Veterans Portal

Welcome to the IowaWORKS Veterans Portal

Single-Sign-On

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) has been working with the Iowa Department of Management, Division of Information Technology to implement advanced security measures for IowaWorks.gov.
All users will soon access IowaWorks.gov through the Okta single sign-on (SSO) process.
Please watch for additional communication from IowaWORKS as we move forward with implementation of SSO.

The IowaWORKS for Veterans Portal is your pathway to finding new opportunities in Iowa! If you’re a Veteran, transitioning service member, or a military spouse, the portal is your gateway to Iowa’s largest job bank as well as training and workshop resources to improve job-hunting skills. Additionally, Veteran-friendly employers can use the portal to speed up recruitment by sorting through our database of skilled Veteran resumes. Whether you’re looking for a new “home base” or you already call Iowa home and want a new job opportunity, the Veterans Portal can help. Check it out!

WHY IOWA? Iowa is known as the number one state for opportunity – It’s also our goal to make it the best destination for Veterans and their families.
- Iowa offers numerous statewide benefits and services for Veterans. Click HERE for a downloadable document with links and QR codes.
- Iowa Workforce Development is now a 3rd Party Administrator for the DoD SkillBridge Program. Visit HERE to learn more. Iowa has many employers utilizing the DoD SkillBridge program and we are helping to expand its use across the state.
- Iowa recently was ranked as the #6 overall state, #3 in opportunity, and #11 in education by a U.S. News and World Report study.
- Iowa is full of adventure and places to discover, from breathtaking state parks to cutting-edge restaurants and kid-friendly museums.
- Explore rolling hills, prairies, rivers, and bluffs. Vibrant communities are filled with art, culture, music, and affordable housing.
- Home Base Iowa (HBI) connects Veterans, Service Members, and their families with resources and Community Incentives across the state.
- A $5,000 grant is available to service members who are buying a home in the state of Iowa.
- Military Retirement is exempt from Iowa income tax.
- Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses fees are discounted for eligible Veterans.
- Property Tax Exemptions and Homestead Tax Credits are available for eligible Veterans.
- Visit the Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs – Benefits to discover additional ways Iowa gives back to those that served.
Iowa offers something for everyone. Iowa Workforce Development, through Home Base Iowa and this portal, is here to help you find it.

Visit www.thisisiowa.com for more about the quality of life you can experience when you make Iowa home.

Job Seekers

Search for Jobs Online, Connect with Career Planners, and Locate Resources

LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT JOB? Iowa is bursting with opportunity. Exploring a new career and/or finding meaningful employment here has never been easier:
- HBI Career Planners can provide one-on-one concierge services, connect you with the best resources available, and advocate for you in finding your next job.
- After registering and building a resume in IowaWORKS.gov –the state’s largest jobs bank – you’ll be able to easily search and apply for jobs while leveraging a wide range of resources and support. You’ll also be able to take advantage of HBI’s special relationship with Home Base Iowa Businesses, a network of over 2,000 committed companies who are among top performing employers for Veterans and their spouses.
- Once you register, Veteran-friendly Iowa businesses will be able to use IowaWORKS.gov to connect with you about opportunities that align with your skills, interests, and desired work location, and you’ll be able to reach out to business directly, as well. Job seekers interested in local assistance with employment resources and job placement also will find support at IowaWORKS Centers located throughout the state.
Click here to learn how to set up a Job Seeker IowaWORKS account.

Search for a Job

Keyword (e.g. IT Specialist)

Or

MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL CODE
(All 3 sections must be selected to search for jobs)

GEOGRAPHICAL AREA

Hiring Events

Connect with Employers and Find Community Events

Sign up for online and in-person hiring events that Veterans, military personnel, and their spouses can easily leverage. Many job fairs present opportunities to meet face-to-face with potential employers. Reach out to us ahead of time, so you're prepared to make a great first impression.

Details of hiring events will include their location and time. Additional information may be found such as specific industry focus, skill needs, and even specific positions available. Some hiring events will allow early access for Veterans which will be found in the details. Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resume(s) to hiring events.

You can view specific hiring events by clicking on the "Hiring Events" button. Click on the "Other Events" for additional community events.

Note: You will need to log in to the IowaWORKS Veterans Portal to see specific event details and/or to sign up for an event.

Search

Use the buttons below to search for events.

Search for Jobs Online, Connect with Career Planners, and Locate Resources

Job Seekers Resources

Get connected with statewide and local resources!
- Visit HERE for information on Home Base Iowa Communities, Resources, and Incentives
- Continue your service by joining the Iowa National Guard. Visit HERE for additional information. Iowa National Guard – Always Ready
- Locate a Veterans Service Officer and other resources in your county.
- Hilton Honors -- view our Iowa Hilton Honors Flyer to learn more about the program and how to take advantage.
- For assistance with record searches, such as DD-214, personnel records found in the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), and medical records, visit Archives.gov
- Learn more about education options, post-GI Bill benefits, health benefits, disability, and claims at VA.gov.
- Veteran-owned business – U.S. Small Business Administration
- Learn more about Veteran Readiness and Employment and the application process at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Visit HERE for additional Veterans' Employment Services
- Please follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for Veteran-related topics, hiring events, and workshops!

Education and Training

Discover Pathways to Employment and Education

Higher Education is often the first place that many Veterans reintegrate in civilian life following military service. Home Base Iowa Certified Higher Academic Military Partners (CHAMPs) have met specific criteria to receive the HBI CHAMPs designation and ensure Veterans and their family members receive quality education and support as institutions of higher education across Iowa. Following graduation, Home Base Iowa wants to ensure that military-affiliated students find meaningful careers in Iowa.

Currently, there are 29 HBI CHAMPs institutions. You can learn more about each institution by visiting the Education Partners tab of homebaseiowa.gov.

Outside of higher education, many Veterans chose to pursue Registered Apprenticeships. As military service is one of the largest apprenticeships, Veterans have demonstrated that they are highly trainable and this pathway to employment is a natural way for Veterans to transition into rewarding career fields in familiar areas or in exploring new career fields altogether.

Check out the Earn and Learn site or reach out to us at HBI@iowa.gov to set up an appointment with a career planner to explore Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in Iowa.
- Or look no further than the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 33 -- Veterans 16 Week Accelerated HVAC Program.
Learn more about Veterans and Military Education through the Iowa Department of Education to include information on how to utilize GI Bill benefits.

VA education benefits help Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling. Learn how to apply for and manage the education and training benefits you’ve earned at VA.gov/education.

Additionally, Veterans and spouses can register online for workshops or classes held online or in-person at IowaWORKS Centers, or by contacting their local IowaWORKS Center. Veterans are entitled to priority seating in these workshops and classes. Opportunities at IowaWORKS Centers may include:
- Conduct a Job Search
- Assistance with transferable military skills/education to civilian skills/education
- State of Iowa Job Applications
- Bring Your A Game to Work
- Resume Preparation
- Mock Interviews
- Skills Assessments
- Interview & Negotiate
- Virtual Job Club
Find your local IowaWORKS Center in the search tool, located at the top of this page, to learn what options are available in your area, as not all classes are taught at every Center. In many Centers, there are veteran representatives who may assist eligible veterans.

To access more information on Education Services, explore the IowaWORKS Learning Center. Log in to IowaWORKS and select the Directory of Services tab on your dashboard. Expand the Services for Individuals section and select the link to Education Services.

Employers

**The above picture shows Employers participating in a Community Engagement Event with the Iowa National Guard on October 27, 2022.

Single-Sign-On

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) has been working with the Iowa Department of Management, Division of Information Technology to implement advanced security measures for IowaWorks.gov.
All users will soon access IowaWorks.gov through the Okta single sign-on (SSO) process.
Please watch for additional communication from IowaWORKS as we move forward with implementation of SSO.

Find Top Talent, Leverage IowaWORKS, Discover Best Practices

WHY RECRUIT VETERANS? Our state created Home Base Iowa to recognize the value and strength that Veterans and their families bring to their hometowns. More than 124 HBI communities have endorsed this approach, and they’re finding more creative ways every day to attract and retain Veterans and their families. No matter where you end up in Iowa, you’ll find support.

Home Base Iowa coordinates this support across cities, counties, and state government. Many communities are offering relocation benefits, home purchasing grants, grants for entrepreneurship, and more. In Iowa, military retiree benefits are not taxed. Be certain to check out our Communities page on homebaseiowa.gov to find more information or email us at hbi@iowa.gov.

Across Iowa you’ll find:
- Home Base Iowa community resources and contact information
- 99 Iowa County Veterans Services offices to help access state and federal benefits, among other local resources and support
- Access to 19 VA Medical Facilities
- Engaged Veteran Service Organizations such as the American Legion, VFW, AMVETS, DAV, PVA, VVA, and more.
- HBI Certified Higher Academic Military Partner (CHAMPs) institutions of higher education
- Iowa National Guard programs and support to service members, Veterans, and their families
- Home Base Iowa Businesses and meaningful employment
- Local support at IowaWORKS Centers at more than 15 locations
Click here to learn how to set up an Employer IowaWORKS account.

SEARCH for CANDIDATES

Employers Resources

ENGAGED BUSINESSES HAVE THE BEST SUCCESS

IWD’s Business Engagement Division provides a one-stop shop for all your workforce needs. Visit HERE to learn more about the individualized assistance that awaits you and how to request a meeting.

Through the integrated IowaWORKS system, businesses can directly connect with job seekers to meet workforce needs.

Learn how to:
- Ensure your jobs openings are viewable by all veterans & spouses looking for jobs.
- Search resumes at any time by location, primary industry, profile information, and more.
- Create automated job search to quickly identify the skillsets and experience of qualified veterans and spouses.
- Leverage the wide range of tools and resources available across IowaWORKS/HBI Program.
Beyond the wide range of tools and resources available to businesses, through IowaWORKS, HBI can assist you by providing training, education, and support. For instance, there are a number of best practices that can help Iowa businesses stand out among the Veteran community. Visit the Best Practices page to learn more!

Business Services
Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) offers a variety of services to benefit employers, including recruitment assistance, tax credits to hire new employees and outreach to targeted groups to include veterans. Visit HERE for additional information on available Business Services.

Employer Incentives
IWD provides information and resources on a number of incentives an employer may be able to take advantage of. Visit HERE for additional information on the following:
- Tax Credits
- Hire a Vet
- On-the-job training
- Federal Bond Program
- Other Credits and Incentives
Please follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for Veteran-related topics, information, and events!

Employers Best Practices

Find Top Talent, Leverage IowaWORKS and Discover Best Practices

Attracting & Retaining Veterans in Iowa

Iowa businesses are an essential part of those that see Iowa as a destination of choice for Veterans and their spouses to work, live, and play, elevates our entire state. Here is what one employer had to say about why they hire Veterans:

“There is great value in hiring Veterans and those currently serving. This should be a positive for any business. The added value this pool provides us greatly outweighs the rest. We will gladly consider them as the character and discipline required for service is in high demand.”

Dean Robbins, Director of Community Outreach, Absolute Group

We encourage you to check out some best practices below on how you can attract and retain Veterans, Service Members, and Spouses

Leverage Available Training & Education

Home Base Iowa has partnered with Psych/Armor to offer FREE training to businesses with the goal of increasing military cultural competency and learning effective strategies and best practices on how to make your business "Veteran-Ready". If you are interested, please send an email to HBI@ iowa.gov.

Home Base Iowa Communities

Communities across Iowa have earned the designation of being an HBI Community. As part of the requirement, HBI communities are offering creative and meaningful incentives. Not only can your company leverage the benefits as part of your own recruiting efforts, but you can help improve all that Iowa offers as part of returning services. Visit HERE to see if your community is designated and what incentives are offered.

Become a Home Base Iowa (HBI) Business

Businesses hiring in Iowa that want to hire Veterans, transitioning service members, and their spouses, are highly encouraged to become a Home Base Iowa Businesses. Like other HBI Partners (i.e. communities and colleges/universities), businesses desiring to become an HBI Business will be asked to meet basic criteria that demonstrates a commitment to hiring and retaining Veterans, service members, and their spouses.

Participate in the DOD SkillBridge Program

The DOD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for Service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects Service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences. Participation by Iowa businesses, increases our potential to increase talent pipelines from military service to employment in Iowa. IWD is now a 3rd party administrator of the DoD SkillBridge program. Find more information at workforce.iowa.gov/skillbridge. Employers can contact IWD at skillbridge@iowa.gov to get started.

“John Deere is a proud industry partner in the DoD SkillBridge Program. The SkillBridge program has many benefits for all stakeholders; it assists service members in their transition out of the military, it helps companies find great talent, and it helps grow our local communities. We have found this program to be a critical part of our future workforce acquisition strategy and it has played a key role in filling many of our opportunities in the state of Iowa.”

David Ottavianelli, Director, Workforce and Community Outreach, John Deere

Create a mentorship program or Employer Resource Group (ERG)

Businesses interested in creating a supportive workplace culture for Veterans and their families, might start by asking their employees. What makes our company a good place for Veterans? Are there steps we can take to make our businesses a good match for Veterans and their families? Inviting Veterans into company discussions can enrich attraction and retention efforts. Most Veterans and their families would welcome the opportunity to help others have a successful transition and to coach others in being successful in the workforce.

Sign a Statement of Support of Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

Iowa is strong because of the rich history and service of Iowa National Guard members. The Statement of Support Program is the cornerstone of ESGR’s effort to gain and maintain employer support for the Guard and Reserve. The intent of the program is to increase employer support by encouraging employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the Nation’s Guard and Reserves. Find more information here: Statement of Support Program

Receive Recognition for your Efforts to Recruit, Employ and Retain Veterans

The Honoring Investments in Recruitment and Employing (HIRE) Vets Medallion Award is the only federal-level veterans' employment award that recognizes employers for their efforts to recruit, employ, and retain our nation’s veterans. Small, median, and large businesses that meet criteria are able to receive this recognition. Find more information at www.HIREVets.gov and help Iowa standout even more!

Does your business offer Veterans Preference?

Under the Iowa Code Chapter 35C, Veterans are entitled to preference in appointment over applicants of no greater qualifications. The Home Base Act of 2014, further clarified that it is legal for private businesses to provide Veterans preference as part of the hiring process. Recognizing disparities within the translation of military experience and skill sets into civilian contexts, some Iowa businesses guarantee opportunities to interview when Veteran candidates meet basic qualifications, offer additional points when ranking candidates, and/or find other ways to increase equity and support to transition service members. Reach out to us to discuss ways your company can create a more equitable process in hiring Veterans and their spouses.

Home Base Iowa

Concierge Services and Community Connections

Home Base Iowa (HBI) is Iowa's premier program for Veterans, transitioning service members and their spouses. We welcome Veterans and their families looking for strong communities and meaningful employment.

Our team of HBI Career Planners are located throughout the state and are integrated into our IowaWORKS – American Job Center network. HBI Career Planners provide individualized career services to Veterans, transitioning service members and spouses including resume assistance, interviewing skills, and connections to training and employment opportunities.

Additionally, thanks to our partnership with the Iowa National Guard and their hospitality, we have one HBI Career Planner maintaining regular office hours at Camp Dodge to serve our Guard and Reserve service members.

Our HBI Career Planners provide concierge services to help connect Veterans, service members, and spouses who are seeking employment opportunities to our HBI businesses. HBI businesses have pledged their desire and commitment to hire and retain Veterans. The HBI program also provides resources to help connect Veterans and their families with educational opportunities and to assist when transitioning to a new community.

Drive across Iowa and you will see HBI signage (as shown in picture above) as an indication of the value and emphasis the community places on bringing Veterans and service members to their community. We are proud to say there are 126 HBI Communities across Iowa who have developed incentive packages to welcome Veterans and their families.

Most recently, Poweshiek County, Ida County, Polk County, Plymouth County, and Monona County have joined the HBI Community network by meeting certain requirements that demonstrate their desire to attract Veterans and give them a place to live, work, and play.

Click HERE if you are interested in learning about statewide and local resources including community incentives.

Visit homebaseiowa.gov to learn more about Home Base Iowa and why Iowa is the #1 state for opportunity.

If you have additional questions regarding Home Base Iowa, please contact us at HBI@iowa.gov.

IowaWORKS at a Glance

Our Doors Are Open! Visit Your Local IowaWORKS Center

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SERVICES AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT YOUR NEAREST IowaWORKS CENTER!
At an IowaWORKS Center, Veterans, service members, and spouses can take advantage of the following services:
- First access to employment and training services
- One-on-one appointments with Veteran Career Planners to plan your next career
- Resume assistance to include de-militarization of resumes and Federal resume assistance
- Resource Centers with dedicated computers for military-connected individuals
- Job placement services through our Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives
- Connections with HBI employers and HBI community incentives
- Computer / Internet access for job search activities
- In person / virtual workshops
- Connections to other Veteran-related agencies and resources
- Career Fairs / Recruitment Events
- Services for people with disabilities
The IowaWORKS Mobile Unit has been deployed! Visit workforce.iowa.gov/mobile-center to learn more about its capabilities.

The mobile unit recently visited Camp Dodge to support their monthly patching ceremony and hiring event. Each month Home Base Iowa staff organize a career fair to support National Guardsmen returning from training. A resume workshop is conducted to better prepare the soldiers for the career fair.

Channel 5 news was there recently and released this story on the IowaWORKS Mobile Unit.

Find your local IowaWORKS Center in the search tool, located at the top of this page.

Job Seekers Resources

Search for Jobs Online, Connect with Career Planners, and Locate Resources

Get connected with statewide and local resources!

Visit HERE for information on Home Base Iowa Communities, Resources, and Incentives
- Continue your service by joining the Iowa National Guard. Visit HERE for additional information. Iowa National Guard – Always Ready
- Locate a Veterans Service Officer and other resources in your county.
- Hilton Honors – view our Iowa Hilton Honors Flyer to learn more about the program and how to take advantage.
- For assistance with record searches, such as DD-214, personnel records found in the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), and medical records, visit Archives.gov
- Learn more about education options, post-GI Bill benefits, health benefits, disability, and claims at VA.gov.
- Veteran-owned business – U.S. Small Business Administration
- Learn more about Veteran Readiness and Employment and the application process at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Visit HERE for additional Veterans' Employment Services
- Please follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for Veteran-related topics, hiring events, and workshops!
Employers Resources

Engaged Businessess have the best success

IWD’s Business Engagement Division provides a one-stop shop for all your workforce needs. Visit HERE to learn more about the individualized assistance that awaits you and how to request a meeting.

Through the integrated IowaWORKS system, businesses can directly connect with job seekers to meet workforce needs.

Learn how to:
- Ensure your jobs openings are viewable by all veterans & spouses looking for jobs.
- Search resumes at any time by location, primary industry, profile information, and more.
- Create automated job search to quickly identify the skillsets and experience of qualified veterans and spouses.
- Leverage the wide range of tools and resources available across IowaWORKS/HBI Program.
Beyond the wide range of tools and resources available to businesses, through IowaWORKS, HBI can assist you by providing training, education, and support. For instance, there are a number of best practices that can help Iowa businesses stand out among the Veteran community. Visit the Best Practices page to learn more!

Business Services
Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) offers a variety of services to benefit employers, including recruitment assistance, tax credits to hire new employees and outreach to targeted groups to include veterans. Visit HERE for additional information on available Business Services.

Employer Incentives
IWD provides information and resources on a number of incentives an employer may be able to take advantage of. Visit HERE for additional information on the following:
- Tax Credits
- Hire a Vet
- On-the-job training
- Federal Bond Program
- Other Credits and Incentives
Please follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for Veteran-related topics, information, and events!

Employer Options

Thank you for your service! We are committed to make Iowa your State of Choice.

Find Top Talent, Leverage IowaWORKS, Discover Best Practices

Discover Pathways to Employment and Education

Concierge Services and Community Connections

Our Doors Are Open! Visit Your Local IowaWORKS Center

Search for Jobs Online, Connect with Career Planners, and Locate Resources

Job Seekers

Search for Jobs Online, Connect with Career Planners, and Locate Resources

Hiring Events

Connect with Employers and Find Community Events

Search for Jobs Online, Connect with Career Planners, and Locate Resources

Job Seekers Resources

Education and Training

Discover Pathways to Employment and Education

Employers

Single-Sign-On

Find Top Talent, Leverage IowaWORKS, Discover Best Practices

Employers Resources

Employers Best Practices

Attracting & Retaining Veterans in Iowa

Leverage Available Training & Education

Home Base Iowa Communities

Become a Home Base Iowa (HBI) Business

Participate in the DOD SkillBridge Program

Create a mentorship program or Employer Resource Group (ERG)

Sign a Statement of Support of Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

Receive Recognition for your Efforts to Recruit, Employ and Retain Veterans

Does your business offer Veterans Preference?

Job Seekers Resources

Search for Jobs Online, Connect with Career Planners, and Locate Resources

Employers Resources

Engaged Businessess have the best success

Share this Page

Thank you for your service! We are committed to make Iowa your State of Choice.

Find Top Talent, Leverage IowaWORKS, Discover Best Practices

Discover Pathways to Employment and Education

Concierge Services and Community Connections

Our Doors Are Open! Visit Your Local IowaWORKS Center

Search for Jobs Online, Connect with Career Planners, and Locate Resources

Welcome to the IowaWORKS Veterans Portal

Single-Sign-On

Job Seekers

Search for Jobs Online, Connect with Career Planners, and Locate Resources

Search for a Job

Hiring Events

Connect with Employers and Find Community Events

Search

Search for Jobs Online, Connect with Career Planners, and Locate Resources

Job Seekers Resources

Education and Training

Discover Pathways to Employment and Education

Employers

Single-Sign-On

Find Top Talent, Leverage IowaWORKS, Discover Best Practices

SEARCH for CANDIDATES

Employers Resources

Employers Best Practices

Find Top Talent, Leverage IowaWORKS and Discover Best Practices

Home Base Iowa

Concierge Services and Community Connections

IowaWORKS at a Glance

Our Doors Are Open! Visit Your Local IowaWORKS Center

Job Seekers Resources

Search for Jobs Online, Connect with Career Planners, and Locate Resources

Employers Resources

Engaged Businessess have the best success