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Direct Care Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DWC

direct care staff

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join DWC as a Direct Care Staff member, where you will play a crucial role in supporting ... Responsibilities: * Assist clients with daily living activities and personal care needs. * Provide ...

DWC

direct care staff

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join DWC as a Direct Care Staff member, where you will play a crucial role in supporting ... Responsibilities: * Assist clients with daily living activities and personal care needs. * Provide ...

DWC

direct care staff

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Join DWC as a Direct Care Staff member, where you will play a crucial role in supporting ... Responsibilities: * Assist clients with daily living activities and personal care needs. * Provide ...

Legacy Staffing

Direct Care Staff

Bakersfield, CA

$19/hr

Direct Care Staff Location: Bakersfield, CA 93306 Employment Type: Full-Time/Temp-to-Hire Pay: $19 ... * Assist with organizing and supervising recreational, social, and cultural activities

Devereux

Direct Care Professional

Goleta, CA

$19.25/hr

As a Direct Care Professional (DCP), you will work with other dedicated professionals who share ... Actively assist our individuals with their individualized plans for daily living and ensure our ...

Devereux

Direct Care Professional

Goleta, CA · On-site

$19.25/hr

As a Direct Care Professional (DCP), you will work with other dedicated professionals who share ... Actively assist our individuals with their individualized plans for daily living and ensure our ...

Spread Your Wings

Be Seen First

Direct Care Staff

Salinas, CA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Supported Living Services (SLS) - Direct Care Staff Location: Monterey County | City: Seaside ... Support clients in achieving personal goals and increasing independence. * Assist with community ...

Spread Your Wings

Be Seen First

Direct Care Staff

Ukiah, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Ensure the safety and well-being of each individual at all times * Assist with redirecting and ... Can follow individualized support plans and provide direct care when needed Spread Your Wings, LLC.

Devereux

Direct Care Professional

Goleta, CA · On-site

$19.25/hr

As a Direct Care Professional (DCP), you will work with other dedicated professionals who share ... Actively assist our individuals with their individualized plans for daily living and ensure our ...

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Direct Care Assistant information

See California salary details

$12

$20

$27

How much do direct care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care assistant in California is $20.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct care assistant?

Direct Care Assistants are professionals who provide essential support and care to individuals who may have physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. They assist clients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication reminders. Direct Care Assistants often work in settings like group homes, assisted living facilities, or private residences, helping clients maintain their independence and quality of life. They also monitor clients’ well-being and may report any changes or concerns to healthcare professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct care assistant?

To thrive as a Direct Care Assistant, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic healthcare knowledge, and often completion of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) program. Familiarity with patient care documentation systems, mobility aids, and basic first aid is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong interpersonal communication help build trust and rapport with clients. These skills are crucial to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of individuals receiving direct care.

What are some common challenges faced by direct care assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Direct Care Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing clients with diverse needs, handling emotionally demanding situations, and maintaining clear communication with healthcare teams. To manage these effectively, it's important to build strong rapport with clients, remain patient and adaptable, and seek guidance from supervisors or colleagues when needed. Regular training and self-care practices can also help Direct Care Assistants stay resilient and provide high-quality support.

What is the difference between Direct Care Assistant vs Personal Care Aide?

AspectDirect Care AssistantPersonal Care Aide
CertificationsMay require CPR, First Aid, or state-specific certificationsOften requires similar certifications, depending on state
Work EnvironmentAssists clients in homes, facilities, or community settingsProvides personal care mainly in home or facility settings
Employer & IndustryHealthcare facilities, home care agencies, assisted livingHome health agencies, nursing homes, private residences

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The main difference lies in terminology used by employers and regions, with 'Direct Care Assistant' often emphasizing a broader scope of support, while 'Personal Care Aide' focuses more on personal and daily living assistance.

What do you need to be a direct care assistant?

To become a direct care assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving skills, and sometimes certification in first aid or CPR. Some employers may require background checks and training specific to the care setting, such as patient handling or medication administration.

What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Care jobs in California?

The most popular types of Direct Care jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Direct Care Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Direct Care Assistant job openings:

Direct Care Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Care Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,275 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

PCA (Personal Care Assistant) - Direct Care - Homecare

Maxim Healthcare Services

Wasco, CA • On-site

$16.90 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Maxim Healthcare rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 166 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

379th of 895 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Hourly Pay: $16.90 - $19.00 / HR

Candidates must be willing to provide services in Wasco/Shafter/Delano/McFarland area. 

Maxim Healthcare is hiring for a Personal Care Assistant to provide support services to assist clients with personal, physical mobility and therapeutic care needs.

Why Join Maxim:

  • Competitive pay & weekly paychecks
  • Health, dental, vision, Life Insurance, HSA and PTO
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Maxcares Awards Program

Responsibilities:

  • Provides services to persons who need help with day-to-day activities
  • Provides health care tasks, personal hygiene services, and other related support services essential to the client’s health
  • Assists with transfers and ambulation
  • Performs incidental household services that are an integral part of a personal care plan
  • Provides companionship by reading, listening and talking with client
  • Assists client in the development of independent skills through self-care activities such as toileting, clothing routines and personal hygiene
  • Appropriately reports changes in client status or as directed by care plan
  • Performs other duties as assigned/necessary

Requirements:

  • State licensure or certification as required by state and/or program
  • One (1) year relevant experience preferred
  • Current BLS Card
  • Current PPD or Chest X-Ray
  • Knowledge of child growth and development
  • Ability to coordinate and facilitate services between the home, school, local health agency, and other community resources
  • Ability to effectively elicit/provide information to and from appropriate individuals (including, but not limited to, supervisors, co-workers, clients) via strong communication skills; proficiency in the English language may be required
  • Computer proficiency required
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
Maxim Benefits:

Health and Wellness
Medical/Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Advocacy (company paid if enrolled Medical) and Health Advocate Employee Assistance Program

Retirement and Financial Security:
Health Savings Account, 401(k), Short Term Disability, Voluntary Group Life Insurance and Supplemental Accidental Insurance, Hospital Expense Protection Plan, Critical Illness Insurance, Home and Auto Insurance discounts, Pet Insurance and Legal Benefits

Lifestyle Benefits:
Paid Time Off, Employee Discount Program, Transportation Benefits and College Partnership Program

*Benefit eligibility is dependent on employment status.

About Maxim Healthcare
Maxim Healthcare has been making a difference in the lives of our patients, caregivers, employees and communities for more than 30 years. We offer private duty nursing, skilled nursing, physical rehabilitation, companion care, respite care and behavioral care for individuals with chronic and acute illnesses and disabilities. Our commitment to quality customer service, compassionate patient care, and filling critical healthcare needs makes us a trusted partner wherever care is needed. 

Maxim Healthcare, Inc. (“Maxim”) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Maxim Healthcare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Maxim Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Maxim, our priority is providing exemplary care for our patients and their families. Our team of nurses, therapists, and home health aides help patients of all ages maintain their quality of life.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, MD, US

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