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Direct Care Worker Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

$8/hr

Mazur Senior Care Services, the leader in small-scale senior living in Michigan is hiring Direct Care Workers for full-time and part-time positions to cover all shifts. Homes are located in ...

Direct Care Worker

Howell, MI ยท On-site

$17.13 - $17.33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Now Hiring Direct Care Workers (DCW) - Join Pathlight Community Services At Pathlight Community Services , we believe everyone deserves a high quality of life. Our mission is to support individuals ...

Direct Care Worker

Lansing, MI ยท On-site

$12 - $15.75/hr

Direct Care Worker (DCW) - Residential Settings Job Summary: A Direct Care Worker provides hands-on support and assistance to individuals who need help with daily living activities due to ...

Direct Care Worker

Grand Junction, MI ยท On-site

$17.13/hr

Direct Care Workers Do you have experience in Home Health Care, Behavioral Health, caregiving, CNA work, assisted living, or residential support services? Bring your experience to Cornerstone AFC ...

Direct Care Worker

Allegan, MI ยท On-site

$17.13/hr

Direct Care Workers Do you have experience in Home Health Care, Behavioral Health, caregiving, CNA work, assisted living, or residential support services? Bring your experience to Cornerstone AFC ...

Direct Care Worker

Bloomingdale, MI ยท On-site

$17.13/hr

Direct Care Workers Do you have experience in Home Health Care, Behavioral Health, caregiving, CNA work, assisted living, or residential support services? Bring your experience to Cornerstone AFC ...

Direct Care Worker

Fremont, MI ยท On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Direct Care Worker (DCW) - Residential Settings Job Summary: A Direct Care Worker provides hands-on support and assistance to individuals who need help with daily living activities due to ...

Direct Care Worker

Grand Junction, MI ยท On-site

$17.13/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Direct Care Workers Do you have experience in Home Health Care, Behavioral Health, caregiving, CNA work, assisted living, or residential support services? Bring your experience to Cornerstone AFC ...

Direct Care Worker

Flint, MI ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We are currently hiring full-time Direct Care Workers for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift for our homes in Genesee County. As a Direct Care Worker, you will engage in various activities that enhance the ...

Direct Care Worker

Gobles, MI ยท On-site

$17.13/hr

Direct Care Workers Do you have experience in Home Health Care, Behavioral Health, caregiving, CNA work, assisted living, or residential support services? Bring your experience to Cornerstone AFC ...

Direct Care Worker

Gobles, MI ยท On-site

$17.13/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Direct Care Workers Do you have experience in Home Health Care, Behavioral Health, caregiving, CNA work, assisted living, or residential support services? Bring your experience to Cornerstone AFC ...

Direct Care Worker

Bangor, MI ยท On-site

$17.13/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Direct Care Workers Do you have experience in Home Health Care, Behavioral Health, caregiving, CNA work, assisted living, or residential support services? Bring your experience to Cornerstone AFC ...

Direct Care Worker

Allegan, MI ยท On-site

$17.13/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Direct Care Workers Do you have experience in Home Health Care, Behavioral Health, caregiving, CNA work, assisted living, or residential support services? Bring your experience to Cornerstone AFC ...

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Showing results 1-20

Direct Care Worker information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$13

$18

How much do direct care worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care worker in Michigan is $13.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.30 and $14.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do you have to be certified to be a direct care worker?

Requirements for certification to become a direct care worker vary by state or employer, but many states require certification or training programs to ensure proper care skills. Some positions may only require a background check and basic training, while others mandate formal certification or licensing. It is important to check local regulations and employer requirements for specific certification needs.

What are some typical challenges direct care workers face when supporting clients with diverse needs?

Direct Care Workers often encounter challenges such as managing clients with varying levels of independence, communication barriers, and behavioral issues. Adapting care strategies to suit each individual's unique needs requires patience, flexibility, and strong problem-solving skills. Additionally, Direct Care Workers must balance the emotional demands of the role while maintaining professional boundaries. Ongoing teamwork and open communication with supervisors and healthcare professionals are essential for providing quality care and overcoming these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Direct Care Worker, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic healthcare knowledge, and experience or training in personal care assistance. Familiarity with care documentation systems, safety protocols, and CPR/First Aid certifications are often required. Compassion, patience, active listening, and strong interpersonal skills help build trust and provide effective support to clients. These abilities ensure the well-being, dignity, and safety of individuals receiving care, making a positive impact on their daily lives.

What is a direct care worker?

Direct Care Workers are professionals who provide essential support and assistance to individuals who are elderly, disabled, or otherwise in need of help with daily living activities. They often work in settings such as clients' homes, assisted living facilities, or group homes, helping with tasks like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication reminders. Their role is crucial in promoting the independence, safety, and well-being of those they care for, while also offering companionship and emotional support.

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

AspectDirect Care WorkerPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, state-specific certificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes additional training
Work EnvironmentHome care, assisted living, nursing homesHome care, private residences, healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, home health agenciesHome care agencies, private clients
Job DutiesAssisting with daily living, basic health monitoringPersonal hygiene, mobility assistance, companionship

Both roles involve providing essential support to individuals needing assistance, often in similar settings. While the titles are used interchangeably, 'Direct Care Worker' is a broader term encompassing various caregiving roles, whereas 'Personal Care Assistant' often emphasizes personal hygiene and daily living tasks. Understanding these differences can help job seekers find the right position based on their skills and certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Care Worker jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Direct Care Worker jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Direct Care Worker jobs in Michigan? For Direct Care Worker jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Care Worker jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Care Worker jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Direct Care Worker jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Direct Care Worker job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Direct Care Worker jobs in MI? For Direct Care Worker jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Direct Care Worker job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $27,325 per year, or $13.1 per hour.

Direct Care Worker

Teaching Family Homes of Upper Michigan

Marquette, MI โ€ข On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description:

TEACHING-FAMILY HOMES OF UPPER MICHIGAN

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Direct Care Worker (DCW)

SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the Consultant/ Supervisor, Lead Direct Care Workers, a Direct Care Worker (DCW) shall work as part of a treatment team in a 24 hour, 7 day a week, shift-staffed group home. The DCW shall implement resident treatment plans, and build and maintain positive, constructive relationships between the residents and their peers and staff. The DCW shall encourage the youth to learn and refine their skills in many areas so that they may develop to their maximum potential and become productive members of society.

The DCW shall perform duties within the guidelines, policies and procedures, and limits set by the agency, State of Michigan and accreditation bodies.

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION:

Direct Care Workers shall participate in the training, consultation and evaluation activities as established by the agency. A DCW shall participate in professional development activities involving training, treatment planning and team meetings in addition to their regular schedule in the program. A DCW shall be responsible for coordinating a work schedule such that he or she will be present for regularly scheduled observation as indicated on the consultation service delivery plan. A DCW shall participate in regularly scheduled evaluations for the purpose of becoming proficient in implementing the Teaching-Family Model. Full-time Direct Care Workers have the opportunity to become certified at the end of one year of continuous employment in the position. Thereafter, a full time DCW will maintain that certification through annual certification evaluation.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

The DCW shall perform general program administrative tasks as designated by the Consultants/ Supervisors, Family Teachers, Supervisor of Direct Care Workers, or Assistant Supervisor of Direct Care Worker. Likely administrative responsibilities are as follows:

  1. In accordance with USDA guidelines, assist with the provision of a balanced and appealing diet for the youth such that their personal growth and health needs are met;
  2. Assist in obtaining any needed medical, psychological or dental treatment for the youth;
  3. Assist in obtaining adequate clothing and personal supplies for the youth;
  4. Assist with clerical work required by state and local agencies, agency and others. For example:
  • Daily youth progress notes
  • Petty Cash
  • USDA Food Record Log
  • Morning Reports
  • Incident Reports
  • Medication Logs
  • Medical Treatment Log
  1. Assist in proper maintenance of building, vehicles and equipment by filling out reports when needed;
  2. Maintain safety, cleanliness and sanitary standards in the home and on the grounds;

7. Relate to the community and community agencies in a professional manner in order to promote and maintain satisfactory public relations for the group home and agency;

8. Keep all medications under lock and key, dispense them only as prescribed by a

  • Physician, and record dispensation in the medication log book;
  1. Participate in agency activities including fundraising;

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

The following is a list of likely DCW tasks which are generated through a mutual decision-making process by the DCW, Consultant/ Supervisor, Supervisor of Direct Care Workers to promote the most productive working relationship and effective treatment:

1 Provide the concern, direction, supervision and rewarding personal relationship needed by each individual youth.

2 Provide a treatment climate conducive to the following:

  • Building the youth's appreciation for his/her own skills and potential to be a productive and valued member of their family and community.
  • Improving the youth's ability to cope with problems in a socially acceptable way.
  • Improving the youth's ability to relate to adults and peers in a positive way.
  • Preparing the youth to live successfully.
  1. Assist in the implementation of a broad treatment curriculum aimed at teaching the youth new skills in several areas, including:
  • Cognitive development
  • Self-care skills
  • Family-living skills
  • Independent living skills
  • Academic skills
  • Social skills
  • Pre-vocational and vocational skills
  1. Assist in the development and implementation of treatment goals, plans and strategies.
  2. Assist in reviewing each youth's progress on a daily basis.
  3. Assist with the implementation of a self-government system to encourage the youth's participation in program decision-making processes and problem resolution.
  4. Implement and maintain an organized and effective motivation system as a teaching tool in helping youth achieve.
  5. Conduct self in a manner which provides appropriate modeling for the youth according to community norms and agency guidelines.
  6. Abide by a professional code of ethics as established by the national Teaching-Family Association.

10. Participate in the operation of the program within guidelines established by administration in compliance with the State of Michigan "Rules and Regulations for Child Care Institutions".

  1. Assist with youth assessments and transportation.
  2. All other duties as assigned.
Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  1. High school diploma or equivalent required.
  2. Direct care work experience, knowledge and experience with the Teaching Family Homes Model preferred.
  3. Be of good moral character.
  4. Valid driver’s license and good driving record. Adequate vehicle insurance if using own vehicle in the course of employment
  5. Background checks required.