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Direct Care Professional Jobs in Rutherfordton, NC

Cooper Riis

MS Resident Support

Mill Spring, NC · On-site

$17/hr

Residential/ Support Staff - Part Time (Direct Care ) Schedule: * Sunday - 8am -6 pm * Mon -Tues 4pm-10pm Location: Mill Spring, NC Benefits: * Retirement Plan with company match * Free Meals on ...

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All JobsDirect Care Professional JobsDirect Care Professional Jobs in Rutherfordton, NC

Direct Care Professional information

See Rutherfordton, NC salary details

$8

$14

$20

How much do direct care professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care professional in Rutherfordton, NC is $14.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $15.58 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.

More about Direct Care Professional jobs

What job categories do people searching Direct Care Professional jobs in Rutherfordton, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Care Professional jobs in Rutherfordton, NC are:

What cities near Rutherfordton, NC are hiring for Direct Care Professional jobs?

Cities near Rutherfordton, NC with the most Direct Care Professional job openings:

Direct Care Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Care Professional job openings in Rutherfordton, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,517 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Direct Support Professional - Day Program | Spartanburg, SC

Charles Lea Center

Spartanburg, SC • On-site

$17.51/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Make a Difference Every Day - Join the Charles Lea Center as a Direct Support Professional


Do you have a heart for helping others and a passion for making a meaningful impact? At the Charles Lea Center in Spartanburg, SC, we're looking for compassionate, energetic individuals to join our team as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in our Day Program. In this rewarding role, you'll help individuals with disabilities develop life skills, participate in meaningful activities, build community connections, and achieve greater independence in a supportive, engaging environment. Every day is an opportunity to encourage growth, foster inclusion, and make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.


WhatWe Offer:

  • Competitive Pay: $17.51
  • Consistent schedule: 1st shift weekday
  • Paid training and growth opportunities


Outstanding Benefits:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Sick Leave
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Free onsite wellness clinic


About the Role:

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in our Day Program, you will support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a structured, engaging environment that promotes independence, personal growth, and community inclusion. You will play a key role in helping individuals build skills, participate in meaningful activities, and achieve their personal goals.


Key Responsibilities:

Individual Support

  • Assist individuals with personal care needs, including hygiene, grooming, and medication administration as assigned.
  • Encourage community participation, social interaction, and the development of life and employment-related skills.
  • Promote independence, self-advocacy, and dignity through positive, person-centered support.

Day Program Activities

  • Provide classroom structure and facilitate activities that support individual training objectives.
  • Develop and maintain a monthly activity and community outing calendar.
  • Participate in recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities designed to enhance skill development and engagement.
  • Actively interact with individuals to provide meaningful, enriching classroom experiences each day.
  • Complete required assessments and participate in meetings regarding individual progress and support plans.
  • Communicate with parents, guardians, or caregivers regarding scheduled community outings and obtain necessary awareness and consent prior to outings.
  • Assist with morning and afternoon bus duties as assigned.

Documentation & Compliance

  • Maintain accurate, timely, and well-written documentation, including attendance records, training objectives, and meal counts, in accordance with DDSN requirements.
  • Remain current on all required trainings and comply with agency policies and procedures.
  • Administer medications as assigned and according to established guidelines.

Classroom & Program Support

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom and work environment.
  • Ensure the well-being, accountability, and safety of individuals served throughout the program day.
  • Support a positive team environment focused on quality services and meaningful outcomes for individuals.


What You'll Need:

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Minimum age: 18
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 2-4 years of relevant experience preferred (DSP, CNA, PCA, RBT, Med Tech, Caregiver)
  • Minimum 1 year of Direct Support Professional experience preferred.
  • Valid driver's license and Social Security number
  • Basic computer and documentation skills
  • Ability to pass required background and reference checks


Physical Requirements: This role involves regular standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and hands-on support. Reasonable accommodations are available.


Work Location Flexibility:While this position is assigned to our Lee St location, All Direct Support Professionals may be required to work at other Charles Lea Center sites as needed based on staffing and operational needs.


Ready to Apply?

If you're ready to make a difference and grow in a meaningful career, we'd love to meet you! Fill out our quick, mobile-friendly application today and take the first step toward joining a team that's changing lives.


Charles Lea Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application process.

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