Daily Living Support Worker in Utah Career Overview

As a Daily Living Support Worker, you are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals who require assistance with daily activities. Your role is vital in providing support to individuals who may have physical disabilities, mental health challenges, or age-related needs.

Key aspects of your role include:

  • Personal Assistance: You help individuals with tasks that may be difficult for them, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal preparation. Your support promotes independence and dignity in their daily routines.

  • Emotional Support: Building trusting relationships with clients is essential. You provide companionship and emotional encouragement, helping individuals cope with feelings of isolation or frustration.

  • Community Integration: You assist clients in participating in community activities, promoting social interaction and engagement. This can include accompanying them to appointments, social events, or recreational activities.

  • Health Monitoring: Part of your responsibilities may involve observing clients' health and reporting any changes to healthcare professionals, ensuring that their medical needs are met.

  • Advocacy: You often serve as a liaison between clients and their families or healthcare providers, advocating for their needs and preferences while ensuring their voices are heard.

Your contributions as a Daily Living Support Worker are not only critical to the well-being of those you assist but also enhance the overall effectiveness of health and social support systems within the community. Your work enables individuals to lead more fulfilling and independent lives, reinforcing the importance of supportive care in fostering a healthier society.

Daily Living Support Worker Salary in Utah

Annual Median: $35,020
Hourly Median: $16.84

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Daily Living Support Worker in Utah

To become a Daily Living Support Worker in Utah, you will need specific educational qualifications and training. Here are some relevant college degree programs that can help you prepare for this role:

  • Adult Development and Aging: This program focuses on the developmental processes of adults, including the physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that occur with aging. This knowledge is beneficial for understanding the needs of older adults and providing appropriate support.

  • Adult Literacy Instructor: While this program primarily focuses on teaching literacy skills, the strategies learned can be applied to aid individuals in developing essential life skills. This training is particularly useful for supporting clients who may struggle with communication or comprehension.

  • Family and Community Services: This degree provides a strong foundation in understanding family dynamics and community resources. It equips you with the knowledge to assist clients and their families in navigating social services and community support systems effectively.

  • Health Aide: Training in this program prepares you for providing basic health support and personal care. You will learn essential skills to monitor health conditions and assist clients with daily living activities while ensuring their well-being.

  • Human Services: A degree in human services covers a broad range of topics related to social welfare, counseling, and community resources. This knowledge helps you understand the complexities of the services available to clients and allows you to advocate effectively on their behalf.

Pursuing one of these degree programs will provide you with the foundational education and training necessary for a successful career as a Daily Living Support Worker.

Best Schools to become a Daily Living Support Worker in Utah 2024

Utah Valley University

Orem, UT

In-State Tuition:$5,614
Out-of-State Tuition:$17,174
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:39%
Total Enrollment:43,099

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL

In-State Tuition:$4,477
Out-of-State Tuition:$25,694
Admission Rate:23%
Graduation Rate:90%
Total Enrollment:55,211

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

In-State Tuition:$16,437
Out-of-State Tuition:$42,427
Admission Rate:88%
Graduation Rate:82%
Total Enrollment:50,023

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD

In-State Tuition:$9,695
Out-of-State Tuition:$37,931
Admission Rate:45%
Graduation Rate:89%
Total Enrollment:40,792

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, HI

In-State Tuition:$11,304
Out-of-State Tuition:$33,336
Admission Rate:73%
Graduation Rate:62%
Total Enrollment:19,074

Sinclair Community College

Dayton, OH

In-State Tuition:$3,889
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,636
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:30%
Total Enrollment:17,591
Daily Living Support Worker Job Description:
  • Provide personalized assistance to individuals with disabilities or illness who require help with personal care and activities of daily living support (e.
  • g.
  • , feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and ambulation).
  • May also provide help with tasks such as preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, and doing laundry.
  • Work is performed in various settings depending on the needs of the care recipient and may include locations such as their home, place of work, out in the community, or at a daytime nonresidential facility.

Daily Living Support Worker Required Skills and Competencies in Utah

  • Communication Skills: You need to effectively convey information and provide support to clients, their families, and other caregivers. Active listening and clear verbal and written communication are essential.

  • Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and acknowledging the feelings and needs of clients ensures that you provide the emotional support necessary for their well-being.

  • Patience: Working with individuals who may have various challenges requires a calm demeanor and the ability to remain composed in stressful situations.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: You should be able to assess situations quickly and come up with effective solutions to challenges that may arise during daily care.

  • Interpersonal Skills: Building trusting relationships with clients and their families is crucial. Strong interpersonal skills help you connect and engage effectively.

  • Time Management: You must efficiently prioritize tasks and manage your time to ensure all clients receive the attention and care they require.

  • Adaptability: The ability to adjust your approach based on each client’s unique needs and circumstances is important in providing personalized support.

  • Critical Thinking: Evaluating situations, assessing client needs, and making informed decisions are key components of your role.

  • Physical Stamina: The job may require physical activity, including assisting clients with mobility or performing household tasks, so maintaining a reasonable level of physical fitness is beneficial.

  • Basic Healthcare Knowledge: Understanding basic health and safety protocols, as well as knowledge of common medical issues affecting your clients, aids in delivering appropriate care.

  • Cultural Competence: Awareness and sensitivity to the diverse backgrounds of clients will enhance your ability to meet their individual needs respectfully and effectively.

  • Organizational Skills: Keeping accurate records of client care, schedules, and medications requires strong organizational abilities to ensure that all details are handled efficiently.

Job Duties for Daily Living Support Workers

  • Administer bedside or personal care, such as ambulation or personal hygiene assistance.

  • Perform healthcare-related tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and medication, under the direction of registered nurses or physiotherapists.

  • Prepare and maintain records of client progress and services performed, reporting changes in client condition to manager or supervisor.

Technologies and Skills Used by Daily Living Support Workers

Computer based training software

  • Appletree

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Voltage SecureMail

Medical software

  • MEDITECH software

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Social

  • Looking for ways to help people
  • Understanding people's reactions

Job Market and Opportunities for Daily Living Support Worker in Utah

The job market for Daily Living Support Workers in Utah is characterized by a robust demand and encouraging growth potential. As an increasing number of individuals require assistance due to aging, disabilities, or other life circumstances, the need for compassionate, reliable support workers continues to rise.

  • Demand: The demand for Daily Living Support Workers is high, reflecting a broader national trend towards home-based care services. Hospitals and healthcare organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of providing support in a familiar environment, fostering a surge in employment opportunities within this sector.

  • Growth Potential: Employment prospects are projected to grow significantly over the next several years. The state’s initiative to improve healthcare access and investments in community care services bolster this growth, encouraging more people to seek employment in this field. The increasing emphasis on personalized care and support ensures that your role will remain relevant and essential.

  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Salt Lake City: As the state capital and largest city, Salt Lake City houses numerous healthcare facilities, non-profits, and community organizations actively hiring Daily Living Support Workers.
    • Provo: This area is home to a growing population and healthcare infrastructure catering to diverse support needs, creating numerous job openings.
    • Ogden: The expanding healthcare sector in Ogden presents opportunities for support workers, particularly with an aging population requiring assistance.
    • St. George: Known for its retiree community, St. George has a consistent demand for Daily Living Support Workers to serve its aging residents.

As you explore career possibilities in this field, consider these factors and locations that underscore the vibrant job market available to Daily Living Support Workers in Utah.

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Daily Living Support Worker in Utah

  • Utah Department of Human Services
    Explore resources related to support services, training, and qualifications for Daily Living Support Workers.
    Utah Department of Human Services

  • National Association of Home Care & Hospice (NAHC)
    Access a range of educational materials and advocacy resources relevant to home care and support work.
    National Association of Home Care & Hospice

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
    Review guidelines and information on the standards and regulations affecting home and community-based services.
    CMS

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
    Find detailed statistics, job outlooks, and wage information specific to Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides.
    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

  • State of Utah's Medicaid Program
    Understand Medicaid services and eligibility that may affect the role and responsibilities of Daily Living Support Workers.
    Utah Medicaid

  • Utah Health Care Association (UHCA)
    Get involved with a community that provides education, resources, and support for healthcare providers in Utah.
    Utah Health Care Association

  • National Council on Aging (NCOA)
    Access tools and resources aimed at improving the quality of life for older adults, which is pertinent for those in the support worker profession.
    National Council on Aging

  • American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
    Find information about supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, including training and certification opportunities.
    AAIDD

  • Trainings and Certifications

    • American Red Cross: Offers courses in CPR, First Aid, and more which are beneficial for Daily Living Support Workers.
      American Red Cross Training

    • Commission on Accreditation for Home Care (CAHC): Learn about accreditation standards that enhance professionalism in home care.
      CAHC

Utilizing these resources will enhance your understanding and provide beneficial tools for your career as a Daily Living Support Worker in Utah.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Daily Living Support Worker in Utah

  • What is a Daily Living Support Worker?
    A Daily Living Support Worker provides assistance to individuals with disabilities or age-related needs to help them perform daily activities. This includes support with personal care, household tasks, and social interaction.

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Daily Living Support Worker in Utah?
    While formal education requirements can vary, you typically need a high school diploma or GED. Some employers may prefer or require certifications in caregiving or relevant experience in health and human services.

  • Do I need any certifications or licenses?
    In Utah, specific certifications are not always required, but having a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license or completing a training program can enhance your employability and skills.

  • What skills are essential for a Daily Living Support Worker?
    Important skills include:

    • Effective communication
    • Patience and empathy
    • Problem-solving
    • Time management
    • Physical stamina
  • What are the typical responsibilities of a Daily Living Support Worker?
    Responsibilities may include:

    • Assisting clients with personal hygiene and grooming
    • Preparing meals and managing medication schedules
    • Offering companionship and emotional support
    • Helping with mobility and transportation
    • Performing light housekeeping tasks
  • What is the job outlook for Daily Living Support Workers in Utah?
    The demand for Daily Living Support Workers is expected to remain strong due to an aging population and increased need for in-home support services. Job growth in this field is projected to be above average.

  • How much do Daily Living Support Workers earn in Utah?
    As of recent data, the average hourly wage for Daily Living Support Workers in Utah ranges from $12 to $18, depending on experience, location, and specific employer.

  • Can I work as a Daily Living Support Worker part-time?
    Yes, many positions offer part-time work, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for shifts that fit your availability.

  • What types of employers hire Daily Living Support Workers?
    You can find employment with various organizations, including:

    • Home health care agencies
    • Assisted living facilities
    • Nonprofit organizations
    • Individual clients or families
  • What are some challenges faced by Daily Living Support Workers?
    Challenges can include emotional stress, physical demands, varied client needs, and sometimes difficult family dynamics. Strong support systems and self-care strategies are crucial.

  • How can I advance my career as a Daily Living Support Worker?
    Advancement options include pursuing specialized training, obtaining certifications, or moving into roles such as case management or supervisory positions within healthcare settings. Networking and continuing education will also aid in career growth.