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Direct Care Professional Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for Compassionate Hearts that will provide care to a group of Special needs Adults!! Are you the Super Star we Need?? We are looking for to fill 3 positions for our 4pm-12am working ...

BE THE MENTOR. BUILD THE CONNECTION. MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. Sometimes a young man doesn't need another person telling him what he's doing wrong. He needs someone willing to help him figure out what he ...

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Direct Care Professional information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do direct care professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care professional in Iowa is $15.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $16.73 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 Iowa?

The most popular types of Direct Care jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Direct Care Professional jobs in Iowa?

For Direct Care Professional jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Direct Care Professional jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Direct Care Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Direct Care Professional job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,768 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Direct Care Professional

Reach For Your Potential

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$14/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Direct Care staff responsibilities vary greatly in connection with which members they work with. Some members require constant supervision and complete personal cares. On the other end of the scale, some only require verbal reminders to complete their daily tasks. The Direct Care providers are what make our agency work; they are expected to be dependable and care for the members with patience and attention to their individual needs and wants.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Treat members with dignity and respect at all times.
  • Maintains collaborative professional relationships with members and all support team members
  • Facilitates the implementation of member(s) ISP’s and helps members complete their goals
  • Abides by policies and procedures.
  • Attend community outings and activities as scheduled. Assist with all activities of daily living, including toileting, feeding, and hygiene needs. Assist the members with transportation for grocery shopping, banking, medical appointments, employment, family visits, community activities, etc.
  • Helps member(s) to advocate for themselves by gathering information, reviewing, and analyzing all aspects of an issue or concern.
  • Identifies crisis situations, discusses the incident with staff and members, and provides coping mechanisms to members.
  • Keeps up to date knowledge of member’s health, symptoms, and medications. Maintains necessary training to best serve our members.
  • Completes documentation accurately and in a timely manner including Edoc notes, goals, log prompts, cash tracking, incident reports, and medications.
  • Turns in time sheet when due and fills out accurately. Abide by the time-off requests due date and filled out correctly
  • Works scheduled shifts and arrives to shift on time. Switch shifts using the appropriate document. Attends scheduled staff meetings.
  • Utilizes the communication log to communicate with co-workers and supervisor.
  • Treats co-staff and supervisor with dignity and respect by listening to what others have to say and receiving constructive criticism.
  • Drives team-related work and respects the ideas and opinions of team members.
  • Presents themselves in a professional manner.
  • Communicates accurate and important information to direct supervisor. Communicates effectively with co-workers.
  • Helps to welcome and train new staff.
  • Handles stressful situations and helps to problem solve. Displays an ability to learn rapidly and adapt quickly to changing situations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE:

High School Degree or its equivalent.

SKILLS:

Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively with members and staff. Patience in working with disabled adults is necessary. Needs to have a caring attitude and be supportive and encouraging to members. A good driving record and sufficient insurance to transport members is preferred.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS:

All RFYP staff are required to follow the current masking procedures and use all required PPE as defined by RFYP Administration. All staff need to follow disinfecting procedures and hand washing policies. Staff need to be aware of how COVID-19 spreads, risk factors, and prevention actions. If staff show any signs of COVID-19 symptoms, they are to contact their supervisor or HR immediately.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED:

Knowledge of how to operate typical household appliances, including stove, microwave, dishwasher, etc. is preferred. Training for specialized adaptive equipment for individual members will be provided.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

It is preferred that the employee is able to lift at least 50 lbs. Must be willing and able to assist with toileting and other activities of daily living as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Majority of work is done in each member’s home or apartment, which may be a Reach For Your Potential site or a home or apartment in the community. Includes assisting members to attend community outings. Schedules are as determined by the Service Coordinator and may include day, evening, and/or overnight shifts. May be called upon to work overtime or odd schedules.



Shift times are 9a-3p, 3p-10p, and 10p-9a Sunday through Saturday.