What Is a Direct Support Worker and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

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.

The qualifications you need to begin a career as a direct support worker include a high school diploma or a GED certificate. You also need a willingness to learn your job duties through an in-depth training program. Although most companies filling these positions offer training, others prefer candidates who already have experience in the field. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are necessary for traveling to patient homes and medical facilities. You also need housekeeping skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and a desire to take on new tasks as needed for clients. CPR and basic first aid certifications are sometimes a requirement.