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Direct Support Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ARCO

Direct Support Worker (Part-Time)

Monroe, LA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Worker (DSW) employee to join our team. DSWs are responsible for providing support and assistance to individuals with I/DD. The DSW ...

Sheppard Pratt

Direct Support Worker, Residential

Frederick, MD · On-site

$18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

This is a direct care opportunity to facilitate client involvement in meaningful activities of daily life to support their overall mental health and wellbeing. With training and ongoing experience ...

Sheppard Pratt

Direct Support Worker, Residential

Frederick, MD · On-site

$18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

This is a direct care opportunity to facilitate client involvement in meaningful activities of daily life to support their overall mental health and wellbeing. With training and ongoing experience ...

Sheppard Pratt

Direct Support Worker, Residential

Frederick, MD · On-site

$18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

This is a direct care opportunity to facilitate client involvement in meaningful activities of daily life to support their overall mental health and wellbeing. With training and ongoing experience ...

Sheppard Pratt

Direct Support Worker, Residential

Frederick, MD · On-site

$18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

This is a direct care opportunity to facilitate client involvement in meaningful activities of daily life to support their overall mental health and wellbeing. With training and ongoing experience ...

Sheppard Pratt

Direct Support Worker, Residential

Frederick, MD · On-site

$18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

This is a direct care opportunity to facilitate client involvement in meaningful activities of daily life to support their overall mental health and wellbeing. With training and ongoing experience ...

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How much do direct support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support worker in the United States is $16.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 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.

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Direct Support Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,642 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Direct Support Worker (Part-Time)

ARCO

Monroe, LA • On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the world? Are you compassionate, patient, and understanding? Do you have excellent communication and interpersonal skills? Do you have problem-solving and decision-making skills?

If YES, we are looking for people like you to join our team!

ABOUT US:

ARCO, A COMMUNITY RESOURCE is a nonprofit United Way agency dedicated to providing support and services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families throughout northeast Louisiana since 1954. Our mission is to empower individuals with I/DD to lead fulfilling and independent lives through our supported living services, vocational services, and community ventures services. We recognize our participants can learn and enjoy growing their skills and knowledge. When provided the correct supports in their overall day-to-day needs, functions, and activities they can live their lives as full community citizens and with fully vested rights.

HIRING REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • Able to pass a complete criminal record/background check and pre-employment drug screen
  • Provide a current, valid driver’s license (no suspensions or blocks) and social security card
  • Have a dependable vehicle for use on the job and be able to provide evidence of insurance, registration, and vehicle inspection
  • Possess good writing skills and have the ability to use a computer (PC) and tablet
  • Be comfortable working with various participants who may have a variety of disabilities and various levels of competency and dependency
  • Must have a general knowledge of community resources, personal health and personal/home safety, as well as basic nutrition with the ability to cook
  • Be able to perform the physical requirements of the job
  • Previous DSW experience preferred, but not required

JOB SUMMARY:

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Worker (DSW) employee to join our team. DSWs are responsible for providing support and assistance to individuals with I/DD. The DSW provides participants with the support needed to learn to become self-supportive, to engage in activities and to provide repetition of learning opportunities helping to develop communication, self-care, and decision-making skills. DSW employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our goals and make a positive impact by increasing the participants’ independence and involvement in the community.

To be a successful you must:

Be available to work a part-time set shift during the 24-hours Monday-Sunday. The days worked and number of hours per shift may vary, but will be the same each week.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Ensure participants receive support to safely complete their day-to-day schedules
  • Assist with personal hygiene and grooming, light housecleaning, meal preparation, shopping and errands, medical appointments, medication administration and other activities
  • Assist in maintaining an organized, clean and safe household for the well-being of participants
  • Plan and implement engaging activities to promote socialization and community involvement
  • Handle and use adaptive equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, etc.
  • Document participants’ daily activities

HIRING REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • Able to pass a complete criminal record/background check and pre-employment drug screen
  • Provide a current, valid driver’s license (no suspensions or blocks) and social security card
  • Have a dependable vehicle for use on the job and be able to provide evidence of insurance, registration, and vehicle inspection
  • Possess good writing skills and have the ability to use a computer (PC) and tablet
  • Be comfortable working with various participants who may have a variety of disabilities and various levels of competency and dependency
  • Must have a general knowledge of community resources, personal health and personal/home safety, financial matters (i.e. general banking/budgeting skills), as well as basic nutrition with the ability to cook
  • Be able to perform the physical requirements of the job
  • Previous DSW experience preferred, but not required

TO APPLY:

  • Visit the ARCO office at 3101 Mercedes Drive in Monroe, Monday-Friday from 8:30am – 4:00pm
  • Bring your driver’s license and social security card
  • Fully and accurately complete the paper ARCO application

Thank you for considering this opportunity to join our team and contribute to our mission, please submit your application today. We look forward to hearing from you!

(A full Job Description and list of Essential Functions are available at ARCO's Human Resource Department, 3101 Mercedes Dr., Monroe, LA. ARCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer.)

Apply