1

Direct Care Assistant Jobs in Dothan, AL (NOW HIRING)

Professional caregivers go by many names: homemakers, home care aides, home health aides, certified nursing assistants, personal care assistants, direct care workers. No matter the name, what they ...

Light Cleaning

Ozark, AL · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Becoming a Caregiver Professional caregivers go by many names: homemakers, home care aides, home health aides, certified nursing assistants, personal care assistants, direct care workers. No matter ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Direct Care Assistant information

See Dothan, AL salary details

$11

$18

$25

How much do direct care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care assistant in Dothan, AL is $18.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $22.50 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 Dothan, AL? The most popular types of Direct Care jobs in Dothan, AL are:
What cities near Dothan, AL are hiring for Direct Care Assistant jobs? Cities near Dothan, AL with the most Direct Care Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Care Assistant job openings in Dothan, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,942 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

DIRECT CARE ASSISTANT

DOTHAN HOUSTON CNTY ID BOARD INC

Dothan, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the safety, training, and welfare of persons in a group home. This position protects the civil and legal rights of those persons.

Major Duties

• Prepares snacks and meals for persons served; prepares balanced diet commensurate with menus; prepares and serves meals.

• Orders, stores, and maintains proper quantity of food used in meal preparation; stores leftover food for later consumption.

• Cleans and directs others in cleaning equipment, kitchen and dining facilities, and the total home environment; ensures compliance with health and sanitation standards in order to ensure acceptable inspection scores.

• Assists in providing individual training in accordance with programming plans; monitors progress through data collection and report formulation; conducts training in accordance with plans; maintains security and confidentiality of person’s records.

• Completes necessary documentation including daily log and activity records.

• Assists in transporting persons.

• Assists in training assigned persons in training as needed.

• Provides and promotes recreational and leisure activities to persons served.

• Administers medication in accordance with policies and procedures.

• Maintains certification in CPR, First Aid, Medication Assistance (MAC), and CPI.

• Assists with daily living skills and training on personal goals for persons served in home setting.

• Performs other duties and responsibilities deemed necessary; not otherwise specified.

Knowledge Required by the Position

• Knowledge of agency policies and of Alabama Department of Mental Health and Medicaid guidelines.

• Knowledge of the nature of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Knowledge of food preparation and service principles.

• Skill in the provision of care to persons with intellectual disabilities.

• Skill in problem solving.

• Skill in prioritizing and planning.

• Skill in interpersonal relations.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

Supervisory Controls

The Group Home Manager supervises and assigns work in terms of somewhat general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with instructions and established procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Guidelines

Guidelines include agency policies, Alabama Department of Mental Health guidelines, and Medicaid guidelines. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The work consists of related direct care duties. The unique needs of individuals served contribute to the complexity of the position.

• The purpose of this position is to provide direct care services to persons in a group home. Successful performance contributes to the delivery of effective services to individuals.

Contacts

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other agency personnel, persons served, parents/guardians/caregivers, and members of the general public.

• Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate persons, resolve problems, and provide services.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an employee to perform essential job functions.

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or

move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move over 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

• The work is typically performed in the group homes. Work may require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

This position supervises assigned persons in training.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations and a completion of high school diploma or a GED.

• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license, a good driving record. A commercial driver’s license may be required.