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

ReLogic Research

Robotics Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

We encourage teammates to be self-governing based on high standards of professionalism and judgement. This Robotic Engineer role will be in direct support of ReLogic's efforts to solve priority ...

Relogic Research

Robotics Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

We encourage teammates to be self-governing based on high standards of professionalism and judgement. This Robotic Engineer role will be in direct support of ReLogic's efforts to solve priority ...

Relogic Research

Robotics Engineer

Huntsville, AL

We encourage teammates to be self-governing based on high standards of professionalism and judgement. This Robotic Engineer role will be in direct support of ReLogic's efforts to solve priority ...

Relogic Research

Thermal Analyst

Huntsville, AL

We encourage teammates to be self-governing based on high standards of professionalism and judgement. This full-time role will be in direct support of ReLogic's efforts to solve priority problems ...

ReLogic Research

Thermal Analyst

Huntsville, AL · On-site

We encourage teammates to be self-governing based on high standards of professionalism and judgement. This full-time role will be in direct support of ReLogic's efforts to solve priority problems ...

Relogic Research

Thermal Analyst

Huntsville, AL · On-site

We encourage teammates to be self-governing based on high standards of professionalism and judgement. This full-time role will be in direct support of ReLogic's efforts to solve priority problems ...

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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.
More about Direct Support Professional jobs

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

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

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

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

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.

Mental Health Professional

SOUTHERN HEALTH PARTNERS INC

Huntsville, AL

$36 - $37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Southern Health Partners rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Mental Health Professional

Bring Compassion, Stability, and Purpose to Every Day

Madison County Jail | Alabama
7:30 AM to 8:00 PM | Rotating Schedule
Full Time Opportunity

Southern Health Partners is seeking a dedicated Mental Health Professional to join our healthcare team at the Madison County Jail. We are looking for a Psychiatric RN, Licensed Counselor, or Social Worker who is passionate about helping individuals navigate mental health challenges and providing care in a structured correctional setting.

This is an opportunity to use your clinical expertise in a role where your work can make a meaningful difference every day.

What You'll Do
  • Provide mental health assessments, screenings, and ongoing support
  • Identify mental health needs and develop appropriate treatment plans
  • Provide individual counseling and therapeutic interventions
  • Monitor patient progress and document services provided
  • Collaborate with medical and mental health team members
  • Assist with crisis intervention and stabilization when needed
  • Provide education and support to patients regarding mental health and wellness
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical documentation
  • Work within established correctional healthcare protocols and facility guidelines
Qualifications

Candidates must meet the qualifications for one of the following roles:

  • Psychiatric Registered Nurse (Psych RN)
  • Licensed Counselor
  • Social Worker

Additional requirements include:

  • Current, valid professional license or credentials as applicable
  • Strong communication and clinical documentation skills
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team
  • Correctional or behavioral health experience preferred, but not required
  • Ability to successfully complete facility credentialing requirements
Full Time Benefits
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Short & Long-Term Disability
  • 2 Weeks PTO Year One
  • 8 Paid Holidays + Birthday Off
  • 401(k) After 1 Year
  • Bi-Weekly Direct Deposit
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Monthly Continuing Education Hours
  • Tuition Discounts
  • Professional Liability Insurance
  • Referral Bonus
  • Paid Bereavement & Jury Duty Leave
  • DailyPay
Why Southern Health Partners?

For more than 30 years, Southern Health Partners has been a leader in correctional healthcare. Our team provides compassionate, quality healthcare to individuals in correctional facilities while creating meaningful opportunities for healthcare professionals.

If you're ready to bring your mental health expertise to a role where every interaction has the potential to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and join the Southern Health Partners team!

Southern Health Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, drug screening, and facility credentialing requirements.

What Southern Health Partners employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Southern Health Partners

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Southern Health Partners (SHP) is a leading provider of medical, dental, and mental health services to inmates in county and city jail facilities across the southern United States. Headquartered in Chattanooga, TN, it has been providing quality inmate healthcare since its establishment in 1994. Recognized in the correctional healthcare industry, SHP ensures the provision of essential healthcare services to a population that's often overlooked. The company upholds key values of research-based practices, continuous improvement, fiscal responsibility, and ethical behavior. Its mission is to provide affordable, quality inmate healthcare and protect community health.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chattanooga, TN, US

Year founded

1994

Social media

Facebook

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