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Direct Care Worker Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Mosaic

Contracted Direct Care Worker

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$73/hr

Mosaic is seeking Direct Care Workers to contract with us! This role will require visits to people needing services in their homes. The Direct Care Worker will coordinate these visits based on the ...

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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 ...

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 ...

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 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 (Non-Meds)

Albia, IA

$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 Denison (3)

Direct Care Worker (Meds)

Denison, 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 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 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 ...

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All JobsDirect Care Worker JobsDirect Care Worker Jobs in Iowa

Direct Care Worker information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do direct care worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct care worker in Iowa is $14.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $15.82 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 Iowa?

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Direct Care Worker jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Direct Care Worker job openings:

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

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

Direct Care Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Care Worker job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,446 per year, or $14.2 per hour.

Contracted Direct Care Worker

Mosaic

Council Bluffs, IA • On-site

$73/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Are you ready to launch a career in healthcare as a provider on your own terms? Mosaic has the structure and support to help you achieve your goal of having your own small business that allows you the flexibility to work on your own terms! No boss, no dictated schedule, just real impact for people in your community.

Mosaic is seeking Direct Care Workers to contract with us! This role will require visits to people needing services in their homes. The Direct Care Worker will coordinate these visits based on the needs of the individual they will be serving and their availability to work. Compensation is $73 per unit per individual worked with (a unit is defined as 2.25-4 hours of service) You can coordinate multiple individuals per day based on your availability and the needs of the people needing services. Mosaic provides support to help you build a schedule that fits your lifestyle.

The work of a direct care worker involves a wide range of tasks supporting people with intellectual disabilities; including assisting with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing,grooming, and community integration. They may also help with meal preparation, housekeeping, medication management, transportation to appointments or social activities.

  • A direct care worker must be patient, compassionate, and have excellent communication skills.
  • They must also be able to work independently and follow a support plan to ensure that the people they serve receive consistent and appropriate support.
  • Direct Care Workers must be 18 years of age, have a valid driver's license, laptop or tablet, and strong written / verbal communication skills.

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