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Direct Care Associate Jobs in Stuart, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Direct Care Associate information

See Stuart, VA salary details

$12

$22

$57

How much do direct care associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care associate in Stuart, VA is $22.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $19.62 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 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 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 cities near Stuart, VA are hiring for Direct Care Associate jobs? Cities near Stuart, VA with the most Direct Care Associate job openings:

Registered Medication Associate (RMA)

Commonwealth Senior Living at Christiansburg

Christiansburg, VA • On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Pay range: $19-$23 per hour.

Check this out! Wednesdays just got a whole lot more exciting because we're bringing you Walk-In-Wednesday! Stop by our community to explore the many new and exciting, in-demand careers with representatives from each department in one location.  

When: Every Wednesday from 10am-12pm 

Location: 201 Wheatland Ct. Christiansburg, VA

The Registered Medication Associate (RMA) role provides high quality care and services to meet the overall needs of residents in a caring, consistent, individualized, and efficient manner. He or she ensures that residents receive comprehensive care and services by assisting them in the administration of medications, in accordance with state licensing and regulatory standards. The Registered Medication Associate is a Culture Ambassador who will model the core values of the company, leading by example, and ensure all team members exemplify the core values of the company.

• We Care About People

• We Do the Right Thing

• We are Passionate, Have Fun, and Celebrate Success

• We Speak Up! It is Our Responsibility

• We Take Ownership and Add Value

• We are Respectful

Qualifications

• This employee must have successfully completed course work and examinations to obtain certification as a Resident Care Associate.

• The RMA must obtain continuing education credits as required by the state to maintain certification as an RMA and must provide evidence of continued certification to the community in a timely and accurate manner.

• The RMA must possess knowledge of safe medication administration techniques and demonstrate this knowledge through a competency skills evaluation.

• CPR and First Aid certified or willing to obtain as per company policy.

• The RMA must understand and practice resident confidentiality.

• The RMA must have the ability to work weekends and flexible hours as needed for resident care and services.

• The RMA must have the ability to show sincere compassion and demonstrate genuine concern for the physical and emotional needs of seniors and their families.

• Must be proficient in basic office equipment, including a personal computer, for the purpose of accomplishing and maintaining a high level of job performance.

• Live out Commonwealth Senior Living’s Noble selling purpose – “We improve the lives of seniors, their families, and each other.”

Areas of Primary Responsibility

• Assists in monitoring and safe delivery of the Medication Management Program.

• Adheres to all established policies and procedures of Commonwealth Senior Living and state regulatory standards when administering medications.

• Administers and accurately records the administration of medications for residents as prescribed by the physician.

• Presents medication to residents and observes ingestion or completion of other application or administration techniques.

• Observes, records, and reports complications, symptoms of adverse actions or side effects of medications and obtains input from the Resident Care Director, as indicated, to ensure the optimum health and safety of the resident.

• Determines and records effectiveness of medications in a timely and accurate manner.

• Documents refusals of medications and reasons why prescribed drugs are not administered as per physician order.

• Stores medications in a safe and accurate manner.

• Monitors medications to ensure adequate accountability measures are taken when medications are ordered, received into the community, administered, and reported off at change of shift.

• Documents on the Daily Shift to Shift Communication Log each shift with resident and medication updates, changes, concerns, and follow up.

• Demonstrates safe handling of controlled substances including appropriate shift counting and reporting of discrepancies or concerns to the Resident Care Director.

• Routinely inspects, cleans, audits, and monitors equipment and supplies to ensure resident safety. Reports any equipment or supply issues to the Resident Care Director for correction or repair.

• Obtains, records, and reports vital signs as indicated during the administration of medications.

• Records and restocks medication inventories, as needed, and requested.

• Re-orders resident medications from pharmacy, as needed, and requested.

• Documents pertinent information in the resident record, completes incident reports as indicated.

• Demonstrates awareness of proper infection control practices by using Universal Precautions and following policies and procedures of the company, including OSHA’s Blood-Borne Pathogen Standard.

• Communicates with residents, staff and others in an accurate and factual manner and seeks clarification from or refers questions to Resident Care Director, when indicated.

• Prioritizes and provides verbal encouragement and support to residents.

• Assist in maintaining a safe and clean environment.

• Maintains a positive and professional demeanor toward residents, families, and associates.

• Participates in and attends all required in-service training and education programs as scheduled.

• Acts as a shift supervisor when appropriate or as directed.

• Maintain regular communication with the Resident Care Director.

• Perform other duties as assigned or as listed in the Resident Care Associate job description. 

Physical/Sensory Requirements

The RMA must be able to lift, stoop, carry, turn, and assist high-risk residents, push medication carts and be willing and able to work a flexible work schedule. The RMA must be able to sit, stand, bend, and move continuously during work hours. Must be able to lift and/or carry 50 to 75 pounds. This position is considered a medium risk for exposure to COVID, as it provides direct care to potential COVID-positive residents.