- Can you tell me how you ensure that clients take their prescribed medication? …
- Which technique works best to move a client from a bed into a wheelchair? …
- Can you describe how you determine suitable meal plans for your clients?
Direct Care Professional Interview Questions
Direct care workers are responsible for providing personal care and support services to people who need help with activities of daily living. They may work in a variety of settings, such as in people’s homes, in group homes, or in assisted living facilities.
Example: “I think one of the most important qualities for a direct care worker is empathy. I believe that being empathetic helps us understand our patients’ needs and how we can best meet them. Another quality I think is important is patience. Patience is helpful when working with people who may be experiencing challenging situations or emotions. It can also help us remain calm when things get hectic.”
Example: “I find it very important to be able to communicate with all of my patients. I would first try to get them to speak by asking questions and using hand gestures. If they still cannot communicate, I would then look at their medical records for any information on how they prefer to communicate. For example, some people may like to write out words or draw pictures.”
Direct care workers often work with individuals who have limited speech capabilities. Employers ask this question to make sure you can communicate effectively with these individuals and understand their needs. In your answer, explain that you will use nonverbal cues and gestures to help the individual express themselves. You should also mention that you will try to learn as much about the person’s background as possible so you can better understand what they are trying to say.
Example: “I once worked with an individual who became upset when I was unable to answer all of his questions about what he would be doing each day. He had been living independently for many years before developing Alzheimer’s disease, so he often forgot that he no longer had control over his schedule. When this happened, I calmly explained that I could not tell him exactly what he would do each day but assured him that we would always find ways to keep him active and engaged. This helped him feel more comfortable and less anxious.”
Tell me about your ability to work under pressure?
Answer tips:
Here’s where the ability to perform under fire comes into play. And, if possible, give an example that is relatable to the type of position that you are applying for.
The ideal way to respond to this question is to provide examples and situations of how you have handled stress in your previous jobs. In this way, the interviewer can establish a clear picture of how well you are likely to react when the going gets tough.
Pro tip: make sure you are not referencing a time when your lack of organization or communication put you in a “self induced” stressful scenario. This is to say, don’t share a story about how your procrastiation created a situation where you had to finish a project quickly.
Answer samples
Tell me about your ability to work under pressure?
Answer tips
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for. Mention routine pressure you face, such as dealing with deadlines on a regular basis. Try not to use an example where you created the pressure yourself, by waiting too long to start something, or by handling a task irresponsibly at the beginning. For example, working under pressure to meet a customer’s deadline could be a good example, but not if you had waited too long to start the project. Answer samples
“Pressure is actually a catalyst to my work. When there is an imperative deadline, I refocus my energy into my work which in fact, has helped me to produce some of my best works. (Give examples) I guess you can say I thrive under pressure.”
What field experience do you have for a DIRECT CARE STAFF POSITION?
Answer tips
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
If you are being asked this question from your employer then you can explain your experience. Tell the employer what responsibilities you were performing during your job. You can tell what programs you developed and what modules you worked on. What were your achievements regarding different programs.
Answer sample
I have been working with computers since 2001. I also have a degree in network support/computer repair. I have built my last 3 computers, have work with Dell as an employee. So I have around 15 years experience working with computers.
FAQ
How do you interview for a direct support professional?
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in this position?
- What do you know about our organization?
- How did you come to learn about the role of direct support professional?
- What makes you a good candidate for this position?
Why do you want to work in direct care?
What questions are asked in a care interview?
- What has attracted you to the care profession? …
- What relevant experience do you have with respect to this position? …
- Tell me about your ability to work under pressure. …
- How would you handle someone who is confused or upset? …
- How would your friends and family describe you as a person?
