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Direct Care Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Designated Coordinator

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

Associate's degree in a related field and 2 years of full-time direct care experience; Diploma from an accredited postsecondary institution in a related field and 3 years of full-time direct care ...

Showing results 41-60

Direct Care Associate information

What is a direct care associate?

Direct Care Associates are professionals who provide hands-on support and assistance to individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or other care needs in residential, home, or community settings. They help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management, while also offering companionship and emotional support. Direct Care Associates play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being, safety, and dignity of those they serve, often working under the supervision of healthcare or social service professionals.

What is the difference between Direct Care Associate vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Care AssociatePersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes state-specific certificationsCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, home care, assisted livingHome care, private residences, community settings
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, nursing homes, home health agenciesHome care agencies, private clients

Both Direct Care Associates and Personal Care Assistants provide essential support to individuals with health or personal needs. While their roles overlap in caregiving tasks and required certifications, Direct Care Associates often work in more formal healthcare settings, whereas Personal Care Assistants typically serve clients in private homes. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct care associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Care Associate, you need a solid understanding of personal care practices, basic healthcare knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers requiring certification such as CPR or First Aid. Familiarity with patient care documentation systems and assistive devices is typically necessary. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and reliability help you build trust and effectively support individuals with daily living tasks. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of those receiving care.

What are some common challenges direct care associates face when working with individuals with diverse needs?

Direct Care Associates often work with individuals who have a range of physical, emotional, or cognitive needs, which can present unique challenges. These may include managing unpredictable behaviors, adapting communication styles to suit each individual, and maintaining patience and empathy in stressful situations. Support from a multidisciplinary team and ongoing training are typically available to help navigate these challenges. Building strong relationships and understanding each person's preferences are key to providing effective care.
What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Care jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Direct Care jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Direct Care Associate jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Direct Care Associate job openings:

$49K/yr

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago


Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 240 rated social care providers


Job description

Job Duties

Description

The Designated Coordinator is responsible for coordinating service delivery, evaluating program quality, and ensuring compliance with regulations for people served under Minnesota Statute 245D. This role provides leadership and oversight in residential programs, supporting 4+ individuals and guiding direct support team members.

Pay:

Annual Salary of $49,500

Shifts:

Although the hours for this position are primarily Monday-Friday, the expectation is that you will be available as needed for emergencies and to meet the needs of the program.

Designated Coordinator Qualifications:

In accordance with Minnesota Statute 245D.81 (subd. 1-5), the Designated Coordinator must meet one of the following education and experience pathways:

Bachelor's degree in a human services field + 1 year of fulltime direct care experience with individuals with disabilities or adults age 65+.

Associate degree in a human services field + 2 years of fulltime direct care experience.

Diploma in a human services field from an accredited postsecondary institution + 3 years of fulltime direct care experience.

OR a minimum of 50 hours of education/training in human services and disabilities + 4 years of fulltime direct care experience under qualified supervision.

Job Summary:

In this role, you will assure each individual is provided guidance, encouragement, support, comfort, security, and safety through relationship building. You will advocate that each individual's health and wellness needs are met and that they are accomplishing their outcomes, hopes, and dreams by promoting independence in performing essential life skills. You will monitor and assure the administration of medication and medical treatments as prescribed by physicians. You will monitor and maintain each individual's plan and financial records per regulation and program policies and procedures.

Designated Coordinator Responsibilities:

This is an onsite program position providing direct oversight and support of team members and people supported. The scope of this position includes:

Program Oversight: Direct responsibility for one or more residential homes serving 4+ individuals which includes but is not limited to ensuring healthy meal options, supply and grocery fulfillment, accounts payable processing, etc.

Service Delivery: Ensure person-centered outcomes while safeguarding health and safety through effective coordination of support.

Team Leadership: Guidance and supervision of direct support professionals, including training, coaching, and performance management.

Compliance & Quality Assurance: Monitoring adherence to 245D requirements, organizational policies, and regulatory standards.

Collaboration: Partnering with behavioral analysts, therapists, medical professionals, and community stakeholders to align support.

Direct Care: Providing a minimum of 16 scheduled hours in handson support, with additional hours as needed to meet program requirements.

Staffing and Shift Coverage: Oversight and management of team member schedules and open shift coverage.

Administrative Duties: Managing budgets, documentation, and communication with regulatory agencies and organizational leadership.

Additional Requirements:

Current CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration certification (may be obtained after hire).

Training in supervisory skills, team building, and leadership.

Background Study (BGS) clearance.

Valid driver's license and satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is a dynamic social service organization serving children, youth and families, people with disabilities, older adults, and military veterans. Trustworthiness is a value and strength shared by our employees and recognized by the communities we serve. We offer an Alive Workplace (Supportive, Positive and Fun) and careers that challenge, energize, and reward employees. Consider joining us!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Lutheran Social Service of MN is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of all people regardless of gender, race, culture, religion, ethnicity, protected veteran status and/or disability. We actively foster an environment that is free of racism, discrimination, bias, and harassment where all individuals are treated with dignity, safety, and respect.

Minimum Education Required

Associate Degree

Minimum Experience Required

1 - 20 years

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

1

Public Transportation Accessible

Yes

Veterans Encouraged to Apply

No

Physical Required

Yes

Drug Test Required

Yes

Compensation

$49,500.00 - $49,500.00 / Annually

Postal Code

55318

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

DESIG009653

Job Benefits

Not specified


What Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota logo

About Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, based in Saint Paul, MN, U.S., is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the state, operating since 1865. The company is dedicated to serving the less privileged and marginalized sectors of society and works in the non-profit organization management industry, focusing on social services. The services they provide include counselling, financial services, housing, and disability services amongst others. They firmly uphold their mission of “Expressing the love of Christ for all people through service that inspires hope, changes lives, and builds community.” Their belief in the potential of every individual propels the organization to continue to work on improving people's lives.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1865

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