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Direct Service Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Advocates

Direct Service Worker

Natick, MA · On-site

$18.50/hr

As a Direct Service Worker, you will work collaboratively on a team to supervise the daily activities of program residents. You will provide ongoing support, guidance, and role modeling to program ...

Advocates

Direct Service Worker

Natick, MA · On-site

$18.50/hr

As a Direct Service Worker, you will work collaboratively on a team to supervise the daily activities of program residents. You will provide ongoing support, guidance, and role modeling to program ...

Advocates, Inc

Direct Service Worker

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$18.50/hr

As a Direct Service Worker, you will work collaboratively on a team to supervise the daily activities of program residents. You will provide ongoing support, guidance, and role modeling to program ...

Advocates

Direct Service Worker

Southborough, MA · On-site

$18.50/hr

As a Direct Service Worker, you will work collaboratively on a team to supervise the daily activities of program residents. You will provide ongoing support, guidance, and role modeling to program ...

Advocates

Direct Service Worker

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$19/hr

As a Direct Service Worker, you will work collaboratively on a team to supervise the daily activities of program residents. You will provide ongoing support, guidance, and role modeling to program ...

Advocates, Inc

Direct Service Worker

Marlborough, MA

$18.50/hr

As a Direct Service Worker, you will work collaboratively on a team to supervise the daily activities of program residents. You will provide ongoing support, guidance, and role modeling to program ...

Advocates

Direct Service Worker

Northborough, MA · On-site

$18.50/hr

As a Direct Service Worker, you will work collaboratively on a team to supervise the daily activities of program residents. You will provide ongoing support, guidance, and role modeling to program ...

Advocates

Direct Service Worker

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$18.50/hr

As a Direct Service Worker, you will work collaboratively on a team to supervise the daily activities of program residents. You will provide ongoing support, guidance, and role modeling to program ...

Communicare

Direct Service Worker

Oxford, MS · On-site

... Worker: The Supervised Living Direct Support Professional will provide direct care for individuals who are designated as ID/DD who live in the supervised living program. Services provided will ...

Communicare

Direct Service Worker

Oxford, MS · On-site

COMMUNICARE DIRECT SERVICE WORKER RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. The Day Services Adult Direct Support Professional will provide direct care for individuals who are designated as ID/DD who attend the Adult Day ...

Catholic Charities

Direct Service Worker

Windsor, CT · On-site

$18.52 - $19.02/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Direct Support Worker is responsible for assisting in the coordination of residential services and providing care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Catholic Charities

Direct Service Worker

New Britain, CT · On-site

$18.52 - $19.02/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Direct Support Worker is responsible for assisting in the coordination of residential services and providing care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Catholic Charities

Direct Service Worker

Bloomfield, CT · On-site

$18.52 - $19.02/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Direct Support Worker is responsible for assisting in the coordination of residential services and providing care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Catholic Charities

Direct Service Worker

Somers, CT · On-site

$19.52 - $20.02/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Direct Support Worker is responsible for assisting in the coordination of residential services and providing care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Catholic Charities

Direct Service Worker

Berlin, CT · On-site

$18.52 - $19.02/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Direct Support Worker is responsible for assisting in the coordination of residential services and providing care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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Direct Service Worker information

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How much do direct service worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service worker in the United States is $13.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.65 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How can I make 2000 a week working from home?

As a Direct Service Worker, earning $2000 a week from home typically requires working multiple shifts, increasing hourly rates through specialized skills or certifications, or combining several part-time roles. Most direct service roles are hourly and may not reach this income level without additional responsibilities or supplemental income sources.

Can you make $200,000 as a social worker?

Direct service workers, including social workers, typically earn salaries below $200,000 annually, with most earning between $40,000 and $70,000 depending on experience, location, and specialization. Achieving a $200,000 salary usually requires advanced roles, management positions, or specialized fields such as healthcare administration or policy, often with additional certifications or advanced degrees. Salary potential increases with experience, education, and working in high-demand areas or organizations.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Direct Service Worker typically does not earn $10,000 a month without additional qualifications or experience. High-paying roles in fields like sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship can reach that level without a degree, but they often require strong skills, certifications, or business acumen. Most entry-level direct service roles pay significantly less and do not require a college degree.

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 are direct service workers?

Direct service workers are professionals who provide hands-on support and assistance to individuals in need, such as clients with disabilities, mental health issues, or in vulnerable populations. They often work in settings like healthcare, social services, or community programs, and may require certifications or training in areas like CPR or first aid.

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 cities are hiring for Direct Service Worker jobs? Cities with the most Direct Service Worker job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Direct Service Worker jobs? The top employers for Direct Service Worker jobs are:
What states have the most Direct Service Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Direct Service Worker jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Direct Service Worker jobs? For Direct Service Worker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Direct Service Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Worker job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Full Time, 86% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,498 per year, or $13.7 per hour.
Direct Service Worker

Direct Service Worker

Advocates

Natick, MA • On-site

$18.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Overview
Starting rate $18.50/hour
Come join the Advocates team as a Direct Service Worker! In this entry-level role, you will support individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. As a Direct Service Worker, you will work collaboratively on a team to supervise the daily activities of program residents. You will provide ongoing support, guidance, and role modeling to program residents, following individualized plans to increase independence and achieve goals. You will also be responsible for medication management, assisting with finances, and helping residents integrate into the community.
Are you ready to make a difference?
Minimum Education Required
High School Diploma/GED
Shift
Blended Shift
Additional Shift Details
Monday 8a-4p or 9a-5p and Tuesday through Friday 2p-10p. No weekends required
*MAP preferred.
Responsibilities
  • Participate in the development of treatment plans and attend other treatment meetings, including weekly staff meetings.
  • Document progress towards treatment plans.
  • Perform interventions with clients that address their identified goals and result in skill development.
  • Provide linkage with other program staff and other service providers.
  • Communicate program participant's progress, mental status, and any changes in daily notes.
  • Provide ongoing support, guidance, role modeling and supervision to clients.
  • Identify and address community integration issues for clients with supervisor's direction.
  • Monitor and document medication administration.
  • Ensure a clean, safe and home-like environment for clients.
  • Remain alert at all times throughout scheduled work shift.
  • Ensure all paperwork, reports, trainings are up to date and completed within the Divisions expected timelines
  • Attend and actively participate in core training and maintain certification of required trainings (CPR/First Aid, Crisis Management, MAP).
  • Provide crisis intervention and access emergency services as needed.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree; or High School Diploma or equivalent degree and one year of related experience.
  • Excellent interpersonal, judgement and coaching skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to utilize basic computer applications.
  • Desire to thrive in a fast-paced, client-centered, team-oriented environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication.
  • Must hold a valid driver's license, have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport clients.
  • Strongly prefer a candidate that will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.
Keywords: ACCS, residential services, residential support, group home, group living environment, GLE, Social Work, Mental Health, Counselor, psychiatric rehabilitation, behavioral services

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