-funded, partially self-funded, and complex national account strategies 

  • Proven consultative sales, client advisory, and executive presentation experience 

  • Exceptional leadership, relationship management, and team development skills 

  • Strong analytical, financial modeling, and strategic problem-solving capabilities 

  • Excellent organizational, delegation, and decision-making skills 

  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills 

  • Ability to manage complex client relationships and high-volume work with accuracy 

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 

  • Exceptional personal character, professionalism, and integrity 

  • High School Diploma (or equivalent); Bachelor’s degree preferred 

 
What We Offer: 

  • Competitive salaries and bonus potential 

  • Company-paid health insurance 

  • Paid holidays, vacations, and sick time 

  • 401K with employer match 

  • Professional growth and career progression opportunities 

  • Respectful culture and work/family life balance 

  • Community service commitment 

  • Supportive teammates and a rewarding work environment 

 
What to Expect (Application Process): 

  • 30-Minute Phone Screen, Online Assessments, and Interview(s) 

Salary Range

The expected pay range for this position is 195K-215K annually, depending on experience, relevant skills, and geographic location.

Insurance Office of America is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.


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