Direct Support Professional Apprentice - Earn While You Learn

North Star Community Services; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

401(k) retirement savings

Training, development, and advancement

Nationally recognized apprenticeship

Job summary

North Star Community Services in Waterloo, IA offers the area's first Direct Support Professional Apprenticeship Program—a paid, one-year "earn‑while‑you‑learn" opportunity leading to a nationally recognized certificate.

You'll train through online modules, classroom instruction and job shadowing, work with mentors, gain hands-on experience across programs, and complete 140+ hours of related training while earning a competitive wage.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Compassion and empathy.
• Willingness to learn and adapt.
• Basic computer literacy.

Responsibilities

• Participate in structured training including online modules, classroom instruction, and job shadowing.
• Work with experienced mentors who support growth throughout the apprenticeship.
• Gain hands-on experience across multiple North Star Community Services programs.
• Complete 140+ hours of related training while earning a competitive wage.
• Advance into leadership roles such as Team Leader or mentor after program completion.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Compassion

Willingness to learn

Job description

North Star Community Services in Waterloo, IA offers the area's first Direct Support Professional Apprenticeship Program—a paid, one-year "earn‑while‑you‑learn" opportunity leading to a nationally recognized certificate.

You'll train through online modules, classroom instruction and job shadowing, work with mentors, gain hands-on experience across programs, and complete 140+ hours of related training while earning a competitive wage.