Hiring: FT Materials Handler/Driver

WACOSA, a non-profit organization in the St. Cloud area, dedicated to providing services to adults with developmental disabilities, is seeking a FT Materials Handler/ Driver to join our Waite Park team.

Job Duties

• Operates forklifts and pallet jacks to load and unload product from trucks, move product around work floor, and place pallets on pallet racking for storage.
• Operates cube truck and 26,000 gross vehicle weight vehicle(s), with lifts to pick up and deliver product, recycling and documents to be shredded.
• Completes inventory of product, supplies, and other items delivered to WACOSA.
• Prepares completed product for shipping (boxing, stretch wrapping, banding, etc.).
• Completes paperwork and data entry as needed for inventory, shipping/receiving and driving. 
• Communicates with business customers in a professional and courteous manner via phone, fax, and e-mail regarding inventory, shipping, receiving, and scheduling for document shred and recycling pick-ups, or other information needed, for job completion.
• Assists in set-up of production jobs; including work flow, product inventory, and training of staff on job completion and quality specifications.
• Assists with time studies and performance measurements as needed.
• Assists DocuShred business customers with drop-offs and pick-ups of documents to be shredded.
• Maintains knowledge of NAID policy and certification standards. 
• Works closely with the WACOSA Program and Maintenance departments.
• Cross trains with other Materials Handlers/Drivers as assigned.
• Adheres to all WACOSA safety policies & procedures, acts as a role model for others, and holds self/others accountable.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma/GED required
• A minimum of (1) one year Production, Manufacturing, or Warehouse experience required
• Must be 20+ years old, possess a valid MN Driver’s License, and have an insurable driving record; driving is required
• CDL preferred (or ability to obtain a CDL required)
• Must be willing to submit to a Health Card Physical, Motor Vehicle Check, Criminal Background Check, & Drug Screen (post offer)
• Basic computer skills (i.e. MS Office Suite) required
• Fine motor control, attention to detail, organization, and ability to perform repetitive tasks required
• People skills, patience, ability to convey information/ideas so others can understand, and the ability to maintain confidentiality are a must
• Strong communication skills and ability to interact in a professional manner are a must
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision required
• Forklift experience preferred
• Routine lifting up to 50 lbs. (occasional lifting up to 70 lbs.)
• Frequent standing for prolonged periods
• Frequent pushing/pulling
• Frequent sitting and operation of a motor vehicle for prolonged periods
• Intermittent bending, twisting, and reaching 
• Working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions

How to Apply
Position is FT & includes competitive benefits pkg. Send a completed application (avail. at www.WACOSA.org under ‘Contact Us') -OR- complete in-person at:

WACOSA
Front Desk (320 Bldg. Sundial Dr., Door 3)
P.O. Box 757
Waite Park, MN 56387

**NO phone calls please**

WACOSA is an EO/M/W/Disability/AA Employer membership

All candidates are considered w/o regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, or marital status, sexual orientation or preference, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or on a local rights commission

www.WACOSA.org

Recycling: A Different Perspective

At WACOSA we encourage everyone to recycle. While you probably have seen our recycling bins located across Central Minnesota, have you ever wondered what happens after you’ve dropped your plastic bottles in the bin?

There are three steps to the recycling process. Although the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle,” is commonly used, we hope our spin on the three steps will provide you with a new perspective of the recycling process.

1. Collection (Recycle)
Many homes and businesses have separate bins for recycled materials. Therefore, there are different methods of collection. The methods include: curbside pickup, drop-off centers, buy-back centers, and deposit/refund programs.

After the recyclables are collected, they are sent to a facility where they are sorted and prepared into profitable materials to be sold to different processing companies.

2. Processing (Reduce)
After being collected, the recycled goods are cleaned and sorted. Then they are processed to recover the raw materials. When the raw materials are retrieved, they are used to make the newly recycled products.

Before the recyclables can be made into new products, they must be broken down, melted or liquefied, and crushed or shredded.

3. Purchasing Recycled Products (Reuse)
Purchasing newly recycled products completes the recycling loop. These products are sent to stores to be purchased. The popularity of recycled products is growing immensely. More and more products are being manufactured with almost all recycled or partially recycled material. As long as we can keep it up with recycling, manufacturers will continue to produce high-quality recycled products.

Hoping to implement more recycling at your business or organization? Consider WACOSA’s recycling solutions. 

April Specials at ThriftWorks!

See how you can save this month at ThriftWorks! 

The Season of Shredding

It's everyone's favorite time of year...tax season! Whether you've finished filing your taxes or still need to begin, knowing which documents to save or shred is in important part of putting together your "tax puzzle".

Have you ever heard of the “Three Year Rule”? After you have filed your taxes, make sure to hold on to certain documents for at least three years. Why three years? You need to keep your documents that will support the items on your tax return for three years in case the IRS needs to start an audit.

Shred after three years:
· Tax return forms
· Tax return schedules
· Property records
· Investment records & statements
· Business assets (for depreciation)

These aren't the only records to shred after you have completely filed your taxes. To ensure you will not be a victim of identity theft, shred anything with sensitive information on it.

Documents to shred sooner than 3 years:
· Tax records
· Pay stubs
· Bank statements
· Credit card statements
· Medical records
· Insurance records
· IRA contributions
· Home purchase/sale/improvements
· Warranties

Don’t have a shredder? WACOSA's DocuShred, located next ThriftWorks!, will shred all of your confidential documents.

3 Thrift Store Finds You Won’t See at a Department Store

Thrift stores have a variety of different things, you never know what you are going to find. People shop at them because they are usually looking for certain things that department stores won’t have. Department stores typically provide matching sets of home décor and other high quality and expensive things, whereas thrift stores do not. Although thrifting can be fun, it takes a lot of patience. If you can’t find what you’re looking for one day, there are plenty of other days; people are always donating their antiques and other old things.

Here are 3 items that can be found at a thrift store and not at a department store:

1. Typewriters

Typewriters are a popular item to collect these days. People want them for display at their home or for use. They are a fun tool to have for scrapbooking; just make sure you test it out before bringing it home! Finding a typewriter at a thrift shop is either a hit or a miss. You have to shop at them regularly to find one because they are in high demand. If you aren’t picky about having a certain one and you see it at a thrift shop one day, buy it. Chances are the typewriter won’t be there the next day. On the other hand, if you are looking for a certain one, that will take some time. With some research and patience, you will find one.

2. VCRs

What's your favorite Disney VHS? 

Remember all the Disney movies on VHS? Everyone had them! Many people these days still have them because they are fun to have just in case you want to pop in an old classic one night. Even though Netflix has taken over, some households still have VCR players. If you don’t have one, they are so easy to find at thrift stores. People are donating them left and right because they have no use for them anymore. You can find one for $20 or less; and while you’re there, pick up a $.50 VHS.

3. Collectibles

If you are interested in a unique set of collectibles, thrift stores a great place to look for them. Collectibles like salt and pepper shakers, lunchboxes, porcelain dolls, stoneware crocks, and vintage glassware are popular in thrift stores. These items range from having a big display of them while others have only one or very few at a time. You just have to look through the entire thrift store. Only buy if it you really love it. Although you are a collector and you see a piece that you need, don’t get it if it’s not up to standards of what you’re looking for. There might be a little chip in it or missing a piece of it. You will find it!

If you’re looking for something specific and you know a department store won’t have it, check out your local thrift store. With a little high and low searching, you will find it. Also, many things there can be turned into an inexpensive and easy DIY project for your home. There is something for everyone at thrift shops; you won’t be disappointed in your finds.

So come check out ThriftWorks! at WACOSA, you might just find what you’re looking for.

ThriftWorks! January Specials

AgVenture Gives!

Watkins Farming Company Will Donate $500 to Local Charities

 AgVenture focuses on providing exceptional value and service to their customers. Their main goal is to deliver a superior service to customers in all areas of the farming enterprise. AgVenture believes in doing the right thing and to maintain high moral standards even if it may compromise short-term profitability. They are also willing to be sufficiently creative and flexible and, at the core, always operate under a high moral, ethical and legal standard.

 Sandy Hansen, owner of AgVenture Feed and Seed Inc, sees beyond the bottom line and is always mindful of the needs of her community. For her, a successful business is one that gives back to its customers, its employees, and its community. Sandy’s goal is to give ten percent of the company’s net profits away each year to various needs and causes.

Hansen's “pay it forward” state of mind contributed to the birth of a charitable Facebook contest. AgVenture will give back by donating $250 to the two charities who receive the most votes by December 22nd, 2013. Anyone who has a Facebook profile can vote once per day.

By voting for WACOSA, you are supporting our mission: provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work and live in their communities. We want individuals of all abilities to reach their full potential. We would greatly appreciate it if you took a few seconds out of your day to vote for WACOSA. Thank you for your help.

WACOSA

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ThriftWorks! December Specials

Identity Theft: Top 8 Things to Shred Right Now

Phillip Cummings was a help-desk worker at a software firm. During his stay in 1999, he stole spreadsheets and login information, granting him access to a number of employee credit reports. The criminals he sold the information to made $50-$100 million from the 33,000 people whose reports were stolen.

In 1994, Jeri Marks received a letter informing her that her 12 year-old son Gabriel’s taxes had already been filed. Jeri discovered that an illegal immigrant stole her son’s social security number. To this day, Gabriel still faces problems from the theft, and hopes to get a new social security number to resolve the problem.

So, how do you protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft? The best thing to do is be wary of who you give personal information to. Shredding important documents that thieves can use to harm you is crucial. Keeping these documents around is asking for trouble.

 

Top 8 things to shred right now: 

· Old Tax Returns

· Bank Statements

· Credit card offers

· Old Photo IDs

· Pay Stubs

· Convenience checks

· Cancelled Checks

· Cancelled Credit Cards

If there’s one thing to learn from any case of identity theft, it’s that it really isn’t possible to be too careful when it comes to protecting your identity. Identity theft can drastically impact your life and those around you, so taking every precaution with data protection is critical to maintaining your safety. WACOSA’s DocuShred service has over 25 years of experience in the destruction of personal and business information. With DocuShred, you can be provided with the kind of total security and reliability you require to keep your identity safe.

Pick-up or drop-off services are available. Our convenient drop-off store is open to the public for business or personal needs. Hours are 10am-6pm, no appointment necessary. Pick-up services are available, as well as consoles or caster carts to safely store your documents.

WACOSA DocuShred is AAA certified by the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID), which gives our customers further assurance that we meet all the stringent demands of running a safe and secure document destruction facility.

To learn more, click here.

Making A Difference!

Since we began in 1963, we’ve been determined to make a difference for those with disabilities. We firmly believe that every individual is capable of positively contributing to their community and to society as a whole. Regardless of the type of disability, with the proper support and training, our clients excel in the workplace. We’ve been told time and time again that the amount of passion they bring is inspiring; hearing this feedback never gets old. It’s what keeps us striving to provide even more opportunities and further expand employment for the disabled community. We’ve come a long way, but the job is never done!

                  To provide a brief overview of our services, there are two main tactics we use for employment. The first is in-center work, which is held at one of our own sites. This consists of production work such as assembling, labeling, packaging products, shredding confidential documents, or recycling duties. The other option incorporates a little more direct involvement with the community. Either individually or in a work group, our clients work in various central Minnesota businesses where they partake in the typical job training before being fully submersed in the work atmosphere. These positions can be short-term but it’s very common for them to turn into long-term employment.

                  We can’t thank the community enough for all of the support they have given Wacosa over our 50 years of service. It’s helped us open the doors to even more opportunities. Most recently, we’ve opened up a thrift shop in Waite Park called Wacosa Thriftworks! Feel free to stop to make a donation or do a little shopping, or both! Also, On July 20^th, the St. Cloud Rox baseball team generously hosted Wacosa night. For every general admission ticket sold, Wacosa benefited $3. It was so great to give the public a chance to contribute to our mission and to see the smile on their faces because of the difference they knew they were making. 

                  Throughout the Central Minnesota area, we’ve been blessed to be able to impact the lives of over 500 disabled individuals. Every day at Wacosa is truly rewarding for everyone involved – we look forward to the many more great years of service and progress to come!

                  

6 Ways WACOSA Can Work For You

WACOSA is a non-profit organization that began in 1963 and by the mid-80s had a vision to connect the employment needs of the business community to those individuals who, due to mental or physical disabilities, had not realized their full potential. We strongly believe that every person in society deserves dignity and respect, and can be a contributing member of their community when given the opportunity to develop their strengths and capabilities. 

For over 25 years, WACOSA has partnered with over 570 businesses to provide trained, dependable workers that get the job done. WACOSA is currently focusing on 6 initiatives:

1. THRIFTWORKS!- A thrift store opening in the spring of 2013 that is operated by WACOSA. All proceeds benefit individuals with disabilities. The store is now accepting donations. Needs include:

Women's, men's and children's clothing and shoes

Books, movies and games

Toys

Small household appliances

Housewares

Jewelry & accessories

Linen and bedding

Tools

Clean, quality furniture

AND MORE...

2.Direct hire- This program works directly with businesses who hire a WACOSA client. This hiring process results in a collaborative relationship between the employer, WACOSA and the client (employee). WACOSA provides an on site "job coach" until the client and the employer are comfortable that the job duties are being handled effectively and efficiently.

3.WACOSA crews- WACOSA provides a crew of 4-5 clients and a supervisor to conduct project work. Examples of this type of work include:

Cleaning jobs

Production jobs

Printing jobs

Vending jobs

assembly jobs

Packaging jobs

4. Docushred- WACOSA will destroy your confidential documents conveniently and securely. With over 20 years of experience in the destruction of business and personal information, WACOSA Docushred provides the total security and reliability businesses require. WACOSA Docushred is NAID certified.

5.Recycling- WACOSA is working with businesses to recycle certain types of plastics, cords, cell phones and ink cartridges. This service is free to businesses and often results in large cost savings (recycling vs. disposal)

6. Internal Production- The majority of work done by WACOSA for the business community is Internal production. Internal production occurs at the WACOSA facilities. Production consists of:

Assembly

Packaging/Kitting

Mailings/envelope stuffing

Production re-work

Labeling

Collating

AND SO MUCH MORE!

WACOSA is the premier outsource solution for each of our business customers. We consistently meet and exceed expectations by providing the highest quality service and on-time delivery at an exceptional value. For more information please visit our website.