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Direct Care Assistant Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

... * Assist with daily activities: Personal care, housekeeping, recreational activities ... Direct Support: Provides direct support or assistance in accordance with individual service or ...

DIRECT CARE STAFF

Pensacola, FL · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

General Purpose of Position The Direct Care Staff serves as an assistant to the RN or LPN by performing regular assignments and responsibilities as assigned under the direction of the nurse. This ...

DIRECT CARE STAFF

Crestview, FL · On-site

$10.75 - $14.25/hr

General Purpose of Position The Direct Care Staff serves as an assistant to the RN or LPN by performing regular assignments and responsibilities as assigned under the direction of the nurse. This ...

Direct Care Specialist

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

Position Summary The Direct Care Specialist serves as a frontline team member responsible for ... Serve as a primary point of contact for clients throughout assigned shifts. * Assist clients with ...

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Direct Care Assistant information

See Florida salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do direct care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care assistant in Florida is $15.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Direct Care jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Direct Care jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Direct Care Assistant jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Direct Care Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Care Assistant job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,011 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Patient Care Assistant Program - Acute Care Rotation Program

Tampa General Hospital

Tampa, FL • On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Tampa General Hospital rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 158 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 1,056 rated hospitals


Job description

The Patient Care Assistant provides a variety of indirect and direct care, including provision for patient's dependency needs such as nutrition, hygiene, safety and physical and psychological comfort measures, to patient and significant others, under the supervision of licensed nursing staff and clinical educators. Responsible for performing job duties in accordance with mission, vision and values.
Qualifications
High school diploma or G.E.D required. Completion of internal training program required. Will be eligible to sit for C.N.A exam.
Program starts September 14,2026


What Tampa General Hospital employees say

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About Tampa General Hospital

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Tampa General Hospital was named the #1 hospital in Tampa Bay by U.S. News & World Report, 2020-2021, and recognized as one of America's Best Hospital's in five medical specialties: Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Nephrology, and Orthopedics. Tampa General Hospital has been designated a Magnet Hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the highest recognition for nursing excellence, for the fourth consecutive time - an accomplishment that fewer than one percent of hospitals nationwide have earned. TGH is accredited by The Joint Commission and was awarded disease-specific certification in five medical specialties. TGH is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). *Air transport provided by Metro Aviation, Inc.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tampa, FL, US

Year founded

1927