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Direct Care Professional Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Direct Care Worker

Newark, DE

$13.25 - $17/hr

The characteristics of a direct care worker are: compassionate, dependable, punctual, strong communication skills, respectful, professional, physically capable, detail-oriented, adaptable, calm under ...

Direct Care Worker

New Castle, DE · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Establishes a professional relationship with the client/consumer and family which develops trust ... Works within the Direct Care Workers scope of practice in the state. * Consults the supervisor or ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Dover, DE · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Lewes, DE

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Dover, DE

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Seaford, DE

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Dagsboro, DE · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Dagsboro, DE · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Delmar, DE · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Dover, DE · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Lewes, DE · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Delmar, DE · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Lewes, DE · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Milford, DE

$13 - $16.75/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Seaford, DE · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Dover, DE

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Milford, DE · On-site

$13 - $16.75/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Seaford, DE · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

Direct Care Worker (DCW)

Delmar, DE

$13 - $17/hr

Great experience with a reputable agency focused on strong culture and professionalism. * Your ... Job Responsibilities for Direct Care Workers (DCW): * Bathing * Dressing * Grooming * Toileting ...

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Showing results 1-20

Direct Care Professional information

See Delaware salary details

$10

$16

$23

How much do direct care professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care professional in Delaware is $16.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct care professional?

A direct care professional, or a personal care assistant, works with patients who have chronic illnesses or long-term disabilities. In this role, your duties include running errands, providing transportation, and performing basic home health care for clients. You also help with daily activities, such as dress and undressing, cooking and cleaning, and bathing. The main career qualifications for this job are a high school diploma and background as a care worker. Sometimes a bachelor’s degree in a field like psychology is required. You need strong communication and organizational skills as well as compassion and empathy.

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

To excel as a Direct Care Professional, you need a solid understanding of basic caregiving practices, personal care assistance, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and relevant training or certifications such as CPR and First Aid. Familiarity with care documentation systems and assistive devices is typically required. Compassion, patience, and strong interpersonal communication skills help build trust and effectively support clients with diverse needs. These competencies are vital for ensuring client well-being, promoting dignity, and maintaining a safe and supportive care environment.

What are some common challenges faced by direct care professionals, and how can they be managed effectively?

Direct Care Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing clients’ behavioral issues, maintaining clear communication with team members and families, and adapting to varying care needs. These challenges can be managed by practicing patience, utilizing de-escalation techniques, participating in ongoing training, and collaborating closely with supervisors and colleagues. Developing strong documentation habits and self-care routines also help maintain both quality of care and personal well-being.

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

AspectDirect Care ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes state-specific certificationsOften requires similar certifications like CPR and First Aid
Work EnvironmentAssists clients in homes, facilities, or community settingsPrimarily in clients' homes or assisted living facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by healthcare agencies, home care companies, and community organizationsCommonly employed by home care agencies and private clients

Both roles involve providing personal care and support to individuals with disabilities or health needs. While the titles are often used interchangeably, 'Direct Care Professional' is a broader term that may include a variety of caregiving tasks, whereas 'Personal Care Assistant' typically emphasizes assisting with daily living activities in home settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Care jobs in Delaware? The most popular types of Direct Care jobs in Delaware are:
What are popular job titles related to Direct Care Professional jobs in Delaware? For Direct Care Professional jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Delaware are hiring for Direct Care Professional jobs? Cities in Delaware with the most Direct Care Professional job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Care Professional job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,917 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

$13.25 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Direct Care Worker (DCW) Job Description

Job summary:

A direct care worker provides assistance and quality care to the elderly, the developmentally or physically disabled, and clients in rehabilitation programs.  The characteristics of a direct care worker are: compassionate, dependable, punctual, strong communication skills, respectful, professional, physically capable, detail-oriented, adaptable, calm under pressure, trustworthy, honest, emotionally stable, team-oriented, and exemplifies detailed knowledge of best care practices.

Position Description

A direct care worker provides a number of services depending on the needs of the individual; these might include running errands, light housekeeping, meal preparation, bathing, dressing, toileting, personal hygiene assistance, stand by assistance, companionship, medication reminders.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrates patience and compassion.

Possesses excellent interpersonal skills.

Works well with a variety of different individuals.

Exhibits ability to think quickly and act calmly in an emergency.

Demonstrates strong organizational skills.

Communicates clearly and effectively.

Possesses strong listening skills

Pays close attention to detail.

Education and Experience

A direct care worker holds a minimum of a high school diploma or GED; CNA license a plus but not required.   Direct care workers are also required to successfully complete a training program and successfully pass a direct care worker's competency course with 80% or higher prior to working with clients. 

Reports to Lead Staffing Coordinator & Director of Operations, and is a Hourly Employee

Pre-Hire Requirements:

Two step TB or Quantiferon(R)-TB Gold test per CDC guidelines

Physical Exam within the past year

Criminal Background Check

Adult/Child Abuse Background Check

Drug testing

Two Service letters and/or professional letters or reference.