1

Direct Care Worker Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic personal care attendant to provide one to one assistance to an intellectually challenged individual. Job duties include : Transport to daily activities ...

Be Seen First

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic personal care attendant to provide one to one assistance to an intellectually challenged individual. Job duties include : Transport to daily activities ...

About Direct Care Home Health Services**Direct Care Home Health Services is a mission-driven home ... Strong working knowledge of documentation workflows, physician order processes, and audit readiness ...

... care assistants, direct care workers. No matter the name, what they all have in common is a calling to care for people in the comfort of their own homes. As our population ages, the demand for ...

Showing results 41-60

Direct Care Worker information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$8

$15

$21

How much do direct care worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care worker in Silver Spring, MD is $15.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $17.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct care worker?

Direct Care Workers are professionals who provide essential support and assistance to individuals who are elderly, disabled, or otherwise in need of help with daily living activities. They often work in settings such as clients' homes, assisted living facilities, or group homes, helping with tasks like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication reminders. Their role is crucial in promoting the independence, safety, and well-being of those they care for, while also offering companionship and emotional support.

What are some typical challenges direct care workers face when supporting clients with diverse needs?

Direct Care Workers often encounter challenges such as managing clients with varying levels of independence, communication barriers, and behavioral issues. Adapting care strategies to suit each individual's unique needs requires patience, flexibility, and strong problem-solving skills. Additionally, Direct Care Workers must balance the emotional demands of the role while maintaining professional boundaries. Ongoing teamwork and open communication with supervisors and healthcare professionals are essential for providing quality care and overcoming these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Direct Care Worker, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic healthcare knowledge, and experience or training in personal care assistance. Familiarity with care documentation systems, safety protocols, and CPR/First Aid certifications are often required. Compassion, patience, active listening, and strong interpersonal skills help build trust and provide effective support to clients. These abilities ensure the well-being, dignity, and safety of individuals receiving care, making a positive impact on their daily lives.

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

AspectDirect Care WorkerPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, state-specific certificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes additional training
Work EnvironmentHome care, assisted living, nursing homesHome care, private residences, healthcare facilities
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, home health agenciesHome care agencies, private clients
Job DutiesAssisting with daily living, basic health monitoringPersonal hygiene, mobility assistance, companionship

Both roles involve providing essential support to individuals needing assistance, often in similar settings. While the titles are used interchangeably, 'Direct Care Worker' is a broader term encompassing various caregiving roles, whereas 'Personal Care Assistant' often emphasizes personal hygiene and daily living tasks. Understanding these differences can help job seekers find the right position based on their skills and certifications.

Do you have to be certified to be a direct care worker?

Certification requirements for direct care workers vary by state and employer, but many states require or prefer certification such as the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential. Some positions may not require certification but often require training and background checks. Having certification can improve job prospects and demonstrate competency in caregiving skills.

What are popular job titles related to Direct Care Worker jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Direct Care Worker jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Direct Care Worker jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Care Worker jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

Infographic showing various Direct Care Worker job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,409 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Introduction

\r\n

GRADE

10\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

Maryland Department of Health\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

This recruitment is for multiple positions and shifts throughout the Maryland Department of Health. \r\nThese positions will assist in thecare, treatment, habilitation or rehabilitation of mentally or physically ill patients, aged or developmentally disabled clients in need of support, assistance, mentoring in their treatment plans, skill building, vocational and meaningful life activities. These positions are essential members of an interdisciplinary team working together to provide all services needed to meet all needs of the person to return to full community living.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. \r\nExperience: Six months of experience in work assisting in the care, treatment, habilitation or rehabilitation of mentally or physically ill patients, aged or developmentally disabled clients.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Applicants may substitute experience in patient or client direct careon a year-for-year basis for up to four years of the required education. \r\n2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military serviceexperience as a non-commissioned officer in Hospital Corpsman classifications or Health Care Specialist and Medical Services specialty codes in the health related field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.\r\n

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Candidates for positions in this classification must possess a current certificate as a Nursing Assistant from the Maryland State Board of Nursing OR within sixty days from date of hire and prior to performing delegated nursing tasks, must have successfully completed a Board of Nursing approved Nursing Assistant training program and received certification as a Nursing Assistant from the Board of Nursing. \r\n2. Employees in this classification located infacilities that provide long term care for the aged may be required to possess or obtain a Geriatric Aide certificate. \r\n3. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland. \r\n4. Some employees in this classification may be required to operate vans which require a specific motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland. \r\n5. Employees in this classification may be required to successfully complete training in and maintain current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification. \r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Employees in this classification must have successfully completed a direct care training course or examination approved by the hiring facility prior to permanent appointment to a position. \r\n2. Employees in this classification are subject to call-in and will be required to provide the facility with a telephone number at which they can be reached. \r\n3. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs. \r\n

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position.Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work.Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview).\r\nComplete applications must be submitted by the closing date.Information submitted after this date will not be added.\r\nIncorrect application forms will not be accepted.Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.\r\nCandidates may remain on thecertified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.\r\n

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS\r\n\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online,the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201.Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.\r\nIf additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested informationto 410-333-5689.Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.\r\nFor questions regarding this recruitment, please contact theMDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251.\r\nIf you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 orApplication.Help@maryland.gov.\r\nAppropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.\r\nWe thank our Veterans for their service to our country.\r\nPeople with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.\r\nAs an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time