Career Outlook Project
Direct Support Worker

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Job Title / 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 UsedRating (5=Most Important thru
1=Not Important)		Comments
Artistic 1-Not Important 
Athletic / Physical 3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important 
Bilingual 2-Less Important2-Less Important 
Computer Technology 2-Less Important2-Less Important 
Coordination / Using Hands, Tools, and Equipment 2-Less Important2-Less Important 
Creative Thinking 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very ImportantBe creative about helping clients to get involved in community 
Interpersonal 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most ImportantThis is essential 
Investigative / Fact Finding 3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat ImportantInvestigate problems/incidents 
leadership and Supervising 3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important 
Logical Thinking3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important 
Math 3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat ImportantKeep track of budgets, medications 
Mechanical Understanding 2-Less Important2-Less Important 
Sales and Negotiation 2-Less Important2-Less Important 
Scientific and Experimental 2-Less Important2-Less Important 
Social Service / Helping Skills 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important 
Teaching / Instructing 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important 
Verbal Communication 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important 
Understanding Nature, Plants, Animals 2-Less Important2-Less Important 
Understanding Yourself 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most ImportantUnderstand yourself; avoid burnout 
Writing 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very ImportantCase notes 
 

Interview By: JML