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Residential Direct Support Professional Jobs in Decatur, AL

The Arc

Onsite Support Personnel

Athens, AL

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

Ability Plus Inc

House Coordinator/Floater

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$35K/yr

... Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and hands-on care and supervision of care of intellectually ... Cover shifts in residential homes and able to be ON-CALL.Flexibility Needed.Implement and ensure ...

Ability Plus Inc

House Coordinator/Floater

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$35K/yr

... Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and hands-on care and supervision of care of intellectually ... Cover shifts in residential homes and able to be ON-CALL. * Flexibility Needed. * Implement and ...

SPECTRUM

Residential Sales Representative

Decatur, AL · On-site

$27K/yr

Participate actively in sales meetings and training sessions to support team goals and professional ... Success in a previous sales position, prospecting or cold calling; direct sales experience is ...

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Residential Direct Support Professional information

See Decatur, AL salary details

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How much do residential direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for residential direct support professional in Decatur, AL is $15.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $17.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a residential direct support professional?

Residential Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are individuals who provide care, support, and supervision to people with disabilities in residential settings. They assist clients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management. DSPs also help foster independence, encourage social participation, and ensure the safety and well-being of those they support. Their role is crucial in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a residential direct support professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Residential Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and a genuine commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, medication administration, and CPR/First Aid certification are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and reliability help build trusting relationships and respond effectively to clients' needs. These skills ensure safety, promote independence, and enhance the quality of life for the individuals being supported.

What are some common challenges faced by residential direct support professionals, and how can they be managed?

Residential Direct Support Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral issues, balancing the needs of multiple clients, and maintaining clear communication with team members and families. To effectively manage these challenges, it's important to utilize de-escalation techniques, stay organized with thorough documentation, and participate in regular team meetings to ensure everyone is aligned on care plans. Continuous training and support from supervisors also play a key role in helping staff feel confident and prepared in their responsibilities.

What is the difference between Residential Direct Support Professional vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectResidential Direct Support ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized certificationsCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentResidential facilities, group homes, community settingsPrivate homes, healthcare facilities, community settings
Job DutiesAssist individuals with daily living, medication management, skill developmentAssist with personal hygiene, mobility, daily tasks
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, social service agenciesHome healthcare agencies, private families

Both roles involve supporting individuals with daily needs, but Residential Direct Support Professionals typically work in group homes or community settings with a focus on skill development and medication management, while Personal Care Assistants often work in private homes assisting with personal hygiene and daily tasks. Certifications like CPR and First Aid are common for both roles.

Is being a residential direct support professional a stressful job?

Being a residential direct support professional can be stressful due to the need to manage challenging behaviors, ensure safety, and provide emotional support to residents with disabilities. The job often requires strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to handle unpredictable situations, which can contribute to stress levels. However, some find the role rewarding and manageable with proper training and support.

Is being a residential direct support professional worth it?

A residential direct support professional provides assistance to individuals with disabilities in a residential setting, often requiring patience, communication skills, and certification. The role offers job stability, opportunities for personal fulfillment, and the chance to develop valuable skills, though it may involve physically and emotionally demanding work shifts. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others and working in human services.

Where do residential direct support professionals get paid the most?

Residential direct support professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as urban areas or states with higher minimum wages. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the specific employer or facility.

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

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

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

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

Residential Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Residential Direct Support Professional job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,146 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Onsite Support Personnel

The Arc of Madison County

Athens, AL • On-site

$15.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

SIGN-ON BONUS
Position Title: Onsite Support Personnel
Report to: Programs Coordinator
Standard Hours: As needed to accomplish work, but primarily 6:30 am to 2:30 pm
Classification: Non-Exempt, Hourly
SUMMARY OF PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:
Under the supervision of the Work Programs Coordinator, the Work Skills Trainer/Job Coach will be responsible for providing training and support for individuals served, host site co-workers, families, area businesses and the community to insure success during small group employment and/or a competitive job. The Work Skills Trainer/Job Coach will also be responsible, as assigned, to provide extended services to individuals served who have gained and retain community employment. This position also requires providing support to individuals served participating in volunteer work, worksite tours, mock interviews, as well as, to individuals involved in paid employment with the Arc's integrated worksite.
RESPONSIBILITIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  1. Provides individualized support, training, and supervision for individuals served at the worksite or competitive job which includes: skills training, building natural supports, identifying job accommodations, assistive technology, etc.
  2. Communicates effectively with Work Programs Coordinator, QDDPs, other job coaches, Direct Support Professionals, employers, co-workers, and family members as needed.
  3. Perform specific job analysis, task analysis, situational assessments and job matching activities, when required.
  4. Carries out steps of job coaching and skill training plan with individuals served and other parties as appropriate.
  5. Work with participants, employers, families, agency personnel, direct support professionals, Work Programs Coordinator, QDDPs, and other appropriate parties to problem solve issues related to training and employment.
  6. Practice positive reinforcement techniques with individuals served, co-workers, and other staff.
  7. Observes and documents individuals served behavior.
  8. Implements learning opportunity programs and documents data collected to be used in quarterly progress reports.
  9. Accompany and supervise individuals served participating in community experiences.
  10. Attends training, as appropriate, to become knowledgeable of strategies and current "best practices" in the field of supported employment and/or other areas.
  11. Travel to worksites and access varying workspace as necessary.
  12. Perform quality control of work performed by individuals served to insure all product completed is correct and as specified.

ANCILLARY FUNCTIONS:
  1. Adheres to and promotes standards of the Arc's integrated worksite and/or competitive work site in order to promote job productivity and efficiency.
  2. Report regularly to supervisor on program participant status.
  3. Complete and submit all required reporting forms, including hours worked in a timely manner.
  4. Adhere to agency policies.
  5. Perform other job related duties as assigned by supervisor for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the agency.
  6. Demonstrates daily work assignment responsibilities: is accountable for all hours assigned, is punctual and regular in attendance and attends appropriate training activities.
  7. Serve as a driver for transporting individuals served and maintain service record of vehicles
  8. Lifts, carries, assists, or restrains individuals served as needed
  9. Assist in scheduling volunteer opportunities and community experiences as needed
  10. Performs behavior intervention techniques as specified by funding agency, to prevent injury to individuals served and/or others
  11. Other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Depends wholly on the setting in which training of program participant is to take place. Each site may have a variety of factors that should be acknowledged, including variable noise and dust levels, varying temperatures, lighting and ground surfaces.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Depends on training site and skill being trained: standing, sitting, bending, stooping, lifting, grasping and stretching. Visual Skills. Vehicle travel and driving. Fine motor dexterity. Able to lift 50 pounds.
QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION
  1. Degree in related field preferred, but not required. GED or High School diploma required.
  2. Experience working with individuals who have development disabilities (or similar experience is strongly preferred).
  3. The ability to maintain First Aid and CPR certification.
  4. Valid Driver's license.
  5. Ability to perform duties in a variety of settings, including professional situations, private homes, area businesses and other sites.
  6. Computer skills, including word processing, excel and database.

COMPETENCIES/PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
  1. Participates in professional growth activities such as conferences, in services, etc.
  2. Is an effective role model.
  3. Shows enthusiasm and a sense of humor.
  4. Exhibits an overall positive attitude.
  5. Utilizes sound judgment and decision-making skills.
  6. Uses Standard English in oral and written communication.
  7. Works as a productive team member with families, work sites and agency personnel.
  8. Is adaptable in dealing with individual and cultural differences.
  9. Protects the privacy of individuals and the confidentiality of information unless disclosure services a professional purpose or is required by law.
  10. Avoids action that could result in conflicts of interest.
  11. Ability to function in a flexible, ever-changing environment.
  12. Belief in inclusiveness in all community settings.
  13. Ability to work with a minimum of supervision.
  14. Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule. Days and times will be assigned based on program/program participants needs. This may include working some evening, weekends or holidays.

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