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Direct Care Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MD · On-site

Applicants may substitute additional experience in patient or client direct care on a year-for-year ... Assistant from the Maryland State Board of Nursing OR within sixty days from the date of hire and ...

Applicants may substitute additional experience in patient or client direct care on a year-for-year ... Assistant from the Maryland State Board of Nursing OR within sixty days from the date of hire and ...

MD · On-site

Applicants may substitute additional experience in patient or client direct care on a year-for-year ... Assistant from the Maryland State Board of Nursing OR within sixty days from the date of hire and ...

MD · On-site

Applicants may substitute additional experience in patient or client direct care on a year-for-year ... Assistant from the Maryland State Board of Nursing OR within sixty days from the date of hire and ...

MD · On-site

Applicants may substitute additional experience in patient or client direct care on a year-for-year ... Assistant from the Maryland State Board of Nursing OR within sixty days from the date of hire and ...

Applicants may substitute additional experience in patient or client direct care on a year-for-year ... Assistant from the Maryland State Board of Nursing OR within sixty days from the date of hire and ...

MD · On-site

... positions will assist in thecare, treatment, habilitation or rehabilitation of mentally or ... direct care training course or examination approved by the hiring facility prior to permanent ...

MD · On-site

... positions will assist in thecare, treatment, habilitation or rehabilitation of mentally or ... direct care training course or examination approved by the hiring facility prior to permanent ...

MD · On-site

... positions will assist in thecare, treatment, habilitation or rehabilitation of mentally or ... direct care training course or examination approved by the hiring facility prior to permanent ...

MD · On-site

... positions will assist in thecare, treatment, habilitation or rehabilitation of mentally or ... direct care training course or examination approved by the hiring facility prior to permanent ...

MD · On-site

... positions will assist in thecare, treatment, habilitation or rehabilitation of mentally or ... direct care training course or examination approved by the hiring facility prior to permanent ...

Applicants may substitute additional experience in patient or client direct care on a year-for-year ... Assistant from the Maryland State Board of Nursing OR within sixty days from the date of hire and ...

Applicants may substitute additional experience in patient or client direct care on a year-for-year ... Assistant from the Maryland State Board of Nursing OR within sixty days from the date of hire and ...

MD · On-site

Applicants may substitute additional experience in patient or client direct care on a year-for-year ... Assistant from the Maryland State Board of Nursing OR within sixty days from the date of hire and ...

MD · On-site

... positions will assist in thecare, treatment, habilitation or rehabilitation of mentally or ... direct care training course or examination approved by the hiring facility prior to permanent ...

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Direct Care Assistant information

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$12

$20

$28

How much do direct care assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care assistant in the United States is $20.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Direct Care Assistant, and why are they important?

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 are Direct Care Assistants?

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.

How can I make 2000 a week working from home?

As a Direct Care Assistant, earning $2000 a week from home is unlikely due to the typically in-person nature of caregiving roles. However, some related remote healthcare or consulting positions may offer higher pay, especially with specialized skills or certifications. Most caregiving jobs are hourly and pay less than this amount weekly without additional overtime or bonuses.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Direct Care Assistant typically does not earn $10,000 a month without additional certifications or specialized experience. High earnings in this field are uncommon without advanced skills, management roles, or working in high-demand settings, but most entry-level positions pay significantly less. Achieving such income generally requires entrepreneurship or roles in other industries that do not require a degree.

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 cities are hiring for Direct Care Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Direct Care Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Care jobs? The most popular types of Direct Care jobs are:
What states have the most Direct Care Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Direct Care Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Direct Care Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,836 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Job description

Introduction

\r\n

GRADE

11\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Maryland Department of Health\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

This recruitment is for multiple positions and shifts throughout the Maryland Department of Health.\r\nDirect Care Assistant II is the full performance level of work assisting in the care, treatment, habilitation or rehabilitation of mentally or physically ill patients, aged or developmentally disabled clients in State treatment facilities or community based programs. These positions are essential members of an interdisciplinary team working together to provide all services needed to meet all needs of the person to return to full community living.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. \r\nExperience: Two years of experience in work assisting in the care, treatment, habilitation or rehabilitation of mentally or physically ill patients, aged or developmentally disabled in treatment facilities or community based programs. \r\nNotes:\r\n1. Applicants may substitute additional experience in patient or client direct care on a year-for-year basis for the required education. \r\n2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Hospital Corpsman classifications or Health Care Specialist and Medical Services specialty codes in the health related field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.\r\n

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Candidates for positions in this classification must possess a current certificate as a Nursing Assistant from the Maryland State Board of Nursing OR within sixty days from the date of hire and prior to performing delegated nursing tasks, must have successfully completed a Board of Nursing approved Nursing Assistant training program and received certification as a Nursing Assistant from the Board of Nursing. \r\n2. Employees in this classification located in facilities that provide long term care for the aged may be required to possess or obtain a Geriatric Aide certificate. \r\n3. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland. \r\n4. Some employees in this classification may be required to operate vans which require a specific motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland. \r\n5. Employees in this classification may be required to successfully complete training in and maintain current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification. \r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Employees in this classification must have successfully completed a direct care training course or examination approved by the hiring facility prior to permanent appointmentto positions. \r\n2. Employees in this classification are subject to call-in and, therefore, will be required to provide the facility with a telephone number at which they can be reached. \r\n3. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs. \r\n

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position.Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work.Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).\r\nComplete applications must be submitted by the closing date.Information submitted after this date will not be added.\r\nIncorrect application forms will not be accepted.Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.\r\nCandidates may remain on thecertified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.\r\n

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS\r\n\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online,the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201.Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.\r\nIf additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested informationto 410-333-5689.Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.\r\nFor questions regarding this recruitment, please contact theMDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251.\r\nIf you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 orApplication.Help@maryland.gov.\r\nAppropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.\r\nWe thank our Veterans for their service to our country.\r\nPeople with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.\r\nAs an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time