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

Sevita

Program Supervisor

Cullman, AL · On-site

$17.50/hr

Duties are split between providing direct support, professional or program activities, and supervision. * Facilitate community involvement by accompanying individuals on outings in the community or ...

AMETEK, Inc.

Director, Marketing

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$150 - $170/hr

As the Director of Marketing, you will have a strategic global leadership role responsible for ... Set clear goals and expectations, provide regular timely feedback, and support professional ...

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Ametek

Director of Marketing

Huntsville, AL · On-site

As the Director of Marketing, you will have a strategic global leadership role responsible for ... Set clear goals and expectations, provide regular timely feedback, and support professional ...

Trivector Services Inc

Senior Systems Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

Our experienced team is dedicated to building lasting partnerships based on professional integrity ... Provide direct support for algorithm development, leading tasking for analysis of sensor resource ...

TriVector Services, Inc

Senior Systems Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

Our experienced team is dedicated to building lasting partnerships based on professional integrity ... Provide direct support for algorithm development, leading tasking for analysis of sensor resource ...

Ametek

Director of Marketing

Huntsville, AL · On-site

As the Director of Marketing, you will have a strategic global leadership role responsible for ... Set clear goals and expectations, provide regular timely feedback, and support professional ...

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All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Decatur, AL

Direct Support Professional information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Decatur, AL is $14.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $15.67 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.
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Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,293 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Space Based Interceptor - Basic Analyst Execution Support

Astrion

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Overview

Space Based Interceptor Basic Analyst – Execution Support

JOB LOCATION: Huntsville, Alabama

JOB STATUS: Full Time

Clearance: Secret

Astrion is seeking a basic level Analyst to support Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Director of Test (DT) Flight Test Directorate (DTF) providing programmatic, technical, analytical and execution support for the Space Based Interceptor program. At Astrion, we are at the forefront of new missile defense technologies and support MDA’s rigorous operational and developmental testing. This exciting, rewarding work helps guarantee the security of the United States and our Allies. Join a professional team of highly qualified engineers, analysts, scientists, and technicians supporting the research, development, testing, and evaluation of the missile defense system whose purpose is to detect, track, engage, and destroy adversary missiles.

Your typical day – Our MDA engineers work in modern, well-appointed government facilities on Redstone Arsenal located in Huntsville, Alabama. Huntsville, known as Rocket City, USA, is the hub of missile and space operations, research and development. You will collaborate with other missile defense experts – military, government civilians, and contractors from Astrion and other companies. Our team of experts helps the Government manage planning, development, analysis and delivery of state-of-the art sensors, weapons, communications, and command/control systems. You will be part of the team that conducts successful intercepts of target missiles by one of our Missile Defense System (MDS) weapon systems.

Position Overview/Tasks:

The SBI basic analyst will provide programmatic, technical, and analytical support to the Missile Defense Agency, Director for Flight Test Integration - Execution (DTFI-E). The individual will serve as mission execution team support to deployable locations for operations and Test Directors' direct support. Individual will report daily activities and products to various Mission Test Directors who have overall responsibility for the development of checklists, calendars, and element integration, leading to the execution of MDA missions and supporting events. Travel is required (20+ %) and may include overseas locations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Assist in developing and maintaining mission documentation, including checklists, test control structures, and test operation schedules
  • Develop mission checklists that provide real-time updates to various stakeholders and mission assets
  • Support all phases of test planning, training, and execution of Tier 1/2/3 test environments in accordance with the current Concept of Operations (CONOPS)
  • Perform programmatic analyst review for test activities pre- and post-events, providing lessons learned inputs and supporting panel reviews
  • Produce test procedures detailing time-critical events supporting the Mission Countdown Events (CDE). Update mission documentation as calendar adjustments are scheduled
  • Support test integration and planning meetings, BMDS CONOPS Phase Reviews, and data archival meetings, as directed
  • Set up slide decks and coordinate with stakeholders for weekly or bi-weekly Mission Execution Team Working Groups (METWG)
  • Provide direct on-console support to key Mission Execution Team (MET) leadership, including the Mission (MTD), Associate Operations (AOTD), and Sensors (SNTD) Test Directors during mission execution

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

  • BA/BS in a field pertinent to the position being filled
  • No direct experience required
  • Eligibility to obtain and maintain at least a Secret security clearance
  • Motivated self-starter
  • Proficient with the MS Office suite of tools to include Microsoft Project

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

  • Knowledge of MDA test planning, processes and execution
  • Knowledge of Missile Defense System components and system-level topics
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Flight Test Operations
  • MDA Flight test experience

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