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Group Home Direct Care Worker / Caregiver (DCW)

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16/hr

Our group homes are looking for a reliable and caring support team. Our goal is to provide our ... Caregiver/Direct Support Worker/Home Health Care Experience. * Valid Driver's License * Article 9 ...

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How much do direct support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 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 Direct Support Workers?

Direct Support Workers are professionals who assist individuals with disabilities, mental health issues, or developmental challenges in their daily lives. They help clients with tasks such as personal care, household chores, medication management, and community activities to promote independence and quality of life. Direct Support Workers often work in homes, group settings, or community organizations and play a vital role in supporting clients' physical, emotional, and social well-being.

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 clients' homes or community settings, and may require certifications like CPR or first aid. The role involves strong communication, patience, and adherence to care plans and safety protocols.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2,000 a day often include specialized roles such as high-level consultants, surgeons, or executive-level positions that require advanced skills, certifications, and significant experience. Freelance professionals like top-tier consultants or contractors in certain industries may also reach this earning level, especially with high-demand expertise and a strong client base.

How can I make 2000 a week working from home?

As a Direct Support Worker, earning $2000 a week from home typically requires working multiple full-time or high-paying freelance shifts, often involving specialized skills or certifications. Most roles in this field are in-person, but some remote opportunities may exist in related administrative or consulting capacities, which can increase earning potential with experience and additional qualifications.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Direct Support Worker typically does not earn $10,000 a month without additional certifications or specialized experience. High earnings in this field are uncommon without advanced skills, supervisory roles, or working in high-demand areas, but most entry-level positions pay significantly less. Achieving such income generally requires roles in sales, entrepreneurship, or skilled trades that do not require a degree but involve specific expertise or business ownership.

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
Full-Time Direct Support Worker 2nd Shift: 2pm-10pm

Full-Time Direct Support Worker 2nd Shift: 2pm-10pm

GIL Foundation

North Haven, CT

$19.45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 hours ago

Job description

Full-Time Direct Support Worker 2nd Shift: 2pm-10pm



GIL "Grounded In Love" Foundation Inc. is a private nonprofit organization celebrating 35 years of compassionate care and services for community residents with Intellectual Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, and Autism in Connecticut.



Open Full-time Positions Available *

  • Sun-Wed 2pm to 10pm; Thurs-Sat Off
  • Wed-Sat 2pm to 10pm; Sun-Tues Off

*Overtime available weekly to pick up open shifts



Benefits We Offer

  • Meaningful, Life Changing Careers
  • Enhanced Compensation for Weekends
  • Competitive Pay (starting @ $18.45/hr., potential for $19.45/hr. after 90 days)
  • Enhanced Compensation for Holidays
  • Pleasant, Supportive Atmosphere in a Casual Work Environment
  • Employee Paid Time Off
  • Employee Medical Health Benefits - 100% Employer Paid for Worker
  • Dependent Medical Health Benefits - 50% Employer Paid for Dependents
  • Enhanced Compensation for FT Employees who waive Medical Benefits
  • Salary Based Life Insurance
  • Health Savings Account Plans - HSA
  • Supplemental Benefit Plans
  • 401(k) Employee Retirement Plans
  • Employee Referral Incentive Plan
  • Opportunities for Overtime


Watch aRealistic Job Previewusing the Link and Password: URL: https://vimeo.com/382623907 | Password: GILFdn-RJP1/2024#


About Our Mission


GIL "Grounded In Love" Foundation Inc. is a private nonprofit organization celebrating 35 years of compassionate care and services for community residents with Intellectual Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, and Autism in Connecticut. Our Values & Beliefs describe the kind of organization GIL is and also helps identify the kind of people who will fit our culture. If you want to know more about what it's like to work here, check us out at www.gilfoundation.com



What We are Looking for in a Direct Support Professional

  1. Someone who has a desire to join a mission based organization; and is friendly, compassionate, and genuinely cares for and appreciates people.
  2. Someone who can work with positivity in teams as well as independently.
  3. Someone who is super reliable and has no difficulty showing up for work every day on time, even in inclement weather (typical to New England) in order to relieve other trained direct care workers on duty.
  4. Someone who values integrity, who is honest, faithful, and trustworthy; and demonstrates a dedicatedwork ethic.
  5. Someone who is kind, patient, and flexible; and also good at observing for other's needs, while listening to others, and promoting personal choice and expression.
  6. Someone who is motivated and self-directed to follow assignments and take initiative when individuals need assistance and things need to be done.
  7. Someone who can be flexible with your schedule and availability to work due to the nature of 24-hour care for individuals requiring high levels of support.
  8. Someone who is coach-able, interested in personal development, eager to learn and willing to ask questions.


What a Direct Support Professional will be doing


  • Providing consistent care and assistance for individuals with disabilities living in their own homes - often shared with other residents.
  • Providing personal care and support which typically includes bathing, dressing, and full assistance with personal hygiene.
  • Providing support and assistance which typically includes general housekeeping, laundry, cleaning, and simple household maintenance within a group home type setting.
  • Assisting individuals with every aspect of daily living skills and activities, such as banking, recreational outings, grocery shopping, and general to-do responsibilities.
  • Providing monitoring and support for safety for individuals with disabilities which typically involves following care plans, administering medications, and attending doctor visits.
  • Providing yourfull focus and attention for the safety, support, and welfare of the individuals served by putting your personal cell phone away while on duty.
  • Assisting with program strategies and recreation activities in the home and the community.
  • Providing crisis management & intervention at times for medical needs, behaviors, and other daily support challenges.
  • Supporting meal planning, cooking, and other preparations in accordance with dietary and nutritional guidelines.
  • Assisting with money management, shopping, and purchasing for individual's personal needs and supplies.
  • Providing safe transportation into the community which may include driving an oversize multi-passenger van. Training is provided and this does not require any commercial driver's license.
  • Reading and understanding English in order to follow care guidelines, program plans and procedures, and complete required daily documentation.
  • Investing a lot of time learning about the people you serve in order to better meet their support needs.
  • Regularly completing required monthly and annual training in order to be better equipped for your job - while also maintaining specific competencies and compliance to regulations for all direct support workers.
  • Participating in monthly staff meetings and contributing to a successful team process.
  • Paying close attention to detail and being comfortable working with a computer, which is necessary to support our clientele's needs (training is provided).
  • Providing for the safeguard & protection of individual's personal property, rights, and privacy.
  • Performing various assignments and demands of a physical nature, which may include the lifting and transferring of heavy weight - at times in excess of 100 pounds, with, or without the use of adaptive or mechanical equipment, or staff assistance.


The following certifications will need to be obtained and approved within company policy guidelines:


  • State Medication Administration Certification (Group Home Workers Only)
  • First Aid for Accidents
  • CPR - Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
  • PMT - Physical Management Techniques (Group Home Workers Only)


Full Time Positions Available: (typically 32-hours to 36-hours over 5-days per week) includes weekday (early hours), weekend, and evening hours in a residential based home for Adults with Disabilities. Overtime is available.


Part Time Positions Available: (typically 12-hours to 24-hours over 7-days per week) includes weekday (early hours), weekend, and evening hours in a residential based home for Adults with Disabilities. Overtime is available.


Locations Available:


  • Prospect, CT 06712
  • Cheshire, CT 06410
  • North Haven, CT 06473
  • New Haven, CT 06512 and New Britain, CT 06053 (Part Time Only)

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