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Direct Support Worker Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

OPS FOOD SUPPORT WORKER Pay Plan: Health Care Practice Position Number: 50601364 Salary: $15.00 ... Incumbent will work under the supervision of the Food Service Director with direct supervision from ...

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER - 60021449 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 60021449 Salary: 33,760 ... Provides direct services to eligible Adult Protective Services clients. Performs a variety of ...

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER - 60021449

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER - 60021449 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 60021449 Salary: 33,760 ... Provides direct services to eligible Adult Protective Services clients. Performs a variety of ...

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER - 60021449

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER - 60021449 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 60021449 Salary: 33,760 ... Provides direct services to eligible Adult Protective Services clients. Performs a variety of ...

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER - 60021449

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER - 60021449 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 60021449 Salary: 33,760 ... Provides direct services to eligible Adult Protective Services clients. Performs a variety of ...

Direct Support Professional

Cocoa, FL · On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide hands-on care and assistance to ... Working Advantage Membership Discounts - Access to exclusive savings on entertainment, travel, and ...

Direct Support Professional

Orlando, FL · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide hands-on care and assistance to ... Working Advantage Membership Discounts - Access to exclusive savings on entertainment, travel, and ...

Direct Support Professional

Orlando, FL · On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide hands-on care and assistance to ... Working Advantage Membership Discounts - Access to exclusive savings on entertainment, travel, and ...

Direct Support Professional

Kissimmee, FL · On-site

$13.25 - $16.25/hr

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will provide hands-on care and assistance to ... Working Advantage Membership Discounts - Access to exclusive savings on entertainment, travel, and ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

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:

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.

OPS FOOD SUPPORT WORKER

MyFlorida

Port Saint Lucie, FL • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


State Of Florida rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 188 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 50 rated states


Job description

Requisition No: 879967 

Agency: Veterans Affairs

Working Title: OPS FOOD SUPPORT WORKER

 Pay Plan: Health Care Practice

Position Number: 50601364 

Salary:  $15.00 

Posting Closing Date: 08/30/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Requisition #879967

OPS FOOD SUPPORT WORKER

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS

Ardie R. Copas State Veterans' Nursing Home

Port Saint Lucie, Saint Lucie County

Hourly: $15.00

The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs is an agency dedicated to serving those who served U.S.  We are seeking motivated, dynamic individuals!  Our skilled nursing facility boasts a loyal team of long-term employees and a fantastic work culture.

 

Other OPS Food Support Worker positions, and varied shifts may be filled from this advertisement within six (6) months of the closing date.

**Education and employment history must be verifiable.  Please attach any credentials you claim (degrees, certifications, etc.) to your application. **

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be willing and able to work weekends and holidays as required.
  • Must be willing and able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Must have basic computer skills.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in English; writing, speaking, reading & understanding.
  • Must have excellent customer skills and interpersonal skills.
  • Successful completion of the employment screening process to include, but not limited to, a national background investigation and drug test.

                                  https://info.flclearinghouse.com

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience with food service in a cafeteria style setting.
  • Must be willing to work overtime

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS:

Incumbent will work under the supervision of the Food Service Director with direct supervision from Food Production and Services Supervisor in the day-to-day food service operation.

  • Responsible for compliance with state and facility safety procedures in the operation of production and cleaning of equipment.
  • Responsible for ensuring that clean and sanitary conditions are maintained in all areas of the kitchen food preparation and serving lines; turn on and set temperature on grills, stoves, deep fryer, and broiler.
  • Operate and maintain equipment used according to FDVA procedures.
  • Responsible for estimating food requirements; preparation and cooking of all types of hot and cold food items according to menu and approved recipes.
  • Cut and de-bone ham, poultry, and fish.
  • Slice meat according to menu needs.
  • Utilize leftover meat items.
  • Place food items on serving lines and keep serving line well stocked.
  • Maintain, check, and control kitchen inventory to determine quantities available as well as amounts needed for operation.
  • Assist with purchase requests for food, cleaning supplies, utensils, pots and pans, dishes, and paper products.
  • Verify incoming shipments and receipts in the absence of stock person.
  • Attending in-service training classes and performing related duties assigned by supervisor.
  • Perform other related duties as required including special catering events and meal charges.

 This position is in the Other Personnel Service (Temporary) system.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.


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