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Direct Care Professional Jobs in Blue Ridge, VA (NOW HIRING)

Direct Support Professional

Salem, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Supervisors who care deeply about the participants and your wellbeing * Job Security: A stable job ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Supervisors who care deeply about the participants and your wellbeing * Job Security: A stable job ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Salem, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Supervisors who care deeply about the participants and your wellbeing * Job Security: A stable job ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

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Direct Care Professional information

See Blue Ridge, VA salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do direct care professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care professional in Blue Ridge, VA is $14.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $15.24 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 job categories do people searching Direct Care Professional jobs in Blue Ridge, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Care Professional jobs in Blue Ridge, VA are:
What cities near Blue Ridge, VA are hiring for Direct Care Professional jobs? Cities near Blue Ridge, VA with the most Direct Care Professional job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Care Professional job openings in Blue Ridge, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,905 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

MBK RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

 
Direct Support Professionals will provide direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The DSP will assist clients in performing personal care tasks; including assistance with basic personal hygiene and grooming, feeding, ambulation, medical monitoring, and health care related tasks. 

JOB DUTIES:
 
  • Provide daily services to adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. 
  • Provide engaging activities and teach basic life skills such as safety, hygiene, and socialization in the community. 
  • Participate in the development and implementation of individuals' service plans and quarterly reviews. 
  • Collaborate with teammates and prepare a monthly activity calendar with participant input and suggestions that provide engaging daily activities for participants assigned independently or as a group when necessary. 
  • Follow and abide by all personnel and program policies and procedures, including confidentiality policy. 
  • Carry out all goals and outcomes as stated in the client's Individual Service Plan 
  • Providing support for personal care needs such as assistance for eating, toileting, personal hygiene, and supervision 
  • Assistance in administering all participant medications and documenting in the Medication Administration Records 
  • Transport clients to and from day support activities in a company vehicle. 
  • Prepare Meals 
  • Maintain clean working environment 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY
 
  • Microsoft Office proficiency and good working knowledge of computer applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software. 
  • CPR and First Aid Certification or ability to acquire certification within 30 days of employment 
  •  Certification in Therapeutic Options/Behavior management or ability to acquire certification within 30 days of employment 
  • DSP orientation or ability to acquire certification prior to serving individuals 
  • Valid Drivers’ License and satisfactory driving record per Driver Requirement Policy. 
  • Ability to acquire Medication Administration Certification. 
  • Knowledge of and ability to comply with state licensing, Medicaid, and other agency standards. 
  • Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. 
  • Ability to work assigned work schedule. 
  • Ability to maintain records, prepare reports and required paperwork according to licensing and agency requirements in a timely manner. 
  • Flexibility to work at sites other than usual work location when circumstances warrant. 
  • Ability to observe health and safety regulations. 
  • Ability to move and stand for prolonged periods and lift a minimum of 50 pounds.