What is a Direct Care Worker?
A direct care worker provides one-on-one care for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The direct care workforce in Wisconsin is vital to home and community-based services, and the need for direct care workers in Wisconsin is constantly growing.
This article will explain the details of direct care, the qualifications needed to become a direct care worker, and the responsibilities of direct care workers. It will also discuss career possibilities and qualifications required for this rewarding career.
What do we mean by direct care?
The direct care model provides older adults and individuals with disabilities personalized services such as grooming and personal care, housework, cooking, running errands, and aids with appointments and social engagements.
A direct care worker’s hands-on approach is vital for adults in caring for their physical and emotional well-being. A direct caregiver can help clients remain in their homes and retain healthy independence.
Responsibilities of a direct care worker
The exact duties of a direct care worker will depend on the situation, but some typical tasks are listed here:
- Assistance with mobility and transfers regarding wheelchairs and walkers
- Monitoring vital signs
- Preparing meals and, if necessary, feeding clients
- Providing companionship with an emphasis on compassion and patience
Qualifications for a direct care worker
Those who choose a health care career must possess empathy and reliability. Since direct care workers so closely affect the lives of older adults and individuals with disabilities, this position demands a high level of reliability and a strong work ethic.
The education needed for a direct care position depends on the exact job title and the requirements of the client or hiring agency.
Starting as a direct care worker at an entry level helps individuals gain experience for more advanced positions. Those working with individuals with chronic conditions and people with disabilities gain invaluable experience toward a career in nursing or administration.
Consider becoming a certified caregiver
The Certified Direct Care Professional (CDCP) program allows you to register regardless of age. The coursework sets you up for success as a direct care worker, and combining it with hands-on experience like caring for a loved one or volunteering is even more advantageous.
Caregivers with the CDCP certification must also complete a renewal application process every three years to maintain their status.
Workplaces for direct care workers
Receiving CDCP credentials helps those caring for older adults or individuals with disabilities. The accreditation can also aid in several professional settings, such as:
Types of direct care workers in Wisconsin
A career as a direct care worker also paves the way for advanced professional development. In Wisconsin, direct care workers can grow into future positions such as certified nurse aide (CNA), medication aide, licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), physician assistant, administration, or management.
We're here to help at WisCaregiver Careers
If you’ve decided to make helping others in need your career, we encourage you to contact us at WisCaregiver Careers. We would love to answer your questions and help you register for our CDCP program.
We applaud your compassion and desire to care for others and look forward to helping you be successful in acquiring your certification as a direct care professional.
Learn more about the curriculum.
WisCaregiver Careers is a free, professional workforce advancement program that covers all training and testing costs. Plus, certified direct care professionals are eligible for a $500 bonus.
Download the program fact sheet: English(PDF) | Hmong(PDF) | Spanish(PDF)