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Direct Service Worker Jobs in Lafayette, LA (NOW HIRING)

AFNB Home Care Inc

Caregiver

Lafayette, LA · On-site

$10.50/hr

Previous DSW (Direct Service Worker) Experience. * Previous Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Experience. If you're ready to be the difference maker in someone's life -- Apply today or drop in and see us ...

AFNB Home Care Inc

Caregiver

Lafayette, LA · On-site

$11/hr

Previous DSW (Direct Service Worker) Experience. * Previous Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Experience. If you're ready to be the difference maker in someone's life -- Apply today or drop in and see us ...

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All JobsDirect Service Worker JobsDirect Service Worker Jobs in Lafayette, LA

Direct Service Worker information

See Lafayette, LA salary details

$7

$13

$21

How much do direct service worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service worker in Lafayette, LA is $13.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.27 and $16.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

More about Direct Service Worker jobs

What cities near Lafayette, LA are hiring for Direct Service Worker jobs?

Cities near Lafayette, LA with the most Direct Service Worker job openings:

Direct Service Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Worker job openings in Lafayette, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,215 per year, or $13.1 per hour.

Direct Service Worker

LA Health and Rehab, Inc.

Lafayette, LA • On-site

$10 - $12/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Louisiana Health & Rehab. Options (LHRO) is seeking Direct Service Workers for the following areas:  St Martinville, Rayne and Eunice

                            

Direct Service Workers Needed--Pay Rate $10. to $12.00 an hour

Rayne:

Schedule Shift 7a to 3p, 11p-7a and every other weekend

Eunice:

Scattered shift 7a to 7p and every other weekend 7a to 7p

St Martinville:

Schedule Shift 1p to 9p weekdays and 6a to 6p, weekend 7on / 7off and 9p to 5a weekdays and weekend 5p to 5a

Text 337-290-2604 if interested.


Direct Service Worker

Reports To: Program Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Division: Direct Care

FUNCTION: This position has the responsibility of being the primary staff for clients. As such the direct care staff person is responsible for providing the prescribed program of Active Treatment to each client based on the Individual Plan-of-Care. This employee provides the actual training, and also provides the day to day supervision, guidance, and support to clients, which may be required to facilitate each client's individual learning and development. This employee works under the direction of the Program Director.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: This position requires a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Additionally persons must be at least 23 years of age, but no person shall be employed who is less than 18 years of age.

An employee who fills this position must participate in all training, must work when assigned to work by the Program Director, and must follow the rules and regulations of LHRO. Additionally, direct care staff persons must follow all directions, procedures, and guidelines for the provision of individual program of clients.

PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES:

NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types or work performed in positions allocated to this class. The absence of specific statement of duties doesn't not exclude those tasks from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.

  • Implement through training, individual client's Individual Plan of Care.
  • Where applicable, implement according to requirement individual client's or group Behavior Management Plan.
  • Where applicable, supervise the self-administration of medication by residents.
  • Be familiar with Direct Care Staff Persons Checklist (see handbook). Assist in developing and implementing Active Treatment.
  • Participate in intake and individualized plan of care and development of same.
  • Provide individual and group counseling under the direction of the Program Director and/or House Manager.
  • Record all accident/incidents occurring on each shift.
  • Inspect living areas for repairs and cleanliness.
  • Be thoroughly familiar with all policies and procedures relative to the residents (discipline, medical emergencies, safety, runaway/elopements).
  • Supervise all activities, events, and functions.
  • Provide necessary transportation.
  • Restrict inappropriate behaviors in residents and assist them is developing alternate appropriate behaviors.
  • Train residents in good personal habits, e.g. grooming, eating, hygiene.
  • Supervise, participate in, and train residents in cooking, meal planning, shopping, and all household maintenance activities.
  • Supervise, guide, train, participate, and encourage participation in a variety of recreational/leisure-time activities, social skills, and development activities.
  • Ability to transport up to 30 pounds.
  • Other duties as assigned by Program Director, House Manager or his/her designee.

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