We are connecting central Iowans to careers in healthcare.


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. 

What We Offer

Financial assistance for individuals eligible for high demand healthcare careers.

View Eligibility Criteria

Interested in the HealthWorks program? Submit the form below:


“This initiative will strengthen our community's economy by empowering individuals to receive the necessary education and support to secure crucial job opportunities.” 

- Mary Sellers, President, United Way of Central Iowa

Why it matters


Employers need skilled employees to fill jobs in the healthcare industry. These jobs provide financial stability for many central Iowans, especially those living under the 250% poverty rate.

Led by United Way of Central Iowa, Central Iowa HealthWorks is partially funded by the Good Jobs Challenge Grant, awarded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce. United Way of Central Iowa was one of 32 regional workforce partnerships in the U.S. to receive this grant as apart of the American Rescue Plan

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


Career Options for Job Seekers

Level One

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.

Certified Dental Assistant: Provide essential dental and oral healthcare functions to patients under direction of dental hygienists and/or dentists.

Level Three


Medical Assistant/Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):
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


Registered Nurse (RN):
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.

Nurse Administrator (Admin BSN): oversee scheduling, budgeting, managing nurses, and ensuring patient care standards are upheld.



 

Thank You to 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