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Direct Support Worker Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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Direct Support Worker information

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How much do direct support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support worker in Kentucky is $14.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.24 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 KY?

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

Direct Support Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Worker job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,219 per year, or $14 per hour.

Direct Support Specialist PRN- Addictions

Seven Counties Services

Louisville, KY • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Seven Counties Services rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Description:
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Teaches, models, and coaches activities of daily living (ADL) (e. g., personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, educational and vocational goal-setting, nutrition needs); monitors performance of ADL skills and provides therapeutic feedback. Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery (e. g., medication side effects, ADL, communication skills, stress management strategies). Plans and facilitates community-based activities (e. g., medical appointments, grocery shopping, leisure/recreation/socialization); facilitates access to community resources (e. g., AA/NA meetings, school, job placement). Contributes to safe and therapeutic environment by practicing verbal de-escalation and, as authorized, other behavior management techniques. Serves as "ambassador" of SCS and its clients by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about people with disabilities and about SCS's services and programming. Collaborates with community systems on behalf of individuals served (e. g., school, landlord, family, transportation provider, employer). Provides transportation (e. g., driving SCS van or personal vehicle), ensuring adherence to standard safety practices (e. g., driver certification, seat belts, child safety seats); teaches and facilitates use of public transportation systems. Provides personal care, as needed (e. g., personal hygiene, toileting, laundry, meal preparation, safe eating techniques). Administers First Aid and CPR, as needed. Supervises self-administered medication, depending on the specific clinical program's protocols. Identifies assigned clients' food and/or medication allergies and exercises reasonable care to avoid exposure to allergens. Communicates information relevant to care, treatment, and services, with other SCS staff members and, as authorized, with non-SCS providers, to ensure appropriate level and quality of care. May take responsibility for specific assignments within the program (e. g., food programs, admissions at Crisis Stabilization Unit). Documents services and care provided by timely completing various forms (e. g., attendance records, daily logs, shift/progress notes, incident reports, time reports in accordance with SCS and regulatory standards. Maintains confidentiality of protected health information, consistent with SCS procedures and state and federal law. Assist with discharge planning as needed. Provide support for additional training needs of direct support staff as needed. Attends and participates in all required staff and service planning meetings and trainings.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
EDUCATION
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.

EXPERIENCE
  • Zero to one year full-time experience working with individuals who receive services for treatment of a mental health, substance abuse, intellectual disability, or physical health condition.
  • Ability to provide nurturing attention and care to individuals with disabilities.
  • Ability to communicate with verbal and nonverbal individuals.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Teaching skills.
  • Patience and empathy.
  • Maturity and judgment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS
  • Position involves considerable physical exertion, lifting a maximum of 100 pounds, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • May include frequent lifting of patients.
  • 18 years of age or older.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Proof of automobile liability insurance.
  • Positive driving record.

Within the bounds of their respective job descriptions, all staff are expected to exercise principle-centered leadership, focused on customer service responsiveness, with a continuous quality improvement orientation. Additionally, all staff are expected to develop a working knowledge of and follow all policies and procedures related to safety management and other Joint Commission standards.
Time Type:
Part time

What Seven Counties Services employees say

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