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Direct Support Worker Jobs in Lansing, MI (NOW HIRING)

Moore Living Connection

Direct Care Worker

Lansing, MI · On-site

$12 - $15.75/hr

A Direct Care Worker provides hands-on support and assistance to individuals who need help with daily living activities due to disabilities. The goal of this role is to promote independence, ensure ...

Pathlight Community Services

Direct Care Worker

Howell, MI · On-site

$17.13 - $17.33/hr

Now Hiring Direct Care Workers (DCW) - Join Pathlight Community Services At Pathlight Community ... Our mission is to support individuals in overcoming life's challenges through compassionate care ...

Divine Rest Haven LLC

Direct Care Worker

Lansing, MI · On-site

$17.13/hr

Divine Rest Haven is seeking a compassionate Direct Care Worker to provide essential assistance and support to residents with developmental delays and/or mental illness. Divine Rest Haven is a ...

Divine Rest Haven LLC

Direct Care Worker

Lansing, MI

$17.13/hr

Divine Rest Haven is seeking a compassionate Direct Care Worker to provide essential assistance and support to residents with developmental delays and/or mental illness. Divine Rest Haven is a ...

Merry Care

Direct Care Worker(DCW) MI

Munith, MI · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Client Services More about this job > Description Direct Care Workers (DCW) provide assistance and support to clients who need help with daily tasks. Common job duties of a Direct Care Worker may ...

Merry Care

Direct Care Worker(DCW) MI

Leslie, MI · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

Client Services More about this job > Description Direct Care Workers (DCW) provide assistance and support to clients who need help with daily tasks. Common job duties of a Direct Care Worker may ...

Merry Care

Direct Care Worker(DCW) MI

Onondaga, MI · On-site

$11 - $14.25/hr

Client Services More about this job > Description Direct Care Workers (DCW) provide assistance and support to clients who need help with daily tasks. Common job duties of a Direct Care Worker may ...

Merry Care

Direct Care Worker(DCW) MI

Leslie, MI · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

Client Services More about this job > Description Direct Care Workers (DCW) provide assistance and support to clients who need help with daily tasks. Common job duties of a Direct Care Worker may ...

Merry Care

Direct Care Worker(DCW) MI

Dansville, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

Client Services More about this job > Description Direct Care Workers (DCW) provide assistance and support to clients who need help with daily tasks. Common job duties of a Direct Care Worker may ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDirect Support Worker JobsDirect Support Worker Jobs in Lansing, MI

Direct Support Worker information

See Lansing, MI salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do direct support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support worker in Lansing, MI is $16.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

Where do direct support workers get paid the most?

Direct support workers tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as urban areas or states with higher minimum wages. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence pay rates, with some private agencies offering higher compensation than public programs.
More about Direct Support Worker jobs

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Worker jobs in Lansing, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Worker jobs in Lansing, MI are:

What cities near Lansing, MI are hiring for Direct Support Worker jobs?

Cities near Lansing, MI with the most Direct Support Worker job openings:

Direct Support Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Worker job openings in Lansing, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,122 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Direct Care Worker (East Lansing - Williamston)

Alternative Services Inc - Michigan

Williamston, MI • On-site

$17.13/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

On Demand Pay!Referral bonus and potential for periodic performance bonusFAST REMOTE HIRING!!!Come join Alternative Services! We are dedicated to your growth, job satisfaction, and well-being. Our mission is to support people with disabilities to live meaningful lives! Part-time positions working all shifts are available in the East Lansing, MI area in Williamston.Why join our team?We offer a generous benefits package, including paid time off, paid sick time, employee referral and performance bonuses, advancement opportunities, paid/on-the-job training, and a supportive, team-oriented work environment.We are looking for kind, compassionate, and genuine people to support individuals with disabilities in their homes. Your role as a Direct Support Professional at ASI is to improve lives. There is no experience necessary. Come join a reputable and stable Company that has been a leader in the industry for over 43 years!"My job does not feel like a job, it's like having another family. I could not ask for a more supportive work environment. " KL. 9-year employee."My coworkers are great, and I enjoy interacting with our clients. " LM. 6-month employee."Best job I've ever had!" S.W. 2-month employee.As a Direct Care Worker/Direct Support Professional with Alternative Services, Inc. (ASI), you will have the opportunity to join a company that has served adults with disabilities for over 47 years. Our ASI team is committed to building positive and caring relationships with adults with disabilities in a small group home setting (Adult Foster Care home). Our dedicated staff provides 24-hour care, 365 days a year.A Day in the Life of our Direct Care Staff:A day in the life of a DCW/DSP involves assisting in a variety of daily living activities, which includes personal care (including hygiene, basic health, and administering medication), cleaning, cooking, and shopping. You will also serve as an advocate and role model in all interactions with persons served and will help support them as they participate in leisure activities (at-home and in the community) while respecting the rights, dignity, property, and privacy of persons served. If you are ready to be a people's champion and make a difference in the lives of others, then this job is for you!Qualifications:Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, possess a valid Michigan Driver's license, and excellent moral character.Please visit our website at http://www.asi-mi.org/employment-opportunities/ to apply on-line and we will contact you within 1 business day!Alternative Services, Inc. celebrates the diversity of our employees and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.Job Types: Part-timePay: $17.13 per hour