Direct Care Worker

Direct Care Worker (DCW) Job Description

Job summary:

A direct care worker provides assistance and care to the elderly, the developmentally or physically disabled, or patients in rehabilitation programs. The job description of a direct care worker involves patience, empathy, strong interpersonal skills, and a detailed knowledge of best care practices.

Position Description

A direct care worker provides a number of services depending on the needs of the individual; these might include running errands, helping patients move around their homes, counseling individuals on independent living, and administering prescribed medication.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Direct Care Worker

• Helps the elderly or physically disabled move from room to room around their homes.
• Assists individuals in dressing, bathing, and completing basic hygiene tasks.
• Oversees any required rehabilitation exercises.
• Ensures that individuals take their prescribed medications.
• Prepares meals that adhere to special dietary considerations.
• Assists with light cleaning and housework.
• Teaches developmentally disabled adults how to adopt basic independent living skills.
• Helps adults with developmental disorders learn to make a budget and complete basic household tasks.
• Works with disabled children in the school system, providing support and assistance during daily activities.
• Meets with family to discuss needs of patients.
• Runs errands to the grocery store, laundromat, cleaners, drugstore, and other necessary locations.
• Serves as a companion for the elderly who live alone.
• Organizes activities for patients.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates patience and compassion.
• Possesses excellent interpersonal skills.
• Works well with a variety of different individuals.
• Possesses detailed knowledge of patient’s condition, symptoms, and medications.
• Exhibits ability to think quickly and act calmly in an emergency.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills.
• Communicates clearly and effectively.
• Possesses strong listening skills.
• Pays close attention to detail.
• Possesses physical stamina required to help individuals move around.
• Possesses emotional strength necessary to work with ailing patients.
• Demonstrates awareness of proper first aid and emergency response procedures.
• Maintains friendly and open demeanor at all times.

Education and Experience

A direct care worker holds a high school diploma, as well as an Associate’s Degree or certification as a Nurse’s Aide or Nursing Assistant. Direct care workers are also required to successfully complete a training program, commissioned by a private company or by their state of residence prior to beginning work. These programs can last anywhere from 1-3 months, and usually culminate in a final exam.

Work Environment

A direct care worker may spend the majority of his or her working hours in a patient’s private residence, helping with daily tasks. Others work in schools, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. Shifts vary, depending on the needs of the individuals – some direct care workers cover a typical 9-5 shift, while others cover night shifts, and most rotate between the two. The job of a direct care worker can be physically and emotionally taxing, especially when working with high-needs individuals.

Pre-Hire Requirements:

• Two step TB testing per CDC guidelines
• Physical Exam within 3 months of hire date
• Criminal Background Check
• Adult/Child Abuse Background Check
• Drug testing
• Two Service letters and/or letters or reference.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $14.00 - $15.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:
All Caregivers must wear a mask.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Caregiving: 1 year (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)

Work Location:

• Multiple locations

Work Remotely:

• No

Work Location: Multiple Locations