1

Direct Care Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Direct Care Counselor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Direct Care Counselor Above It All (AIA) is seeking part-time Direct Care Counselors to assist clients with entitlements, mental health services and coordination of care. Responsibilities * Conduct ...

Training & development Relief Direct Care Counselors Division: Shelter and Housing Division Part-Time Pay: $17.50 Per Hour Locations/Shifts Available: * Greenfield: Day shift * Pittsfield: All shifts ...

Training & development Relief Direct Care Counselors Division: Shelter and Housing Division Part-Time Pay: $17.50 Per Hour Locations/Shifts Available: * Greenfield: Day shift * Pittsfield: All shifts ...

Direct Care Counselor

Needham, MA · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Make a Difference Every Day--and Gain Skills You Can Use for Life As a Direct Care Counselor at Walker, you'll work directly with children and teens who are navigating social, emotional, and ...

Direct Care Counselor

Needham, MA · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Make a Difference Every Day-and Gain Skills You Can Use for Life As a Direct Care Counselor at Walker, you'll work directly with children and teens who are navigating social, emotional, and ...

Direct Care Counselor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18.75 - $23/hr

We are currently seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to help care for and assist people with disabilities with activities of daily living in Manhattan. Requirements: * Excellent ...

Direct Care Counselor

Manhattan, NY

$18.75 - $23/hr

We are currently seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to help care for and assist people with disabilities with activities of daily living in Brooklyn. Requirements: * High School Diploma ...

Direct Care Counselor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18.75 - $23/hr

We are currently seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to help care for and assist people with disabilities with activities of daily living in Staten Island. Requirements: * High School ...

Direct Care Counselor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$18.75 - $23/hr

We are currently seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to help care for and assist people with disabilities with activities of daily living in Queens. Requirements: * Excellent ...

$18.50 - $22.75/hr

Ensures the well being and care of the individuals including appropriately using special equipment, responding to changes in conditions, participating and assisting in fire drills, etc. * Accompanies ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Direct Care Counselor information

See salary details

$10

$19

$27

How much do direct care counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care counselor in the United States is $19.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What other jobs can a counselor do?

A counselor can transition into roles such as social worker, case manager, mental health therapist, or substance abuse counselor, often requiring additional certifications or licenses. They can also work in community outreach, school counseling, or healthcare settings, utilizing skills in communication, assessment, and support. These positions typically involve similar interpersonal skills and may require specialized training or credentials.

What is a Direct Care Counselor?

A Direct Care Counselor is a professional who provides support, supervision, and guidance to individuals with physical, mental, or emotional challenges in residential or community settings. Their responsibilities often include assisting clients with daily living activities, implementing treatment plans, and helping clients develop life skills. They play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being, safety, and progress of those in their care, often working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Direct Care Counselors may work with children, adults, or elderly clients, depending on the setting and population served.

What Is a Direct Care Counselor?

A direct care counselor is responsible for providing continuous care to clients in community facilities or group homes that provide help to children, adults, and seniors with special health needs or mental disabilities. As a direct care counselor, your job duties include helping clients with daily activities like running errands and taking medicine and transporting them to doctor’s appointments. The qualifications to begin a career as a direct care counselor include an associate or bachelor’s degree in mental health or psychology, and employers may provide on-the-job training. To succeed in this role, you need excellent communication skills as well as empathy and compassion. It’s helpful to have some prior social work experience with individuals who have special needs.

What is the highest paid counselling job?

Among counselling roles, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, licensure, and specialized training, reflecting their higher level of responsibility and expertise.

What field of counseling makes the most money?

In counseling, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to earn the highest salaries, often due to advanced degrees and licensure requirements. While direct care counselors typically earn less, specializing in areas like forensic or neuropsychology can lead to higher income, especially with additional certifications and experience.

What are some common challenges faced by Direct Care Counselors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Direct Care Counselors often encounter challenges such as managing clients with complex behavioral or emotional needs, maintaining clear boundaries, and handling high-stress situations. To manage these effectively, it’s important to utilize strong communication skills, actively participate in team debriefings, and seek regular supervision. Building rapport with clients while following established protocols can help counselors support positive outcomes and reduce burnout. Many organizations also offer ongoing training and peer support to help staff navigate these challenges.

What does a direct care counselor do?

A direct care counselor provides support and supervision to individuals with mental health, developmental, or behavioral challenges. They assist clients with daily activities, implement treatment plans, and monitor progress, often working in settings like residential facilities or community programs. Strong communication skills and relevant certifications are typically required for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Direct Care Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Care Counselor, you need a background in human services, psychology, or a related field, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with documentation systems, crisis intervention techniques, and basic first aid or CPR certification is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you build trust and effectively support clients. These skills are crucial for ensuring client safety, promoting positive behavioral changes, and maintaining a supportive environment.
What cities are hiring for Direct Care Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Direct Care Counselor job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Direct Care Counselor jobs? The top employers for Direct Care Counselor jobs are:
What states have the most Direct Care Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Direct Care Counselor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Direct Care Counselor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,995 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Direct Care Counselor

Above it All LLC

Baltimore, MD • On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Direct Care Counselor
Above It All (AIA) is seeking part-time Direct Care Counselors to assist clients with
entitlements, mental health services and coordination of care.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct weekly sessions with consumers implementing the rehabilitation activities
outlined in their Individualized Rehabilitation Plans.
  • Document all attempted and completed encounters with consumers, families, and other agencies within companies EHR/EMR system.
  • Communicate and plan services with consumers and their supports.
  • Collaborate with outside agencies to arrange community services and coordinate care.
  • Make appropriate referrals.
  • Report issues and concerns to, and plan appropriate interventions with Leadership.
Qualifications
  • An associate degree in a health-related field; 30 hours, or their equivalent, of college credit toward a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field; or 1 year of work experience in a supervised mental health setting.
  • Must hold a valid driver's license with acceptable driving record and provide own, insured, transportation.
    How to Apply:
    Send an email to hr@aiahealth.org. Let us know what position you are applying for and attach
    your resume.