We are connecting central Iowans to careers in health care.

Launched in January 2017, Central Iowa HealthWorks is a collaborative effort to train and support central Iowans seeking careers in health care. 

  • 648 individuals have been connected to education and training for health care positions. 
  • 72 percent represent minority populations, who are under-represented in this area. 

Sponsor this work

United Way of Central Iowa is seeking a sponsor for our HealthWorks program to support more individuals in moving into health care careers. Learn more about how you can make lasting equitable change in our  community: 

View the Sponsor Sheet

 

Find Training

We are working with several partners to provide services. To find training for health care careers, visit: 

 

 

“This project will strengthen our local economy as individuals receive the education and assistance they need to qualify for critical jobs.” 

- Mary Sellers, President, United Way of Central Iowa

Interested in the HealthWorks program? Submit the form below:
To become more engaged in this work, please click the button below:  

JOIN A WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIP

 

Workforce partnerships include representatives from other organizations in your industry who meet on a monthly basis to discuss common workforce priorities and needs in the industry, which can lead to new training opportunities for workers.

Why it matters


Employers need skilled employees to fill jobs in the health care industry. These jobs provide an average wage of $41,000, helping more central Iowans become financially stable. (Source: Iowa Workforce Development)

Led by United Way of Central Iowa, Central Iowa HealthWorks is funded by a $2.25-million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. United Way of Central Iowa was one of 23 regional workforce partnerships in the U.S. to receive this America’s Promise grant. 

Watch this video to learn how one of our partners, Broadlawns, is building a stronger workforce through this collaborative effort. 

Our partners

Central Iowa HealthWorks is working with the following partners to ensure that those trained will be eligible for employment:

  • Employers: Broadlawns Medical Center, HCI Care Services & Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa, Iowa Digestive Disease Center, Mercy Medical Center, Senior Housing, UnityPoint Health, WesleyLife
  • Workforce Development: Central Iowa Workforce Development Board, Iowa Workforce Development, Greater Des Moines Partnership
  • Community Partners: Iowa Department of Human Services, Bureau of Refugee Services, Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families

 


Career Options for Job Seekers

Download a list of the job descriptions.

Level One

Home Health Aid: Provide clients assistance in daily living and personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, eating, provide transportation, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and medication reminders in client's home.

Direct Care Professional/Personal Care Aid: Provide clients assistance in daily living and personal care such as personal hygiene, cooking, socialization, or money management either in home or medical facilities.  Clients can include seniors, people with disabilities, patients in medical rehabilitation, and more.  

Level Two

Certified Nursing Assistant: Provide basic nursing care to patients such as personal hygiene, feeding, and movement as well as perform basic procedures under direction of nurse supervisor.

Level Three

Lab Support Technician/Medical Laboratory Scientist: Perform a variety of tests using advanced laboratory equipment that help diagnose and treat disease.

Sterile Processing Supply Technician: Use a variety of equipment to put together and prepare tools and instruments for medical procedures while maintaining a sterile environment.  

Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic: Provide direct emergency patient care prior to and during transport for all patient populations, including neonatal, infant, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric.  

Medical Assistant/Licensed Practical Nurse: Perform clinical duties including taking medical histories, recording vital signs, reviewing treatment procedures, draw blood, take EKG's, preparing and assisting with examinations, and provide supportive services to patients.  

Level Four

Surgical Technician: Assist in surgical operations including preparing instruments and equipment, cleaning surgical equipment, and assisting in procedures. 

Registered Nurse: Provide direct patient care such as observing and assessing patients, assisting physicians during treatments, instructing patients in home care or maintaining good health practices, administering medications, and helping patients get through a wide variety of medical needs.