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What does a Direct Care Worker do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A direct care worker provides basic care and assistance to patients in a health care setting. They may help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also take vital signs, provide transportation, and perform other basic tasks.

Direct Care Worker job duties include:

  • Providing personal care and support to clients including bathing, dressing, and toileting
  • Helping clients with mobility needs such as transferring in and out of bed, walking, and using the restroom
  • Assisting clients with self-administered medication
  • Preparing meals and ensuring that clients eat a balanced diet
  • Monitoring client vital signs and reporting any changes to a supervisor
  • Documenting client care activities and changes in condition
  • Participating in client care planning meetings
  • Providing companionship and emotional support to clients
  • Transporting clients to doctor’s appointments and other outings
  • Performing light housekeeping tasks such as laundry and cleaning

Direct Care Worker Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for direct care workers, although some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Many direct care workers receive on-the-job training, which can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Some states have certification programs for direct care workers, which may require completing a certain number of hours of training and passing an exam. In some cases, experience working with the target population (e.g., children, the elderly, people with disabilities) may be required or preferred.

Direct Care Worker Skills

  • Patience
  • Empathy
  • Flexibility
  • Communication
  • Active Listening
  • Observation
  • Documentation
  • Intervention
  • Reporting
  • Medication Administration
  • Personal Care

Related: Top Direct Care Worker Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Direct Care Worker

A Direct Care Worker provides care and support to people who are unable to care for themselves. This may be due to age, illness, or disability. As a Direct Care Worker, you will help people with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom. You will also provide emotional support and companionship.

To become a Direct Care Worker, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to complete a training program that covers topics such as infection control, safety, and first aid. Many Direct Care Workers have previous experience working in a healthcare setting such as a nursing home or hospital. However, this is not always required.

The most important qualities for a Direct Care Worker are compassion, patience, and physical stamina. You must be able to work long hours on your feet and be comfortable lifting and moving patients. You must also be able to handle emotionally challenging situations.

If you have the desire to help others and the qualities listed above, then a career as a Direct Care Worker may be right for you!

Related: Direct Care Worker Resume Example

Related: Direct Care Worker Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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