What is a Direct Care Worker?
Have you heard of the term "Direct Care Worker" or "DCW" but are not sure as to what a DCW is or what they do? We'll go over what a DCW is, what their day to day might look like, and how to become certified as a direct care worker in the State of Arizona, working through DDD/DES.
DCWs, or caregivers, are individuals who provide direct care for a patient, individual or person that needs some form of companionship and provide assistance with Activities of Daily Living, or otherwise any type of physical support or aid. In this particular instance, we will be discussing what a DCW does within the scope of working though DDD.
Many times you will find that there may be someone in your area needing help or care. The unique role and scope of a caregiver is that the schedule and times may be more flexible, or unusual, in the sense that most of the scheduling or needs revolve around an individual. Often times you will be in communication with the families and the agencies, coordinating what times your are available or other times families want a set schedule. Regardless, anyone can take on any shift to supplement their income, occupy their time, give back to the community, or gain some insight and experience into this rewarding field!
What does a DCW Do?
DCWs have a wide range and scope in terms of job duties, but it all revolves around direct care or attending directly to an individual or group of individuals. Depending on the nature of care or service provided, the DCW may work at an individual's home, providing supervision, assisting with activities of daily living, such as laundry, cleaning, transferring, or other tasks that individuals typically would do on a daily basis. A Direct care worker may also provide habilitation(HAH) services, which consists of teaching or assisting someone in developing independent living skills.
In-Home Services
In an in-home setting, the assignment may revolve around assisting one individual or a group of individuals that are siblings or related to each other. Respite(RSP) services may have a DCW providing supervision, ensuring the individual is not left unattended, or companionship, in the sense of being there for them, taking them out into the community and or ensuring they are fed and cared for during the stay. Attendant Care(ATC) services are in place to ensure safe and sanitary living conditions for the individual in care and may consist of a combination of Personal Care and Housekeeping. A caregiver's assignment may be one or a combination of any of those services.
DTA/DTT/DTS Services
Aside from in-home services, a DCW may also work within a facility. Residential facilities include Group Homes and ADH homes, individuals live in those facilities full-time and are cared for around the clock by caregivers. Another form of facility care is in what is called a DTA and/or DTT. The DTAs or
Day Training for Adults is typically a facility where adults will attend on a daily basis to do a variety of activities to increase quality of life for the participants. DTT and/or DTS programs or
Day Training and Treatment/Day Training and Treatment-Summer programs are in place as after school programs for children to attend after school.
ITC West DTA located in Glendale, AZ
Who can become a DCW?
Anyone that gets the required certifications can provide Direct Care services. Though there are are a few limitations, families and friends can provide services for their loved ones. Typically, you will have to be 18 or older in Arizona in order for most agencies to consider you for employment. Once certified, this will make the employment process a lot easier and one can begin working providing direct care as needed. Agencies must ensure that the worker is familiarized and aware of the level of care the patient needs, to ensure they know what they are doing. Places like ITC will educate, orient and allow you to choose what hours you want to work, and who you want to work with, Direct Care Work is truly a unique type of job.
Anyone can become a DCW. No schooling or degree is required, however, a few certifications are mandatory to begin working.
Currently the state of Arizona has approved guardians to be able to provide services and get reimbursed for caring for their own children, if you qualify for services or already have DDD services, now is a great time to take advantage of this opportunity!
What are the requirements?
To get started, particularly at ITC, you need your two forms of ID, a direct deposit form and a few certifications, employment can begin as soon as 24 hours! Aside from the two forms, a few certifications are required, particularly, a Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card, CPR and First Aid Certification and Article 9 Certification. Though there are more certifications available for more specific caregiving scopes, such as Prevention and Support and DCW: Principles of Caregiving, those 3 are the most important and required to start working.
Check out our other post on what a fingerprint clearance card:
and a step by step tutorial on how to obtain one:
There are several places in the valley that can provide CPR and First Aid Certification, as well as Article 9 Certification. You can always call ITC West to find out when one of our free Article 9 courses will be available. Call us at 623 792 8112.
Want more information, or want to start working? Call us today at 623 792 8112 for more information or stop by our west valley office on 9105 N 57th Dr. Glendale, AZ 85302 to get started. There are always families looking for help.
