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Direct Service Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

D NICOLE LLC

Direct Service Worker (DSW)

Hammond, LA · On-site

$9 - $13/hr

... 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.

D NICOLE LLC

Direct Service Worker (DSW)

Hammond, LA · On-site

$9 - $13/hr

... 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.

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 Aug 13, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,498 per year, or $13.7 per hour.

Direct Service Worker- Deaf Services

Advocates

Framingham, MA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Starting Rate: $20.00/hour

Schedule: Sunday through Wednesday

Come join the Advocates team as a Direct Service Worker! The Direct Service Worker is responsible for implementing the mission of the Deaf Services Division. 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. 

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges.

We’re a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated. 

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.


High School Diploma/GED
  • Develop and document Comprehensive Assessments (CAs) and reviews, outlining rehabilitative goals and interventions, which reflect program participant preference and meet Department of Mental Health and Agency standards, with supervisor’s direction.
  • Participate in the development of the Individualized Action Plans (IAP) and attend other treatment meetings, including weekly staff meetings.
  • Document daily in CBFS Notes.
  • 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 on caseload with supervisor’s direction.
  • Monitor and document medication administration.
  • Ensure a clean, safe and home-like environment for clients.
  • Ensure all paperwork, reports, trainings are up to date and completed within the Divisions expected timelines.
  • Attend and actively participate in all training and maintain certification of required trainings (CPR/First Aid, SOLVE, MAP).
  • Provide crisis intervention and access emergency services as needed.
  • Perform physical intervention in the event of a client crisis.
  • Attends and actively participates in supervision and staff meetings.
  • Ensure that individuals we support are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Advocates Human Rights Policy.

  • HS diploma/GED and 1 year related experience.
  • Must be fluent in ASL
  • Strongly prefer that a candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations
  • Ability to communicate effectively including in writing and ability to use good judgment.
  • Strong computer skills
  • High energy level and ability to function in a team atmosphere.
  • Must hold a valid driver's license.  Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport clients.

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.

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