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Direct Support Worker Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Housing Support Worker

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$27.88/hr

TheHousing Support Workerrole provides direct support to youth living in the Transitional Home ... About the Role As a Housing Support Worker, you will: * Welcome and orient youth, providing ...

Personal Support Worker

Kingston, ON · On-site

CA$20.06 - CA$20.89/hr

Reporting to the Director of Wellness, the Personal Support Worker is a critical role within our communities as it impacts the lives of residents. If this resonates with you, please keep reading What ...

Personal Support Worker

Kingston, ON · On-site

CA$20.06 - CA$20.89/hr

Reporting to the Director of Wellness, the Personal Support Worker is a critical role within our communities as it impacts the lives of residents. If this resonates with you, please keep reading What ...

Assists in the onboarding of new staff as directed. * Must follow IPAC (Infection Prevention and Control) policies and procedures. What You Will Need * Graduate of Personal Support Worker (PSW ...

The Flex Support Worker will play a critical role in filling vacant shifts, responding to immediate staffing needs, and being prepared for redeployment where necessary.Compensation Package: Hours of ...

Showing results 21-40

Direct Support Worker information

See Ontario salary details

$6

$12

$19

How much do direct support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support worker in Ontario is $12.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.38 and $14.90 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 ON? For Direct Support Worker jobs in ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Worker job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,967 per year, or $12.5 per hour.

$26.27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Why join CMHA Kenora?


We are a team committed to our vision of mental health support for all. We offer an inclusive, innovative, and high-performance work culture that helps us deliver transformational impact. The organization cares about the growth, safety and well-being of employees and offers:
Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
Comprehensive Health Benefits
o Employee & Family Assistance Program
Paid Vacation Days
Learning & professional development opportunities


Deadline to apply: July 31st, 2026


Residential Support Worker
Kenora Supportive Housing Program


Employer: CMHA Kenora Branch
Job Title: Residential Support Worker
Work Location: Kenora Supportive Housing Program
Employment Status: Full-Time, permanent (Existing Position)

Wage: $ 26.27/hour


For more information, please visit www.cmhak.on.ca


Overview:
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Residential Support Worker is responsible for supporting individuals with daily living tasks while facilitating an atmosphere of safety, independence, social interaction and community involvement.
The Residential Support Worker will work twelve-hour shifts to facilitate 24/7 shift coverage. They will participate as a member of a team of professionals whose focus is safety, stability and support for individuals with serious mental illness who would otherwise experience homelessness or near homelessness. The team will include the resident/client, residential support worker, Case
Manager of the Kenora Supportive Housing Program, community case manager or ACT Team and other residential staff members.


Qualifications:
Diploma in social sciences or human services an asset, High School Graduation Diploma minimum
Experience working with individuals with mental health limitations or demonstrated ability to work with vulnerable populations
Personal qualities of empathy, understanding, patience
Ability to participate side by side with individuals to accomplish tasks, develop meaningful activities
Ability to carry out and model activities of daily living
Interpersonal communication and relationship building skills
Ability to communicate professionally with community agencies
Knowledge of community resources
Cultural Competence for Diverse populations
Recording skills
Computer skills
Demonstrated understanding of personal space and 'boundaries' and the ability to role model same
Ability to manage conflict and crisis situations
Ability to work independently as well as in a team
Valid Driver's License


Duties:
Adherence to all policies of Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch
Side by side support/teaching in activities and skills of daily living (personal care prompts and direction, cooking, cleaning, laundry and gardening activities)
Ensure medications are appropriately stored and delivered to clients at the appropriate times and dosages, and documented
Support for and assistance in developing and participating in leisure activities
Support residents with onsite and offsite programming as directed by the Chief Executive Officer
Assistance to develop skills related to daily living in the community
Ensure the safety and security of all residents during shift, including interpersonal safety and security of the residence
Monitor individual treatment compliance and changes in mental health symptoms
Interface with community services and programs with and on behalf of residents
Plan for groceries, meals, household maintenance and supplies, and shift scheduling roles in conjunction with other Residential Support Staff
Ensure the completion of shift responsibilities and routines as identified in Policy and Procedures
Attend monthly staff meetings and educational/training opportunities
Complete minute taking at monthly staff meetings
Participate on specific Committees or task or work groups as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer
Provide a safe environment by ensuring adherences to Workplace Health and Safety Regulations and Policies, Infection Control Guidelines, WHIMIS and Safe Work Procedures; including but not limited to Fire, Disaster and Evacuation Plans
Ensures client safety and client safety activities are emphasized throughout orientation of new staff members
Supports an environment which avoids, prevents and corrects all activities or actions which may result in an patient safety incident in the delivery of mental health services
Responsible for self care
Other duties as directed


How to Apply:
Please submit your cover letter and resume to: careers@cmhak.on.ca


The Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.