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Care Worker Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Hillcrest Family Services

Youth Care Worker

Dubuque, IA · On-site

The Youth Care Worker collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to create a safe, supportive environment for the adolescents. In addition, you will be: * Assist clients with activities of daily ...

New

Cornerstone Caregiving

Direct Care Worker

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

We are committed to providing exceptional care to individuals in need. Our caregivers are highly ... Working as a caregiver at Cornerstone Caregiving is a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Join our ...

Legacy Healthcare

Direct Care Worker (DCW) - ICF

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

) Direct Care Worker (DCW) - ICF Setting 2nd shift fulltime Harmony House Care Center is hiring a compassionate and dependable Direct Care Worker (DCW) to support individuals with intellectual ...

Homestead of Chariton

Direct Care Worker (Meds)

Chariton, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

Homestead of Chariton is looking for full-time and part-time Direct Care Workers! We have shifts available such as 6am-2pm, 2pm-10pm, and 10pm-6am. We offer: * Competitive salaries! * Benefits ...

Community Elements

Day Care Worker

Sioux City, IA

$18/hr

Minimum of one year experience working in licensed daycare setting (preferred). * Excellent written ... care. Join us in our mission to foster lasting recovery and transform lives. We are committed to ...

Rosecrance

Day Care Worker

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$18/hr

Minimum of one year experience working in licensed daycare setting (preferred). * Excellent written ... care. Join us in our mission to foster lasting recovery and transform lives. We are committed to ...

Homestead of Oskaloosa

Direct Care Worker (Meds)

Oskaloosa, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

An Employee-friendly environment As a direct care worker that handles medications, you will be required to provide direct care to facility residents, primarily for their activities of daily living.

Homestead of Albia

Direct Care Worker (Non-Meds)

Albia, IA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Homestead of Albia is looking for full-time and part-time Direct Care Workers for our all shifts! We offer: * Competitive salaries! * Benefits, including medical, dental and vision coverage! * 401(k) ...

Homestead of Albia

Direct Care Worker (Meds)

Albia, IA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Key Job Duties and Responsibilities The Direct Care Worker (meds) is required to provide direct care to community residents, primarily for their activities of daily living. In addition, employee will ...

Homestead of Osceola

Direct Care Worker (Meds)

Osceola, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Key Job Duties and Responsibilities The Direct Care Worker (meds) is required to provide direct care to community residents, primarily for their activities of daily living. In addition, employee will ...

Homestead of Creston

Direct Care Workers

Creston, IA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

As a direct care worker that handles medications, you will be required to provide direct care to facility residents, primarily for their activities of daily living. In addition, you will assist with ...

Homestead of Knoxville

Direct Care Workers

Knoxville, IA · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

As a direct care worker that handles medications, you will be required to provide direct care to facility residents, primarily for their activities of daily living. In addition, you will assist with ...

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Care Worker information

See Iowa salary details

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$17

$27

How much do care worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for care worker in Iowa is $17.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a care worker?

Care workers are professionals who provide support and assistance to people who may need help with daily activities due to age, illness, disability, or other challenges. Their responsibilities often include helping with personal care, administering medication, preparing meals, and offering companionship. Care workers can work in clients’ homes, care homes, or community settings, and their goal is to improve the quality of life and independence of those they support.

What does a care worker do?

There are a variety of job titles under the broad category of care worker. This includes childcare workers who care for and teach children daily; patient care workers whose duties include working one-on-one with medical patients; and direct care workers whose responsibilities include assisting the sick, injured, or mentally disabled in their homes or care facilities. Overall, care workers focus on supporting the needs of their client and the client's family through activities, life coaching, creating a care plan, and personal development. A care worker is directly involved in the lives of their clients regardless of the type of care work they do.

What are some common challenges care workers face when supporting clients in their daily routines?

Care workers often encounter challenges such as adapting to clients' changing physical or mental health needs, managing emotional stress, and balancing multiple clients' schedules. They may also face communication barriers, especially when working with individuals with cognitive impairments or language differences. Support and training from supervisors, as well as effective teamwork, help care workers overcome these challenges and provide consistent, compassionate care.

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

To thrive as a Care Worker, you need a basic understanding of health and social care, relevant certifications such as NVQ/QCF in Health and Social Care, and sometimes first aid training. Familiarity with care planning systems, manual handling techniques, and medication administration is often required. Compassion, patience, and strong interpersonal communication are essential soft skills for building trust and providing emotional support. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering safe, effective, and person-centered care to vulnerable individuals.

What is the difference between Care Worker vs Support Worker?

AspectCare WorkerSupport Worker
CredentialsOften requires relevant care qualifications or certificationsMay require similar certifications, depending on the setting
Work EnvironmentResidential care homes, hospitals, community settingsCommunity settings, mental health services, social support environments
Employer & Industry UsageHealth and social care providers, care agenciesCharities, social services, mental health organizations
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing direct care roles in health settingsIndividuals exploring social support or community-based roles

Care Workers primarily provide direct personal care and support in health and social care settings, focusing on physical needs. Support Workers often work in community or mental health environments, offering social and emotional support. While both roles require similar certifications and work in related industries, their focus and work environments differ.

What qualifications do I need to be a care worker?

To become a care worker, you typically need a relevant qualification such as a Level 2 or Level 3 diploma in health and social care. Good communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work flexible hours are also important; some roles may require a background check or basic first aid certification.
More about Care Worker jobs

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The most popular types of Care Worker jobs in Iowa are:

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For Care Worker jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Care Worker jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Care Worker jobs in Iowa are:

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Cities in Iowa with the most Care Worker job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Care Worker jobs in IA?

For Care Worker jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Care Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Care Worker job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,589 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Youth Care Worker

Hillcrest Family Services

Dubuque, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Description
Full-Time, 2nd Shift. Hours are 2:00pm-10:00pm
Responsibilities
The Youth Care Workerfor our Supervised Apartment Living (SAL) Program is responsible for providing compassionate and effective care and support to adolescents within the residential facilities. This role involves direct supervision, behavior management and crisis intervention. The Youth Care Worker collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to create a safe, supportive environment for the adolescents. In addition, you will be:
  • Assist clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including cooking, cleaning, showering, toileting, shopping, and managing money.
  • Monitor clients' health and report any changes in physical or mental condition to supervisors or healthcare providers.
  • Assist with medical appointments such as transportation and coordinating with healthcare providers.
  • Provide emotional support and encouragement to individuals. Recognize and respond to signs of distress or crisis situations.
  • De-escalate challenging behaviors using positive and approved techniques to ensure safety for all clients and staff.
  • Facilitate community integration and participation in social and recreational activities.
  • Ensure that care plans are followed and updated as needed.
  • Maintain accurate records of daily activities, progress and any relevant observations and document these items in the client's electronic health record (EHR).
  • Complete incident reports with 24 hours of the occurrence and share the report with social workers to ensure accuracy of report.
  • Participate in team meetings and assigned trainings.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Education:
  • High School Diploma or HSED equivalent required.

Experience:
  • Prior experience working with individuals who have chronic mental health issues is preferred.
  • Prior experience with health care documentation is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills - including written and verbal.
  • Patience, empathy, and a passion for supporting individuals to achieve independence.
  • Ability to remain calm and patient in stressful situations

Licenses/Certifications:
  • Current and valid driver's license and ability to meet agency driving requirements is required. .
  • Mandatory Reporter of Child/Dependent Adult Abuse Certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire and every three (3) years thereafter required.

Benefits
Competitive benefits package for full-time employees working 30+ hours a week:
  • Health insurance (up to 79% employer paid)
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k) with profit sharing and employer match
  • Paid time off (accrue up to 80 hours during first year of employment; increases based on tenure with agency)
  • 10 paid holidays
  • 80 hours sick time
  • 2 wellness days
  • Staff development and training
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility for federal student loans
  • Employer paid CEU's through Relias
  • PerkSpot- employee discount program
  • Employee assistance program
  • Advancement opportunities

About the Organization
Hillcrest is a non-profit organization that assists adults and children in need of help. Every day, Hillcrest builds confidence in hundreds of people and families. We strive to be a leading provider in supporting brain health and wellness. We're a place where compassion is commonplace. Where our passion soars and faith restores.
**COVID-19 Vaccination Not Required*

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