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Direct Service Worker Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Parks Service Worker

Ocoee, FL · On-site

$36K - $54K/yr

Performs related duties as directed when such duties are logical/appropriate assignment to position. Qualifications High school diploma or GED. Requires possession and maintenance of a valid Florida ...

FL-Food Service Worker - Orlando

Orlando, FL · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

The Food Service Worker will provide routine food preparation and customer assistance services ... directed, operating food production equipment as required to complete tasks • Operate grill ...

$17.37/hr

The purpose of this position is to provide food and beverage service for catered functions ... Selectee is required to participate in the direct deposit pay program. * Social Security Card is ...

$17.37/hr

The purpose of this position is to provide food and beverage service for catered functions ... Selectee is required to participate in the direct deposit pay program. * Social Security Card is ...

Lead Food Service Worker

Doral, FL · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Directing food service staff and operations to ensure a successful meal service. * Ordering food ... Where you'll be working: TBD By Recuriter Compensation Range Our Benefits: * Medical (FT Employees)

Lead Food Service Worker

Doral, FL · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Directing food service staff and operations to ensure a successful meal service. * Ordering food ... Where you'll be working: TBD By Recuriter Compensation Range Our Benefits: * Medical (FT Employees)

Showing results 21-40

Direct Service Worker information

See Florida salary details

$5

$10

$16

How much do direct service worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service worker in Florida is $10.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $6.49 and $12.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Direct Service Worker vs Home Health Aide?

AspectDirect Service WorkerHome Health Aide
CertificationsVaries by role, often includes CPR or basic trainingTypically requires HHA certification or training
Work EnvironmentCommunity settings, client homes, facilitiesClient homes, healthcare settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, social services, healthcareHospitals, home care agencies, healthcare

Both roles involve providing personal care and support to clients, but Direct Service Workers often have broader responsibilities in social services, while Home Health Aides focus specifically on healthcare-related tasks in home settings. The choice depends on the required certifications and work environment preferences.

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

To thrive as a Direct Service Worker, you need a high school diploma (or equivalent), basic caregiving knowledge, and sometimes specialized training or certification in areas like CPR or first aid. Familiarity with care documentation systems and assistive devices is often required in this role. Patience, compassion, strong communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for supporting clients with varying needs. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure client safety, promote independence, and provide high-quality support in diverse care environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Direct Service Workers, and how can they effectively manage them?

Direct Service Workers often encounter challenges such as managing clients with diverse needs, handling emotionally charged situations, and maintaining professional boundaries. It’s important to develop strong communication skills and resilience to effectively support clients while also practicing self-care to prevent burnout. Many organizations offer training, peer support groups, and supervision to help workers navigate difficult situations and continuously improve their skills.

What is a Direct Service Worker?

A Direct Service Worker (DSW) is a professional who provides hands-on support and assistance to individuals with disabilities, elderly clients, or those needing help with daily living activities. Their duties often include helping with personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, and companionship. DSWs may work in clients’ homes, group homes, or community settings, and play a vital role in enhancing their clients’ independence and quality of life. They also serve as advocates, ensuring clients’ needs and preferences are respected.

What Is a Direct Service Worker?

A direct service worker (DSW) provides personal care to the elderly and disabled. They often work in an assisted living center, but sometimes work directly in the client’s home. As a DSW, your job is to help clients with all daily living activities. Your primary duties involve administering medication, preparing meals, assisting with personal hygiene, performing minor housekeeping, and keeping your client company. Though many direct service workers earn an associate or bachelor’s degree, the career doesn’t require formal education. Instead, the main qualifications are basic personal care experience and excellent communication skills.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Service Worker jobs in FL? For Direct Service Worker jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Direct Service Worker job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $21,296 per year, or $10.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Lakeside Center is a 122-bed skilled nursing facility offering short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, palliative care, hospice services, and outpatient therapy. Our mission is to provide residents with high-quality care while promoting their overall health and well-being.
We are located at 11411 Armsdale Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218
If you're looking to be part of a caring, supportive, and uplifting team, we'd love to meet you!
Why Work For Us? Because We Offer Our Employees:
  • Daily Pay - Work today, get paid today!
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Direct Deposit
  • Opportunities for Overtime
  • Doctegrity- 24/7 telemedicine access for employees and families
  • Wonderschool - Support for child care and early education options
  • Panda Perks & Benefits - Financial wellness tools, employee discounts, and more
  • Comfortable Staffing Ratios
  • A Supportive Team Environment - where everyone is treated with respect, dignity, and compassion

Purpose of the Position:
The primary purpose of this position is to provide social services support to residents and families in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation setting, ensuring their emotional, social, and practical needs are met in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations for long-term care, as well as the company's policies and procedures.
The Social Services Worker helps residents adjust to facility life, facilitates safe and appropriate discharge planning, and connects individuals and families to needed healthcare and community resources.
Essential Job Functions:
Resident Support and Counseling
  • Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for residents in a skilled nursing environment, identifying emotional, social, and environmental needs that impact care and rehabilitation outcomes
  • Provide supportive counseling to residents and families to assist with adjustment to skilled nursing care, coping, and decision-making
  • Participate in care plan meetings to represent residents' psychosocial needs, goals, and preferences
  • Assist residents and families in understanding and accessing Medicaid, Medicare, managed care, and long-term care insurance programs
  • Facilitate family and care conferences to address concerns, discuss discharge plans, and coordinate transitions back to home or lower levels of care

Care Planning and Coordination
  • Participate in the development and review of individualized care plans, ensuring that psychosocial components are addressed in alignment with nursing and therapy goals
  • Coordinate discharge planning and post-acute transitions, collaborating with rehabilitation, nursing, and community agencies to ensure continuity of care
  • Work closely with interdisciplinary teams (nursing, therapy, dietary, and activities) to promote residents' overall well-being and quality of life in the skilled nursing setting
  • Monitor residents' progress and adapt interventions to address changing psychosocial or care needs

Documentation and Compliance
  • Maintain timely, accurate, and regulatory-compliant documentation in accordance with CMS and state survey requirements for skilled nursing facilities
  • Complete required forms, progress notes, and care plan updates as directed by the Director of Social Services
  • Ensure adherence to residents' rights, HIPAA privacy laws, and long-term care facility policies
  • Stay current with federal and state social services regulations and best practices in skilled nursing and post-acute care

Team Collaboration
  • Support the Director of Social Services in implementing department goals that align with the facility's quality improvement and survey readiness initiatives
  • Coordinate social services activities with nursing, therapy, and administration to ensure consistent communication and teamwork
  • Serve as a resident advocate, assisting in resolving concerns or grievances and promoting a positive, resident-centered culture
  • Maintain effective communication with residents, families, and interdisciplinary staff to enhance satisfaction and care outcomes

Education and Experience
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related human services field (e.g., sociology, psychology, counseling, gerontology) required or preferred, depending on state regulations
  • Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of supervised social work experience in a skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation center, or long-term care setting required or strongly preferred
  • Experience in Medicare/Medicaid case management, discharge planning, and care coordination within skilled nursing is highly valued

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact compassionately and professionally with residents, families, and staff
  • In-depth knowledge of psychosocial assessment, care planning, and discharge coordination specific to skilled nursing and long-term care
  • Familiarity with CMS survey processes, care transitions, and resident rights regulations
  • Strong understanding of Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement systems and community resource coordination
  • Excellent documentation and organizational skills; ability to prioritize and manage multiple caseloads effectively