Direct Support Professional - Caregiver

The Arc of Central Alabama; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arc of Central Alabama in Birmingham is seeking a Direct Support Professional to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live more independently and with dignity. You will provide coaching, personal care, and support in daily living activities, help individuals participate in community life, and maintain accurate records to support each person's goals and agency mission.

You will work closely with participants, families, and team members to promote safety,

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age for driving.
• Valid Alabama driver’s license and insurability by the agency.
• Ability to pass pre-employment screening.

Responsibilities

• Partner with individuals served to provide coaching, advice, and participation in daily activities.
• Assist with personal care and daily living skills, including bathing, cleaning, feeding, and lifting as needed.
• Transport individuals to and from group homes and various community locations.
• Help individuals develop essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and money management.
• Encourage participation in community activities, social events, and recreational opportunities.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of individuals by providing appropriate supervision and following safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of care provided, health observations, and progress toward individual goals.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the overall mission and goals of the organization.

Skills

Compassionate care

Documentation accuracy

Communication

Independence & teamwork

Community engagement

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is meaningful work that directly improves lives. As a Direct Support Professional caregiver, your efforts support people in building independence, maintaining dignity, and participating fully in their communities. This role is about more than completing tasks. It is about forming trust, offering consistency, and making a real difference every day. The rewards come from seeing progress, celebrating small wins, and knowing your work helps someone live a safer, more fulfilling life.

Caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is meaningful work that directly improves lives. As a Direct Support Professional caregiver, your efforts support people in building independence, maintaining dignity, and participating fully in their communities. This role is about more than completing tasks. It is about forming trust, offering consistency, and making a real difference every day. The rewards come from seeing progress, celebrating small wins, and knowing your work helps someone live a safer, more fulfilling life. The Direct Support Professional (DSP) - partners with individuals served to provide coaching, personal care, and support in daily living activities. This role encourages community participation, ensures safety, and maintains accurate documentation to support individual goals and agency mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with individuals served to provide coaching, advice, and participation in daily activities.
• Assist with personal care and daily living skills, including bathing, cleaning, feeding, and lifting as needed.
• Transport individuals to and from group homes and various community locations (if applicable).
• Help individuals develop essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and money management.
• Encourage participation in community activities, social events, and recreational opportunities.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of individuals by providing appropriate supervision and following safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of care provided, health observations, and progress toward individual goals.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the overall mission and goals of the organization.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Related experience preferred but not required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age for positions requiring driving.
• Valid Alabama driver's license and insurability by the agency's insurance.
• Ability to pass pre-employment screening.

Skills & Competencies

• Compassionate and person-centered approach.
• Ability to foster community relationships and social engagement.
• Strong documentation and time management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Working Conditions

• Frequent standing and walking for extended periods; hand dexterity; reaching with hands and arms; climbing or balancing; stooping; kneeling; crouching; or crawling.
• Ability to listen to sounds both near and far.
• Occasional sitting.
• Frequent lifting and/or moving more than 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

The Arc of Central Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other protected status under federal or state law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage veterans and individuals from underrepresented communities to apply.