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Direct Care Associate Jobs in Ruskin, FL (NOW HIRING)

A Resident Care Associate perform various resident care activities and related nonprofessional ... Report to nurse on duty and Director of Health Services all unusual behavior of resident (changing ...

A Resident Care Associate perform various resident care activities and related nonprofessional ... Report to nurse on duty and Director of Health Services all unusual behavior of resident (changing ...

A Resident Care Associate perform various resident care activities and related nonprofessional ... Report to nurse on duty and Director of Health Services all unusual behavior of resident (changing ...

Medication Technician

Bradenton, FL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

ABOUT THE ROLE: The Medicine Tech/Resident Care Associate- Assisted Living position performs ... Report to Director of Health Services and/or LPN-LVN-Care Partner all unusual behavior of resident ...

Medication Technician

Bradenton, FL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

ABOUT THE ROLE: The Medicine Tech/Resident Care Associate- Assisted Living position performs ... Report to Director of Health Services and/or LPN-LVN-Care Partner all unusual behavior of resident ...

Medication Technician

Bradenton, FL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

ABOUT THE ROLE: The Medicine Tech/Resident Care Associate- Assisted Living position performs ... Report to Director of Health Services and/or LPN-LVN-Care Partner all unusual behavior of resident ...

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Direct Care Associate information

See Ruskin, FL salary details

$12

$22

$57

How much do direct care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care associate in Ruskin, FL is $22.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct care associate?

Direct Care Associates are professionals who provide hands-on support and assistance to individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or other care needs in residential, home, or community settings. They help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management, while also offering companionship and emotional support. Direct Care Associates play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being, safety, and dignity of those they serve, often working under the supervision of healthcare or social service professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct care associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Care Associate, you need a solid understanding of personal care practices, basic healthcare knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers requiring certification such as CPR or First Aid. Familiarity with patient care documentation systems and assistive devices is typically necessary. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and reliability help you build trust and effectively support individuals with daily living tasks. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of those receiving care.

What are some common challenges direct care associates face when working with individuals with diverse needs?

Direct Care Associates often work with individuals who have a range of physical, emotional, or cognitive needs, which can present unique challenges. These may include managing unpredictable behaviors, adapting communication styles to suit each individual, and maintaining patience and empathy in stressful situations. Support from a multidisciplinary team and ongoing training are typically available to help navigate these challenges. Building strong relationships and understanding each person's preferences are key to providing effective care.

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

AspectDirect Care AssociatePersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes state-specific certificationsCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, home care, assisted livingHome care, private residences, community settings
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, nursing homes, home health agenciesHome care agencies, private clients

Both Direct Care Associates and Personal Care Assistants provide essential support to individuals with health or personal needs. While their roles overlap in caregiving tasks and required certifications, Direct Care Associates often work in more formal healthcare settings, whereas Personal Care Assistants typically serve clients in private homes. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right career path or job search focus.

What cities near Ruskin, FL are hiring for Direct Care Associate jobs?

Cities near Ruskin, FL with the most Direct Care Associate job openings:

Resident Care Associate

Life Care Services

Bradenton, FL • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

When you work at Freedom Village of Bradenton, you have a front-row seat to the amazing life stories of the wisest people on earth. What's more, you are part of an extraordinary company - one that's investing in the future of senior living by investing in you. Don't just do a job. Be part of an extraordinary life!

Freedom Village of Bradenton is looking for Resident Care Associates.  

What is a Resident Care Associate (RCA)?   A Resident Care Associate perform various resident care activities and related nonprofessional services essential to caring for personal needs and comfort of residents. While experience is appreciated, we are willing to train those who have a true heart for working with seniors. 

Resident Care Associate duties include but not limited to:

  • Assist all residents/clients with a high quality of personal care, including but not limited to; bathing, dressing, grooming, shaving, incontinent care, foot care, vital signs, height and weight checks per policy.
  • Make all beds as needed in A.M., turn down as needed in P.M. and change bed linens once each week or PRN.
  • Complete resident's personal laundry as assigned.
  • Assist residents with mealtime. Cut food. Encourage to eat.
  • Promote a calm atmosphere.
  • Complete and document shift assignments as assigned, if unable to complete, report to nursing supervisor.
  • Report to nurse on duty and Director of Health Services all unusual behavior of resident (changing of status).
  • Provide activities as planned and/or directed.
  • Respond to call lights and emergencies in a timely manner.
  • Provide emergency care within scope of practice.

Qualifications

Here are a few of the qualifications we need you to have:

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
  • One (1) year experience working as a CNA/PCA/HHA/RA preferred
  • One (1) year experience working in assisted living/memory care preferred

WE VALUE OUR EMPLOYEES AND SHOW APPRECIATION THROUGH...

  • Scholarships and Educational Assistance Programs, because we value the development of our team members and promoting from within.
  • Extraordinary Reward Points, because we value recognizing and appreciating our employees for their hard work.
  • Our comprehensive benefits, because we value health and wellness for you and your family.
  • Various Employee-led Committees because we value employee engagement and making your voice heard.
  • A Free and Confidential Employee Assistance Program because we understand that life happens.
  • Paid Training, Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short and Long Term Disability, (401)K Retirement
  • Freedom Village Bradenton has partnered with Daily Pay to give our team members control over accessing their paycheck on their own schedule. Ask us about how this benefit supports your financial wellbeing today!

If you're an enthusiastic, compassionate, senior care professional who is passionate about hospitality and senior engagement- please apply, we'd love to get to know you!

EEO Employer

Salary: starting at $18.00

Shifts Available:

  • 7a-3p - FT/PRN
  • 3p-11p - PRN
  • 11p-7a - PT/PRN

EEO Employer

#Clinical


Life Care Services logo

About Life Care Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

s an industry pioneer with more than a half-century of experience, making a difference in the lives of seniors has been our sole focus since day one. At LCS, we’ve designed a dedicated family of companies to help fulfill your community’s mission. This structure allows us to develop and share expertise across our company to deliver innovative solutions to seniors and their communities. We are guided by five principles to ensure that every company decision is made with integrity and for the good of the seniors we serve.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1971

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