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Residential Direct Support Professional Jobs in Decatur, AL

Program Supervisor

Cullman, AL ยท 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 ...

Residential Aide Full-Time

Huntsville, AL ยท On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Provides assigned individuals with disabilities with individualized support that allows them to ... Self-directed and organized, innovative, having a strong personal work ethic, good communication ...

Showing results 41-60

Residential Direct Support Professional information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$8

$15

$19

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:

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.

Space Based Interceptor - Basic Analyst Execution Support

Astrion

Huntsville, AL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


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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