1

Direct Care Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

DSP

Sterling, VA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Provide direct care and support to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities * Assist clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing ...

Be Seen First

Previous experience as a caregiver, Direct Support Professional, Personal Care Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, or in a related healthcare or human services role is preferred. * Ability to ...

Be Seen First

Previous experience as a caregiver, Direct Support Professional, Personal Care Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, or in a related healthcare or human services role is preferred. * Ability to ...

Caregiver

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

... Direct Support Specialist, Med Tech, CNA or similar role is preferred 2. High school diploma/GED required 3. 2+ years' experience providing direct care to individuals with intellectual and ...

... Direct Support Specialist, Med Tech, CNA or similar role is preferred 2. High school diploma/GED required 3. 2+ years' experience providing direct care to individuals with intellectual and ...

Caregiver

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

... Direct Support Specialist, Med Tech, CNA or similar role is preferred 2. High school diploma/GED required 3. 2+ years' experience providing direct care to individuals with intellectual and ...

... care assistants, direct care workers. No matter the name, what they all have in common is a calling to care for people in the comfort of their own homes. As our population ages, the demand for ...

Compensation: $20.00 per hour Professional caregivers go by many names: homemakers, home care aides, home health aides, certified nursing assistants, personal care assistants, direct care workers. No ...

Showing results 21-40

Direct Care Assistant information

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 Washington?

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

Infographic showing various Direct Care Assistant job openings in Washington 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.

Resident Care Assistant

The Residences at Benning Metro

Washington, DC • On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time, Part-time
Description
Department: Resident Care Department
Reports To: Resident Care Director
Status: Non-exempt
Job Summary
Performs the resident services tasks as assigned by the Resident Care Director. Our services are a prime focus for our Resident Care department. This position provides service and care to each resident in a timely efficient manner. Maintain high resident and family satisfaction, meet high expectations, and ensure that The HallKeen Assisted Living Community services are implemented in service/customer focused manner.
Duties and Responsibilities
The following essential functions are the fundamental job duties of the position to be completed with or without appropriate reasonable accommodation.
  • Provides activities of daily living assistance to the residents as directed from each Resident's Service Plan.
  • Provides Medication reminders according to state regulations. ( NOT TO ADMINISTER )
  • Understands and complies with all Resident Rights.
  • Works well with seniors showing understanding and patience.
  • Prioritizes tasks to ensure optimum services to residents as requests and needs change.
  • Informs supervisor of changes in the resident's condition and needs. Documents these observations thoroughly and communicates any changes to other staff.
  • Provides personal services for residents in a professional and efficient manner.
  • Assists relatives, visitors, and guests as needed.
  • Maintains a positive and professional environment and projects a calm and competent image.
  • Adheres to all OSHA regulations and safety procedures when bending, lifting, and using equipment.
  • Maintains assisted living area to be clean and odor free.
  • Respond to resident needs and requests.
  • Promote a positive work environment that emphasizes teamwork.
  • Ability to be flexible.
  • Immediately reports any personal accident or work-related injury.
  • Ensures efficient use of company supplies, materials, tools, and resources.
  • Shows attention to detail and has an acute sense of responsibility.
  • Shows an ability to relate to and perform job functions for the elderly in a positive and efficient manner.
  • Shows a consistent ability to coordinate multiple tasks. Has a positive attitude and works well under pressure.
  • Maintain high level of confidentiality regarding residents, staff, and community.
  • Work assigned hours on a daily/weekly basis. Regular, punctual attendance.
  • Be available for on-call emergency situations.
  • Takes steps to minimize energy usage on a consistent basis.
  • Special projects/assignments as delegated by Resident Care Director.
  • The Resident Care Assistant responsibilities can also include housekeeping and dining room duties.
  • May perform other duties as assigned.
  • Demonstrates flexibility and willingness to help other staff whenever necessary.

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
  • Must have current certification as a nursing assistant or have successfully completed the certified home health aide or homemaker/personal care homemaker training program.
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must successfully complete HallKeen Assisted Living Communities, LLC's Medication Training.
  • Able to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Able to write simple correspondence. Able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
  • Able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Able to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
  • Able to work various schedules and shifts as needed.

Required Behavior
  • Appearance is neat, clean, and according to dress code.
  • Able to demonstrate a high level of service delivery; does what is necessary to ensure customer satisfaction; deals with service failures and prioritizes customer needs.
  • Able to clearly present information through the spoken word; reads and interprets complex information; talks with residents, family members and customers; listens well.
  • Able to communicate with others in a warm and helpful manner while simultaneously building credibility and rapport.
  • Able to work cooperatively with a group of people to achieve goals and objectives.
  • Able to be tactful; maintain confidences, foster an ethical work environment; give proper credit to others; handle all situations honestly.
  • Able to keep an open mind and change opinions on the basis of new information; performs a variety tasks and change focus quickly as demands change; manage transitions effectively from task to task; adapt to varying customer needs.

Physical Demands
  • Physically able to move at least 50 lbs. without assistance.
  • Physically able to bend, reach, and work in small areas.
  • Physically able to push and pull equipment and furnishings.
  • Physically able to stand for long periods of time.

Benefits:
Full time position offers a competitive benefit program to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Home and Auto Discount program, Vendor Discount Program, 401(k) with matching contribution, Accrued Vacation, Sick, and Personal time and Paid Holiday Benefit. Employee referral bonus, and resident referral bonus.