ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Care Associate Jobs in Amherst, MA (NOW HIRING)

The Overlook

Resident Care Associate

Charlton, MA · On-site

$17 - $26/hr

The Resident Care Associate provides the special service and care required to each ALZ / Dementia resident. Provides resident care and program/activity needs to residents while assisting in ...

Massgeneralbrigham

Patient Care Associate

Northampton, MA · On-site

$18.43 - $25.63/hr

Job Summary Full Time and Part Time - Days and Nights available The Patient Care Associate (PCA) is responsible for performing a variety of direct and non-direct patient care duties, including ...

Massgeneralbrigham

Patient Care Associate

Northampton, MA · On-site

$18.43 - $25.63/hr

Job Summary 36 Hours - 7AM-7:30PM, West 2 - Rotating weekends and holidays The Patient Care Associate (PCA) is responsible for performing a variety of direct and non-direct patient care duties ...

Bright Horizons

Child Care Associate Teacher

Suffield, CT · On-site

$17.20 - $21.40/hr

... care, daycare, or preschool settings is preferred * CDA, Associate, or bachelor's degree in early education or related field is preferred Be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped ...

divvyDOSE

Associate Patient Care | , | Group

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$16.85 - $25.25/hr

Office Assistant Explore opportunities with Caretenders, a part of LHC Group, a leading post-acute care partner for hospitals, physicians and families nationwide. As members of the Optum family of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCare Associate JobsCare Associate Jobs in Amherst, MA

Care Associate information

See Amherst, MA salary details

$13

$24

$62

How much do care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for care associate in Amherst, MA is $24.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $21.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a care associate?

Care Associates are professionals who support patients or clients with daily living activities, personal care, and healthcare-related tasks, often in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, or private residences. They assist individuals who may be elderly, disabled, or recovering from illness, helping them maintain comfort, dignity, and independence. Care Associates may help with bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility, medication reminders, and emotional support. They often work under the supervision of nurses or healthcare managers and play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of those in their care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a care associate, and why are they important?

Care Associates require foundational knowledge of personal care practices, basic healthcare procedures, and often a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring certification such as a CNA. Familiarity with patient management systems and electronic health records (EHRs) is typically expected. Compassion, patience, and strong interpersonal communication skills are essential for building trust and providing emotional support to clients. These skills ensure that Care Associates deliver safe, effective, and empathetic care, which is vital for clients' well-being and satisfaction.

What are some common challenges care associates face when supporting patients in a healthcare setting?

Care Associates often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of multiple patients, managing time effectively during busy shifts, and communicating clearly with both patients and healthcare teams. They may also need to adapt quickly to changing patient conditions and handle emotionally demanding situations with compassion and professionalism. Building strong teamwork and maintaining self-care practices are essential for long-term success and satisfaction in this role.

How do you become a care associate?

To become a care associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to complete relevant training or certification in caregiving or healthcare. Some employers prefer prior experience or skills in communication, empathy, and basic medical knowledge. Certification programs or courses in first aid and health and safety can enhance job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Care jobs in Amherst, MA?

The most popular types of Care jobs in Amherst, MA are:

What cities near Amherst, MA are hiring for Care Associate jobs?

Cities near Amherst, MA with the most Care Associate job openings:

Care Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Care Associate job openings in Amherst, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,504 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Patient Care Associate - CCU

Phenom People

Northampton, MA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Patient Care Associate

Cooley Dickinson is the hospital for individuals to learn, grow and accelerate their career. We are seeking professionals who are committed to the highest quality patient care and will contribute to our on-going pursuit of excellence.

With energy and purpose, Cooley Dickinson Health Care, a member of the Mass General Brigham system, is advancing health care in western Massachusetts, and has been since 1886. Our network employs more than 2,000 medical professionals and support staff, at our main Hospital campus in Northampton and additional locations in twelve towns throughout the Pioneer Valley. Cooley Dickinson's VNA & Hospice is also a vital part of our network, providing home-based services throughout Hampshire and Franklin counties.

Our staff has been consistently recognized for the quality of care and commitment to patient safety provided on a daily basis. Some of these awards include:

  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 5-star rating
  • The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) Beacon Award for Excellence
  • Human Rights Campaign Foundation LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation
  • The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) awarded a Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA)
  • Baby-Friendly USA designated Baby-Friendly Hospital,
  • Newsweek Magazine and Statista named us one of the country's Best Maternity Hospitals
  • Cooley Dickinson has earned six consecutive 'A' Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade and the Top General Hospital award

In addition to competitive pay, all Cooley Dickinson employees who work 20 hours or more per week have access to the following benefits with no waiting period:

  • a range of health, dental, vision, prescription and life insurance benefits
  • a generous and flexible Earned Time Off program starting at six weeks accrual per year
  • 403(b) retirement plan with various investment options
  • opportunities and support for continued education including tuition reimbursement

The Patient Care Associate (PCA) is responsible for performing a variety of direct and non-direct patient care duties, including routine patient care duties as well as clerical, supply, and messenger responsibilities. The PCA performs other patient care related duties and unit duties as needed, and may function as a patient care observer to monitor for patient safety in situations where 1:1 observations are required.

Telemetry/Critical Care Unit Specific: Responsible for successfully completing arrhythmia course and maintaining competency in telemetry monitoring.

This position is part of the 1199SEIU Bargaining Unit at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

This position reports to the Nurse Manager and operates within established organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
  • Ability to perform routine patient care activities under the direction of licensed nursing personnel requiring technical or on the job training required
  • Nursing Assistant certification, Medical Assistant certification, or a nursing student who is actively enrolled into a nursing program with a minimum of 6 months student clinical experience required. Patient Care Associates hired prior to April 16, 2013 are grandfathered into their current position without being required to have a nursing or medical assistant certification.
  • Six (6) months to one (1) year nursing assistant experience required
  • One (1) to three (3) years secretarial experience preferred
  • Health care experience preferred
  • Ability to multi-task and handle stress crisis situations effectively required
  • Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology required
  • Demonstrated typing skills and computer experience required
  • Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and oral and written communication skills required

Apply