Direct Care Worker

Position:
Direct Care Worker (DCW) - Residential Settings Job Summary

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 safety, and enhance the overall quality of life for clients in residential homes, community settings, or care facilities while maintaining dignity and respect.

• Assist clients with activities of daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating.
• Provide mobility assistance, including transferring, lifting, and helping clients walk or use mobility devices.
• Prepare meals and assist with feeding when necessary.
• Administer or assist clients to take prescribed medications according to individual care plans with following agency procedures and maintain accurate documents.
• Support clients in developing life skills, independence, and social engagement.
• Accompany clients to appointments, community activities, and outings.
• Monitor and report changes in clients’ physical or emotional conditions to supervisors or healthcare professionals.
• Maintain accurate documentation of care provided, incidents, and client progress.
• Ensure a safe, clean, positive and supportive living environment.
• Follow all organizational policies, procedures, health and safety standards, and confidentiality requirements.
• Attend, participate and implement any and all training requested by supervisor.
• Provide all services with dignity and respect.
• Immediately report any and all incidents, accidents or Recipient Rights Violations.
• Any and all duties or tasks requested or assigned by a supervisor or manager.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be 18+ years of age.
• Prior experience in direct care, personal support or similar roles preferred but not required.
• Ability to pass background checks, physical and drug screenings as required by employer and/or state regulations.
• Provide proof of eligibility to work legally within the U.S.
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record and reliable transportation may be required.
• Ability to successfully pass all required trainings.

• Patience, empathy and a genuine interest in supporting individuals with diverse needs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to person-centered support and ability to follow the individual plans.
• Basic problem-solving and crisis management abilities.
• Physical stamina to assist with lifting, transferring, and extended periods of standing or walking.

Direct Care Workers may work in group homes, assisted living facilities, private residences, day programs, or community-based settings. The role may involve evening, weekend, or overnight shifts depending on client needs.

• Ability to lift and transfer clients safely (often up to 25–50 pounds or more with assistance).
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and move frequently during shifts.