Direct Support Apprentice — Earn While You Learn (Paid)

North Star Community Services; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 27,552,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

401(k) retirement savings

Training and advancement opportunities

National apprenticeship program

Job summary

North Star Community Services in Waterloo, IA offers the area's first Direct Support Professional Apprenticeship Program—a paid, one-year opportunity that leads to a nationally recognized certificate and potential leadership roles.

You will participate in structured training, work with experienced mentors, and gain hands-on experience across multiple programs, completing 140+ training hours while earning a competitive wage. The program prepares you for future leadership roles.

Qualifications

• Must have strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Demonstrates compassion and empathy in daily work.
• Shows willingness to learn and adapt in a new role.
• Basic computer literacy and comfort with using software.

Responsibilities

• Participate in structured training, online modules, classroom instruction, and job shadowing.
• Work with mentors who support your growth.
• Gain hands-on experience across multiple programs.
• Complete 140+ hours of related training while earning a wage.
• Advance into leadership roles such as Team Leader after program completion.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Compassion

Empathy

Willingness to learn

Basic computer literacy

Job description

North Star Community Services in Waterloo, IA offers the area's first Direct Support Professional Apprenticeship Program—a paid, one-year opportunity that leads to a nationally recognized certificate and potential leadership roles.

You will participate in structured training, work with experienced mentors, and gain hands-on experience across multiple programs, completing 140+ training hours while earning a competitive wage. The program prepares you for future leadership roles.