A direct care counselor is responsible for providing continuous care to clients in community facilities or group homes that provide help to children, adults, and seniors with special health needs or mental disabilities. As a direct care counselor, your job duties include helping clients with daily activities like running errands and taking medicine and transporting them to doctor’s appointments. The qualifications to begin a career as a direct care counselor include an associate or bachelor’s degree in mental health or psychology, and employers may provide on-the-job training. To succeed in this role, you need excellent communication skills as well as empathy and compassion. It’s helpful to have some prior social work experience with individuals who have special needs.