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Direct Service Worker Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Sodexo

Food Service Student Worker

Daytona Beach, FL · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Food Service Student Worker Location: EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY - 94144006 Workdays ... You will work under the direct supervision of on-site Sodexo management and will serve in a role as ...

Sodexo

Food Service Student Worker

Daytona Beach, FL · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Food Service Student Worker Location: EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY - 94144006 Workdays ... You will work under the direct supervision of on-site Sodexo management and will serve in a role as ...

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Direct Service Worker information

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How much do direct service worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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?

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.

More about Direct Service Worker jobs
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:
Direct Service Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Worker job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $21,296 per year, or $10.2 per hour.

Worker, Food Service-6 hr; Harllee

The School District of Manatee County

Sarasota, FL • On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

School District of Manatee County rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

430th of 629 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF MANATEE COUNTY
Local Title: FOOD SERVICE WORKER
State Title: Food Service Worker
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB GOAL:
To provide support to the food service department in serving great tasting, healthy foods in a clean inviting atmosphere.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. High School Diploma or GED preferred, or agreement to participate in a District sponsored GED preparation.
  2. Approved school district sponsored graduation plan.
  3. Must pass a physical exam.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Basic knowledge of quantity food preparation, and ability to use food service equipment. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Ability to understand and follow multi-step written and oral instructions. Ability to work under direct supervision using standardized procedures. Ability to schedule activities, collate data, and use job-related equipment. Ability to work well with a wide diversity of individuals. Ability to take and follow directions. Ability to problem solve by identifying issues and selecting corrective action plans. Ability to adhere to food safety practices. Knowledge is required to perform basic math.
REPORTS TO:
Manager, Food & Nutrition Services
Principal
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Inventories food, condiments, and supplies for the purpose of ensuring availability of items required for meeting projected menu requirements.
  2. Performs functions of other nutritional services positions, as requested by supervisor for the purpose of ensuring adequate staff coverage within food and nutrition services operations.
  3. Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
  4. Cleans utensils, equipment, and storage, food preparation and serving areas for the purpose of maintaining required sanitary conditions.
  5. Inspects food items and/or supplies for the purpose of verifying quantity and specifications of orders and/or complying with mandated health standards.
  6. Maintains equipment, storage, food preparation and serving areas in a sanitary condition for the purpose of complying with current health standards.
  7. Monitors kitchen and cafeteria areas for the purpose of ensuring a safe and sanitary working environment.
  8. Prepares food and beverage items for the purpose of meeting mandated nutritional and projected meal requirements.
  9. Serves one or more items of food for the purpose of meeting nutritional requirements and/or requests of students and school personnel.
  10. Arranges food and beverage items for the purpose of serving them to students and staff in an efficient manner.
  11. Attends site meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of gathering information required to perform job functions.
  12. Monitors equipment malfunctions and/or damage for the purpose of notifying supervisor of need for repair and/or replacement.

ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Stand for up to six (6) continuous hours.
  • Stoop, squat, kneel, and/or bend in a manner that allows the palms to touch the floor (as in cleaning baseboards, equipment, etc.).
  • Bend from a standing position in a manner that allows the palms to touch the knees (as in washing of pots and pans in deep sinks, and cleaning milk boxes).
  • Bend from the waist in a standing position with the arms outstretched for an extended period of time (as in the service of food).
  • Twist, turn, and/or stretch from side to side that allows the shoulders to be perpendicular to the hips (as in sweeping, mopping, stocking shelves removing food from ovens).
  • Lift, carry, and/or support 30 pounds from shoulder level to above head (as in placing food in ovens, freezer, stockroom shelves etc.).
  • Perform duties requiring non-repetitive motions with hands and wrist (as in slicing, dicing, washing, counting money, writing, scrubbing, scraping, etc.).
  • Stock, wash, prepare, serve, and handle all types of foods.
  • Work with caustic and non-caustic chemicals.
  • Work in hot, humid environment.
  • Maintain high standards of personal cleanliness.
  • Learn food preparation, serving, and clean-up procedures.
  • Learn sound sanitation principles.
  • Understand and follow oral and written directions.
  • Learn foods, equipment, and techniques used in food preparation, service, and clean-up.
  • Read, write, and utilize basic math skills.
  • Use and/or learn basic computer skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work in this job classification is considered medium physical work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 30 pounds of force frequently and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District's approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the District.
EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.
Board approved:
03/12/2007
Revised:
04/14/2008
02/21/2012
05/22/2018
12/11/2018
SALARY SCHEDULE: AFSCME
PAYGRADE: VARIOUS
SHORT TITLE: FDS007, FDS009, FDS010, FDS011, FDS012, FDS013, FDS014, FDS015, FDS049, FDS052
STATE JOB CODE: 76023
Pay Scale
Negotiated Starting Hourly : $17.23

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