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Direct Support Worker
Job Title and Job Description
Direct Support Worker
What are some related career opportunities and job titles in your company or in your career area?
Community support, data management, housing specialist - more emphasis on community involvement.
What new technology will be important?
Human services will use automation more and more in order to keep track of services.
What education or training did you have to prepare for this career?
College degree in sociology
What education or training do you recommend for students today who want to enter this field?
B.A. or M.A. in social work, human services, sociology, etc.
When you were in high school, did you know that you would enter this field?
No
Skills Profile
Skills Used | Rating (5=Most Important thru 1=Not Important) | Comments |
Artistic | ![]() | |
Athletic / Physical | ![]() ![]() ![]() | |
Bilingual | ![]() ![]() | |
Computer Technology | ![]() ![]() | |
Coordination / Using Hands, Tools, and Equipment | ![]() ![]() | |
Creative Thinking | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | Be creative about helping clients to get involved in community |
Interpersonal | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | This is essential |
Investigative / Fact Finding | ![]() ![]() ![]() | Investigate problems/incidents |
leadership and Supervising | ![]() ![]() ![]() | |
Logical Thinking | ![]() ![]() ![]() | |
Math | ![]() ![]() ![]() | Keep track of budgets, medications |
Mechanical Understanding | ![]() ![]() | |
Sales and Negotiation | ![]() ![]() | |
Scientific and Experimental | ![]() ![]() | |
Social Service / Helping Skills | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | |
Teaching / Instructing | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | |
Verbal Communication | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | |
Understanding Nature, Plants, Animals | ![]() ![]() | |
Understanding Yourself | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | Understand yourself; avoid burnout |
Writing | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | Case notes |
Interview By: JML |