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Direct Care Worker Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Direct Care Worker

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

What HELP offers our Direct Care Workers (DCWs): * Starting pay of $16.50 with the opportunity to earn up to $18.50 per hour based on certifications * Access to funds up to 3x between paychecks with ...

What HELP offers our Direct Care Workers (DCWs): * Starting pay of $16.50 with the opportunity to earn up to $18.50 per hour based on certifications * Access to funds up to 3x between paychecks with ...

What HELP offers our Direct Care Workers (DCWs): * Starting pay of $16.50 with the opportunity to earn up to $18.50 per hour based on certifications * Access to funds up to 3x between paychecks with ...

Direct Care Worker

South Euclid, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

What HELP offers our Direct Care Workers (DCWs): * Starting pay of $16.50 with the opportunity to earn up to $18.50 per hour based on certifications * Access to funds up to 3x between paychecks with ...

Direct care worker

Columbus, OH

$13 - $17/hr

Bring able to work with special need individuals with Autism. You will be responsible for documentation, passing medicine, cooking, cleaning, shopping, taking individuals on outings etc.... The hours ...

Direct care worker

Columbus, OH

$13 - $17/hr

Bring able to work with special need individuals with Autism. You will be responsible for documentation, passing medicine, cooking, cleaning, shopping, taking individuals on outings etc.... The hours ...

Direct Care

Bedford, OH · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Direct Care/ Community support staff to go out with clients to handle day to day needs some clients may also need in home supports.The clients we support have special needs and also may some ...

Direct Care

Bedford, OH · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Direct Care/ Community support staff to go out with clients to handle day to day needs some clients may also need in home supports.The clients we support have special needs and also may some ...

... Director | Board of Directors | 2023-04-03 Job Summary * These positions participate in developing and coordinating Marie's House of Hope, Inc. programs working primarily with residents. This ...

... Director | Board of Directors | 2023-04-03 Job Summary * These positions participate in developing and coordinating Marie's House of Hope, Inc. programs working primarily with residents. This ...

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Direct Care Worker information

See Ohio salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do direct care worker jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care worker in Ohio is $14.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $16.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 Direct Care Workers?

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.

Is a direct care worker a CNA?

A direct care worker is a healthcare professional who provides personal assistance and support to individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or in long-term care settings. While some direct care workers may have Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification, not all do, as the roles and required qualifications can vary by employer and state regulations.

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 popular job titles related to Direct Care Worker jobs in Ohio? For Direct Care Worker jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Care Worker jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Care Worker jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Direct Care Worker jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Direct Care Worker job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Direct Care Worker jobs in OH? For Direct Care Worker jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Direct Care Worker job openings in Ohio as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 14% Full Time, 72% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 68% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,805 per year, or $14.3 per hour.
Direct Care Worker

$13 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Description:

Company Overview

K.E.L.L.Y. Youth Services, Inc. also known as KYS is an Ohio 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation operating group homes in Hamilton County, Ohio. KYS facilities range from 4-12 beds. We specialize in 24-hour private non-custodial group home and independent living programs that foster and empower living and learning for youth aged 9 to 21 years old. Our residential setting programs develop individuals from substitute care to independently living responsible adults.


DIRECT CARE WORKER Position Defined:

The DIRECT CARE WORKER (DCW) is a key role and instrumental in providing individual and group support. The DCW spends their time helping clients learn to become independent. This position helps to ensure all programmatic features of client’s Individual Treatment Plan is implemented, monitored and executed in the most consistent, nurturing and professional manner. This position needs to function as a liaison between facility and its clients, and law enforcement, social services, client families and other organizations in the community.


Responsibilities:

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required.


MAJOR RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Provide a secure and responsive environment so that each client may have opportunity to maximize his/her physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual capabilities

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of and adherence to company Policies and Procedures

• Support clients in all aspects of residential care including educational, community services, employment, placement agency and medical needs

• Monitor client behavior utilizing Crisis Prevention techniques as needed in an effort to assist with symptom management and stabilization

• Track and provide case management with counties and families in accordance with initial treatment plan goals and objectives

• Assist with life skills training to include: personal decision making, health and hygiene, academic enrichment, career development and seeking active employment

• Assist with any and all emergency evacuation drills such as: fire, tornado and severe storm

Requirements:

Qualifications:

  • Degree or Human and Family Services Certification (preferred)
  • Alternative to education requirement comparable combination of education/work-related experience
  • Experience in human services, healthcare or special education preferred, but not required
  • Basic computer, verbal and written communication skills
  • Must demonstrate emotional maturity and patience necessary to understand and accept social, psychological and emotional needs of at-risk youth with developmental disabilities, nurturing their self-sufficiency and enhancing their quality of life
  • Must have ability to represent KYS in a positive manner within the community
  • Must be at least 21 years of age, have valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
  • Local, state and federal background checks required
  • Must be available to participate in mandatory monthly staff meetings and all licensing required training

Ohio Administrative Code Requirements:

  • Must pass BCI criminal record check
  • Must pass FBI criminal record check
  • Must pass Ohio SACWIS Alleged Perpetrator of Child Abuse/Neglect Search as well as Alleged Perpetrator Search of any other state resided in within the past five years
  • Must pass United States Department of Justice Sex Offender Search