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Direct Service Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hawaii Behavioral Health

Direct Service Worker

Hilo, HI · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

As a Direct Support Worker (DSW) , you will provide compassionate, one-on-one, person-centered ... To develop a system of integrated services to meet the needs of Hawaii through innovative ...

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

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.

Advocates

Direct Service Worker- Male Only

Newton, 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

Direct Service Worker- Male Only

Newton, 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 ...

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How much do direct service worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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.

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.

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Direct Service Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Service Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,498 per year, or $13.7 per hour.

Direct Service Worker

Hawaii Behavioral Health

Hilo, HI • On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Part-time

PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Hawaiʻi Behavioral Health is hiring Direct Support Workers across the Hawaiian Islands! 

If you're passionate about helping others live more independently and achieve their goals, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Join our growing team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD).

Open Positions available in: O'ahu (West Side) & Big Island (Priority)

About the Role:

As a Direct Support Worker (DSW), you will provide compassionate, one-on-one, person-centered support to individuals in both home and community settings. Your responsibilities will include assisting with personal care, participation in community activities, supporting daily living tasks and personal interests, and promoting social engagement and independence through meaningful group interactions. This role is key in empowering individuals to live fulfilling, self-directed lives.

We are proud to help people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and we would like to share that pride with you! No experience, no problem. We are a team of dedicated professionals that would like to share this passion with you. We provide on-the-job training, support and flexibility.


What We Offer:

  • Flexible schedules (part-time or full-time)
  • Short commutes and local assignments
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement
  • Bi-weekly pay $17-$19/hour
  • Paid time off


What We’re Looking For:

  • Minimum 15 hours/week availability
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Ability to pass a background check
  • Passion and willingness to help our Participants


Requirements/Documents Needed:

  • 1-Step TB Clearance
  • CPR (HBH reimburses after 90 days of employment)
  • First Aid (HBH reimburses after 90 days of employment)
  • High school or College Transcripts
  • Background Clearance
  • Driver's License
  • Signed Resume with 3 References

If providing transportation:

  • Traffic Abstract
  • Auto Insurance
  • Vehicle Registration
  • Safety Check


At Hawai`i Behavioral Health, we believe each child and individual has a special gift to offer, each family has its own unique strength to build upon, and each person who struggles with emotional or mental health challenges can find hope for a better life. Our legacy evolves each and every day as we work together as a team in the lives of the children, individuals, and families we serve.

"A’ohe hana nui ka alu’ia" No task is too big when done together...

Our History: Hawai`i Behavioral Health was created in 1993 to meet the needs of Hawai`i’s children, adults, and families.

Our Mission: To improve the health and well-being of the clients we serve and their families by demonstrating excellence in delivery of social, education, and behavioral health services. Our team of dedicated staff lives our mission.

Our Vision: To develop a system of integrated services to meet the needs of Hawaii through innovative, culturally relevant, and best practices.

Our Values: Dedication, Excellence, Fortitude, Compassion, Individual & Family Centered, Empowerment

Hawaii Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, military status, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.

HBH staff are committed to cultural competence. Cultural competence is the ability of individuals and systems to respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, ability statuses, and faiths or religions in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the work of individuals, families, tribes, and communities, and protects and preserves the dignity of each. Cultural competence is a continuous process of learning about the differences of others and integrating their unique strengths and perspectives into our lives.