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Direct Service Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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Direct Service information

See Ohio salary details

$7

$15

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How much do direct service jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct service in Ohio is $15.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Direct Service vs Direct Support Professional?

AspectDirect ServiceDirect Support Professional
CredentialsVaries by industry; often includes certifications or training specific to the service areaTypically requires certifications like CPR, First Aid, and specialized training in supporting individuals with disabilities
Work EnvironmentSettings such as healthcare, social services, or community programsResidential facilities, community homes, or day programs supporting individuals with disabilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly across healthcare, social services, and community organizationsCommonly used in disability services, mental health, and social support agencies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles that involve providing direct assistance to clients or patientsIndividuals seeking roles supporting individuals with disabilities or mental health needs

While both roles involve providing direct assistance, 'Direct Service' is a broad term used across various industries, whereas 'Direct Support Professional' specifically refers to supporting individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions in community or residential settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Direct Service professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Service professional, you need a background in social services or human services, strong interpersonal skills, and often a relevant degree or certification depending on the population served. Familiarity with case management software, documentation systems, and possibly crisis intervention certifications is typical. Empathy, active listening, and problem-solving abilities help you build trust and respond effectively to client needs. These skills are crucial for supporting clients in achieving their goals and ensuring compliance with organizational and legal standards.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Direct Service roles, and how can they be managed effectively?

Direct Service professionals often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, addressing complex client needs, and navigating emotional or stressful situations. To handle these effectively, it's important to practice strong organizational skills, maintain clear boundaries, and seek regular supervision or peer support. Many organizations also offer ongoing training and professional development to help staff build resilience and stay current with best practices. Collaboration with colleagues and utilizing available resources within the team can also greatly enhance your ability to serve clients effectively.

What are direct service jobs?

Direct service jobs are roles that involve working directly with clients or individuals to provide assistance, support, or care. These positions can be found in various fields such as social work, healthcare, education, and community services. Direct service professionals often help people meet their basic needs, navigate systems, and improve their quality of life. Examples include case managers, social workers, counselors, and home health aides.
What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Service jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Direct Service jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Direct Service jobs in Ohio? For Direct Service jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Direct Service job openings in Ohio as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,144 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Direct Service Professional at Westwood

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries Rehabilitation Center, Inc.

Cincinnati, OH โ€ข On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Direct Service Professional at Westwood

Location: 2990 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45211

Job Description

About Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing job training, employment placement, and support services for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. With a focus on empowering individuals to achieve greater independence and inclusion in the community, Ohio Valley Goodwill has been serving the Greater Cincinnati area for over 100 years.
POSITION SUMMARY: (WHAT, HOW, WHY)
Assist participants in facility and community-based programs. Help in implementing a diverse program of therapeutic group and/or individual activities appropriate to meet the desired vocational, physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of the participant served. Areas included are work opportunities, community integration activities, leisure/lifestyle education, special events and social skill development programs to assist in facilitating life skills and experiences for participants in all areas to help prepare them for community involvement/employment by assisting the staff in collecting data and implementation of goal orientated programs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION: Minimum of High school diploma or GED. Twenty-One years or older.
EXPERIENCE:
1) Preference may be given to applicants with more experience. Preference may be given for prior experience in the DD field and /or bachelorโ€™s degree with experience working within a DD service delivery system.
2) Must be able to pass criminal background investigations and various registry and database checks.
3) Must pass DMV check, pass road test, DOT physical and pre-employment drug and alcohol test and random testing throughout employment.
KNOWLEDGE:
1) Knowledge of proper positive behavior support principles and crisis intervention.
2) Must be able to compute and record data for participant documentation
3) Training in CPR, First Aid and Goodwillโ€™s Emergency Procedures.
4) Must be able to clearly and accurately communicate comprehensive information about participant worksite behaviors to staff.
5) Must possess superior judgement skills in order to ensure the health, safety and well-being of adults with developmental disabilities in independent settings.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  1. Help facilitate planned work/recreational/volunteer programs in facility and the broader community.
  2. Address planning issues through individualized instruction and behavioral intervention to optimize skill performance and appropriate social interactions of participants.
  3. Assist in implementing individual programming and provide written and verbal feedback to Staff.
  4. Administers oral and/or topical medications to enrollees after receiving training and when delegated by a registered nurse.
  5. Assist in pro-active disability management and non-violent crisis intervention as needed.
  6. Provide cafeteria monitoring during breaks/lunch.
  7. Assist in getting participants to assigned program locations and ready to participate (i.e. removing coats, putting things in cubbies; getting supplies, etc.).
  8. Ensure the health and safety of the individuals served in a variety of activities and settings both in the community and the facility.
  9. Supervise and train participants on various tasks, as needed to meet standards of facility and community-based site locations.
  10. Check attendance for area assigned and monitor movement of individuals.
  11. Monitor participants before and after scheduled assignments to ensure safety.
  12. Run programs in small group settings both in facility and community-based sites.
  13. Encourage and facilitate engagement of individuals with their peers, community members and during all activities.
  14. Transport individuals in company vehicles.
  15. Document daily on participant goals based on the plan instructions.
  16. Provide physical assistance with participant's personal care needs such as toileting, changing, feeding and related tasks.
  17. Implement training/classroom activities/curriculum as instructed.
  18. Other duties as assigned.

PERIODICAL DUTIES:

  1. Attend annual IP, special team, quarterly and caseload reviews on an as needed basis.
  2. Provide back-up coverage for other staff including personal care services.
  3. Non-violent crisis intervention as needed.

OCCASIONAL DUTIES:

1. Assist in the safe and efficient evacuation of individuals with physical disabilities in the event of a fire or other emergency situation.


WORKING CONDITIONS: (Sitting, Standing, Walking, Overtime, ETC.)

  1. Must be able to move around the facility and the community and assist participants to access these environments in a safe manner.
  2. Must be able to complete paperwork both written and electronic and perform telephone communication.
  3. Various schedule at times. 32-34 hours per week. Potentially 40 hours
  4. Must be able to meet the physical demands of providing personal assistance to participants.


We offer competitive pay and benefits including:

  • Pay rate $18.00/ Hr. (depending on experience and credentials)
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability
  • Paid Vacation and Sick
  • Paid Holidays
  • 403(b) with company match
  • Employee Assistance Program


This is the ideal job for those individuals seeking life enrichment opportunities.
If youโ€™re looking for a rewarding, fulfilling experience, please join our team!!
Please complete application and attach resume with detailed work experience. Incomplete applications will not be considered for the position.
EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled