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Direct Service Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Be Seen First

... direct care and service requirements. * Identifies hazards or dangerous behaviors in the ... Ensures the safety of self, consumers, co-workers, families, guardians, and visitors at all times.

Be Seen First

... direct care and service requirements. * Identifies hazards or dangerous behaviors in the ... Ensures the safety of self, consumers, co-workers, families, guardians and visitors at all times.

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Direct Service Worker information

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$7

$13

$22

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.

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:
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 - TBS

Direct Service Worker - TBS

Leading By Example

Nottingham, MD

$26/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

We are hiring for a Direct Service Worker (Contractor) at Leading By Example LLC!

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Leading By Example, LLC is not just any other mental health agency. We are the leaders in the next generation of mental health practice. Our mission; to improve the quality of life for children, adults, and families worldwide. We are a united team of hard working, supportive, genuine life long learners who practice in excellence and strive to help individuals make breakthroughs in achieving their mental health goals and leading healthier more balanced lives.

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Direct Service Workers who work in the Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS) program will deliver community-based services in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Harford County.

DSW’s in the TBS program will work with minors ages 5-21, clients enrolled by age 20 are eligible to remain enrolled until age 21. TBS clients will receive 5-20 hours per week per client, in-home one-on-one visits with individualized behavior modification plans with the goal of avoiding hospitalization or out of home placement. Parental/guardian involvement is required and support with parenting interventions. Biopsychosocial assessment (completed within 6 months of the referral) must be attached with the referral for services. Medicaid only clients.

Compensation & Structure:
This is a 1099 contractor role. Compensation is task-based and paid upon completion of required services, documentation, and training. A full breakdown of the compensation structure will be provided during onboarding.

Without LLC

-1-10 weekly hours $20 per hour

-11-25 weekly hours $22 per hour

-26+ weekly hours and above $24 per hour

With LLC

-1-10 weekly hours $22 per hour

-11-25 weekly hours $24 per hour

-26+ weekly hours and above $26 per hour

Direct Services:

  • Complete 5-20 hours per week, per client, in home visits
  • Engage clients in developing and maintaining therapeutic relationships
  • Assist clients in creating daily structure that includes opportunities for developing skills necessary for healthy functioning in the community
  • Implement health promotion and education, therapeutic recreation, cultural enrichment, and independent living skills development activities
  • Assist with the development and implementation of rehabilitation, health homes, and therapeutic behavioral plans
  • Assist clients with developing and maintaining social support networks
  • Monitor client engagement in services
  • Connect clients to behavioral and somatic health care services in the community
  • Able to juggle multiple families/youth, documentation, scheduling, and deadlines.
  • Comfortable communicating with clients, caregivers, providers, and internal team members.
  • Able to assess needs, prioritize services, and creatively problem-solve barriers to care.
  • Can navigate EHR systems, maintain accurate documentation, and understands the importance of timely documentation and compliance with program standards
  • Willing to work with multiple systems (schools, courts, therapists, etc.) and contribute to a larger care team.
  • Deep understanding of trauma-informed care and working with diverse, underserved populations.
  • Provide emergency crisis intervention and conflict management to identified clients and families
  • Has community connections and is able to research local resources and community providers
  • Passion for long-term growth and leadership in the organization
  • Utilize our electronic health record to schedule visits and intakes and to complete documentation
  • Deep understanding of behavioral modification
  • Understands the use of different strategies for redirection
  • Coping and deescalation for different and oppositional behaviors using structured activities from worksheets or other behavioral intervention tools
  • Participate in bi-weekly supervision and/or training opportunities

Documentation:

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records.
  • Document all interactions, assessments, and care plans according to agency standards.
  • Submit all documentation by specified deadlines and communicate any difficulties in doing so.
  • Two (2) documentations (HBI Progress Notes) are expected per service
  • Signatures from client/parent on all assessments and intake packets
  • All documentation is expected to be turned in weekly by Sunday at 11:59pm. Documentation that is late past the 5th day of billing will not be paid for services until 45 days later due to Net45 terms.

Coordination:

  • Coordinate with community resources and service providers.
  • Advocate on behalf of clients to ensure their needs are met.
  • Collaborate with each client’s various treatment providers on a regular basis.
  • Open email communication

Supervision:

  • Participate in bi-weekly supervision sessions
  • Attend a company staff meeting every quarter
  • Attend a general staff meeting on a quarterly basis.
  • Attend bi-weekly clinical training sessions

Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma required; Bachelors in Behavioral Health industry preferred
  • 2 years experience in Mental Health Industry, TBS experience preferred
  • Familiarity with youth and family systems, behavioral health, and community resource navigation
  • Superior time management skills
  • Reliable and current auto insurance (State minimum for Maryland).
  • Valid Maryland Driver’s license.
  • Active Professional Liability Insurance.
  • CPR/ First Aid Certification.