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

HCS 247

Travel Med Surg RN - $1,922 per week

Dothan, AL · On-site

$1.9K/wk

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

HCS 247

Travel Med Surg RN

Dothan, AL · On-site

$1.8K - $2.4K/wk

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

HCS 247

Travel Medical Surgical RN

Dothan, AL · On-site

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

HCS 247

Travel Med Surg RN - $1,865 per week

Dothan, AL · On-site

$1.8K/wk

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

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

Direct Support Professional information

See Dothan, AL salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Dothan, AL is $14.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $15.96 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 job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Dothan, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Dothan, AL are:
What cities near Dothan, AL are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities near Dothan, AL with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Dothan, AL 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 $30,792 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Direct Support Professional - Ozark, AL

Volunteers of America Southeast, Inc

Ozark, AL

$13.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL- OZARK, AL
Job Title: Direct Support Professional - OZARK, AL
Status: Part-Time
Pay: Starting at $13.50/hr
Shift: All Shifts Available (every other weekend required)
Type: Entry-Level
VOA Southeast is seeking to hire passionate care givers to provide direct care/support for the individuals in our program!
Function:
The Direct Support Professional is responsible for guiding, coaching and encouraging individuals to achieve their maximum level of independence. They will assure individuals have opportunities to learn and grow in accordance with personal outcome measures through education and life experiences.
Know How:
The position requires a person eighteen (18) years of age or older with a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
The position requires the ability to collaborate effectively with the person receiving services, co-workers, family members, related agencies and others. The person in this position must have the ability to assist individuals in achieving personal goals while promoting dignity and respect. The DSP must be able to communicate with individuals by listening and learning in the way that is most effective for the person. They will be able to establish rapport with individuals, family members, friends, and other natural supports to ensure comprehensive coordination. The employee must possess a high level of written communication skills, a valid Alabama driver’s license and the ability to meet the requirements of Volunteers of America Southeast’s vehicle insurance carrier, if applicable. The DSP must also be able to pass all required training courses including but not limited to First Aid, CPR, and CPI, and VOASE Policies amp; Procedures.
Included Daily Tasks:
  • Bathing
  • Feeding
  • Grooming/Hygiene Upkeep
  • Toileting
  • Medication Administration
  • Transportation Needs
  • Daily Documentation in Therap
  • Cooking
  • Cleaning
  • Laundry
BENEFITS PACKAGE OFFERED!
#OzarkAL

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