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Direct Support Worker Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

One Hope United

Support Worker

Deland, FL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The Support Worker is responsible for the daily management of a therapeutic residential living ... Direct experience working in a structured, trauma‑informed environment We Invest in You!

One Hope United

Support Worker

Homestead, FL · On-site

$18/hr

The Support Worker is responsible for the daily management of a therapeutic residential living ... Direct experience working in a structured, trauma‑informed environment We Invest in You!

onehopeunited

Support Worker

Weston, FL · On-site

$18/hr

The Support Worker is responsible for the daily management of a therapeutic residential living ... • Direct experience working in a structured, trauma-informed environment We Invest in You!

onehopeunited

Support Worker

Homestead, FL · On-site

$18/hr

The Support Worker is responsible for the daily management of a therapeutic residential living ... • Direct experience working in a structured, trauma-informed environment We Invest in You!

onehopeunited

Support Worker

Deland, FL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The Support Worker is responsible for the daily management of a therapeutic residential living ... • Direct experience working in a structured, trauma-informed environment We Invest in You!

One More Child

Family Support Worker

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

The Family Support Worker will provide support services to appropriate personnel, programs and ... To meet and maintain the One More Child caseload standards and goals, as outlined by the Director ...

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Direct Support Worker information

See Florida salary details

$7

$12

$15

How much do direct support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support worker in Florida is $12.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.77 and $13.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by direct support workers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Direct Support Workers often encounter challenges such as managing clients with complex behavioral or medical needs and adapting to varying routines. Effective communication, patience, and ongoing training are essential in navigating these situations. Building strong, trusting relationships with clients and collaborating closely with families and healthcare professionals can also help manage difficulties. Many organizations provide regular supervision and access to support networks, which can be valuable resources for addressing workplace challenges.

What are the duties of a direct support worker?

A direct support worker provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions, helping with daily activities such as personal care, meal preparation, medication management, and transportation. They also support clients in developing independence and social skills, often working in community or residential settings and following care plans under supervision.

What is the difference between Direct Support Worker vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Support WorkerPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsOften requires certifications like CPR, First Aid, and sometimes specialized trainingMay require similar certifications, especially First Aid and CPR, but less specialized training
Work EnvironmentSupports individuals with disabilities, mental health, or developmental needs in community or residential settingsProvides personal care services in clients' homes or healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome healthcare agencies, private households, healthcare facilities

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, but Direct Support Workers typically work with people with disabilities or mental health needs in community settings, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal care in home or healthcare environments. The certifications and work environments overlap, but the focus and client needs differ slightly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Worker, you need a foundational understanding of person-centered care, basic health and safety practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with documentation systems, assistive technology, and first aid/CPR certification is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to communicate compassionately make someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial to effectively support individuals with disabilities, ensure their well-being, and foster independence in daily living.

What is a direct support worker?

As a direct support worker, you provide care and training for people with developmental disabilities. You offer community support by using your skills and experience to help individuals become more active and social. Some direct support workers provide live-in, 24-hour support for clients, while others provide care on a regular, but less constant, basis. A career as a direct support worker requires you have some formal qualifications and education, typically a bachelor’s degree in health, counseling, or a related field.

More about Direct Support Worker jobs

What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Worker jobs in FL?

For Direct Support Worker jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Direct Support Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Worker job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,140 per year, or $12.1 per hour.

Support Worker

One Hope United

Deland, FL • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

One Hope United rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Support Worker is responsible for the daily management of a therapeutic residential living environment at our Hope house in Deland, FL. The support worker promotes the learning of skills for emotional, mental, and physical health; provides a therapeutic, safe, and structured environment, as specified, in each youth’s Individual Treatment Plan.

Job Duties Include:
  • Provides supervision of youth in accordance with OHU and DCF policies
  • Maintains a therapeutic home Interactions with all clients reflect a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach
  • Teaches, models, and participates in individual and group instruction in daily living, recreational activities, social skills, emotional regulation skills, and independent living skills as prescribed by each youth’s Individual Treatment Plan and the OHU Residential Program Plan.
  • Continually trains and maintains certification in the implementation of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) or other approved behavior modification program
  • Follows OHU Residential Program Plan, including daily schedule, administration of expectations and associated consequences, and mental health treatment of youth in residential care
  • Demonstrates the highest investment in and commitment to quality improvement practices in order to continuously improve the delivery of services to our clients
  • Maintains a spirit of teamwork with other residential home staff; this includes attending weekly team meetings and staffings, as required
  • Attends meetings, training, seminars, and conferences as assigned by supervisory or administrative staff
  • Transports clients (youth) and their families to mandated court hearings, school appointments, doctor appointments or other case related appointments
  • Completes all documentation required for the position in a timely and accurate manner
  • Abides by client and program confidentiality to the highest standard
Qualifications
Education
  • High School Diploma or GED
Other
  • Minimum 21 years of age
  • Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record with OHU required levels of coverage for auto insurance
  • DCF background check amp; approval to transport youth
Required Skills
1–2 years of experience working with children, adolescents, or young adults, preferably in:
  • Residential treatment centers
  • Group homes
  • Foster care or child welfare programs
  • Juvenile justice or diversion programs
  • Mental health or behavioral health settings
  • Experience supporting youth with behavioral, emotional, or developmental challenges
  • Hands‑on experience with behavior management, crisis intervention, or de‑escalation techniques
  • Experience maintaining documentation, incident reports, and daily activity logs
  • Direct experience working in a structured, trauma‑informed environment
We Invest in You!
  • Tuition assistance up to $2500 per year
  • Up to 4 weeks paid Vacation Days, up to 6 paid Personal Days, and up to 5 paid Sick days annually
  • Medical, dental, vision, 403b Retirement, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and short-term disability options
  • Agency paid life up to $50K based on salary
  • Voluntary Supplemental Life for Employee, Spouse, and Child(ren)
  • Voluntary Legal Plans
  • Agency paid long term after 1 year of employment
  • Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities
  • Free LCSW and LCPC Supervision hours available in some locations
A Different Kind of Employer One Hope United is strong and ready to grow. Are you ready to grow with us?
  • 800+ talented professionals strong, serving 10,000 children and families in Illinois, and Florida
  • Fiscally stable, $70 Million agency-- strong since 1895
  • Energetic leadership and a rich community of support
One Hope United does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. One Hope United is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. OHU participates in E-Verify.

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