Direct Support Professional Paid Apprentice Earn and Learn

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

Direct Care Professional Apprentice

North Star Community Services - Waterloo, IA

North Star Community Services is offering the area's first Direct Support Professional Apprenticeship Program - a paid, one‑year "earn‑while‑you‑learn" opportunity leading to a nationally recognized certificate and potential leadership roles.

What You\'ll Do

• Participate in structured training including online modules, classroom instruction, and job shadowing.

• Work with experienced mentors who support your 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.

Required Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Compassion and empathy

• Willingness to learn and adapt

• Basic computer literacy

Benefits

• Health insurance

• Dental coverage

• 401(k) retirement savings

• Training, development, and advancement opportunities

• Participation in a nationally recognized apprenticeship program

Prior to confirmation of a job offer, candidates for employment will be required to complete a criminal history and dependent abuse registry check that will be reviewed prior to confirmation of a job offer.

North Star Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.