Direct Support Worker

Direct Support Worker

At Goodwill, we do more than provide jobs — we create pathways to opportunity and dignity through the power of work. Our mission-driven culture sets us apart, and every role directly supports individuals in achieving self-sufficiency and success. When you join Goodwill, you're not just building a career — you're changing lives.

So, join the Goodwill Hawaii family and help strengthen our community, one job at a time!

As a Direct Support Worker, you will be responsible for providing compassionate care and assistance to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Direct Support Worker supports participants in achieving greater independence, personal growth, and community integration through person-centered services. Working collaboratively with the Service Coordinator, Program Coordinator, and Director of IDS, the Direct Support Worker ensures the health, safety, and well-being of individuals served while upholding the mission and values of Goodwill Hawaii.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Provide direct support to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in various settings.
• Empower participants to make informed decisions and build everyday living and community skills.
• Communicate effectively using respectful verbal and non-verbal strategies and active listening.
• Assist with assessments and person-centered planning to develop, implement, and review individual service plans.
• Support participants in achieving personal goals, independence, and desired outcomes.
• Help build formal and informal support networks by connecting participants with community resources and services.
• Provide assistance with physical and personal care needs while promoting relationship-building and self-sufficiency.
• Advocate for participants' individual, legal, and administrative rights.
• Implement positive prevention strategies and crisis interventions as needed.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation and reports.
• Encourage exploration of employment opportunities, identify barriers, and support career planning.
• Provide transportation and maintain accurate mileage and ride records.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and job performance improvement.
• Follow safety standards and procedures, using protective equipment when required.

Education and/or experience:

• High school diploma or GED required, or employer-provided written attestation confirming qualifications.
• No prior experience required.

Certificates, licenses, registrations:

• Travel is required, must have a valid driver's license and access to an insured vehicle.

Physical demands:

• Must be able to meet the physical demands of the role, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.
• Regularly required to talk and hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit.
• Occasionally required to reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds and up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Requires close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work environment:

• Work environment includes frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions and moderate noise levels.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are required.
• Core hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Must be flexible to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Some positions (e.g., PAB/CLS-I) require flexible schedules Monday–Sunday with varied hours.
• Travel is required.

Goodwill Hawaii is committed to fully complying with all Equal Opportunity Employment and Affirmative Action laws and regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. We also foster a drug-free work environment.