The Heart of Positive Change: Staffing Your Business with WACOSA

WACOSA is a non-profit organization that was initially started by parents to support their children. Today, WACOSA serves over 575 adults with disabilities in central MN. Our mission is to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work and live in their community.

Since we began our work, we have noticed that some businesses can be reluctant to hire people with disabilities. Some may be worried about changes and liabilities that they think will come with hiring a person with disabilities. These worries are usually rooted in inexperience—hiring a person with disabilities is not unlike hiring any new employee. There will be an adjustment period, but it doesn’t last long.  

Some common concerns businesses have about hiring employees with disabilities (and reasons why hiring them is beneficial) are listed below:

Concern: My insurance rates will go up.

Many businesses have concerns that if they hire someone with a disability their insurance costs will go up. A survey of human resource managers by Cornell University has proven that companies’ health, life, and disability insurance costs actually rarely go up as a result of hiring people with disabilities.

Concern: How will hiring an employee with disabilities affect other employees?

Hiring a new employee and wondering if they will fit in or get along with the others is always a concern. It might be uncomfortable at first depending upon your current workers’ experience in socializing with people with disabilities, but it usually doesn’t last very long.  It actually has been reported that current employees work harder and are more productive after having people with disabilities in their work environment. There really is no difference in how you would communicate with a person with a disability. The reality is that the person with a disability wants to have the same conversations and be treated the same as every other employee.

Concern: What if it doesn’t work out?

It is never easy to terminate an employee, especially if the employee has a disability. If a person with a disability starts to experience problems down the road, an employer shouldn’t fear termination. If the employee isn’t able to do the work or make corrections to their performance, it is within your rights to terminate the employee, just as you would with anyone else.

Conclusion: Be the heart of positive change

Companies can make a real difference in the lives of others simply by giving them the chance to work. Be the leader who sincerely makes an effort to help a person with a disability. By doing so, you are not only assisting them in creating a better life, but you are also instigating change.

If you are interested in making a positive change in your workforce, WACOSA offers a great program called Staffing Your Business. We work with our clients and your business to find the best match for your job opening. We are committed to the highest standards in job training, coaching, and support for the individuals we train, providing a workforce you can truly rely on.  Take theses concerns and tips into consideration during your next hiring process and be the heart of positive change.

Spotlight on Sauk Centre

Providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work and live in their community is exactly what WACOSA’s mission is all about. WACOSA has two locations - one in Waite Park and one in Sauk Centre. Our Sauk Centre location provides many services to the community, including contract packaging and assembly work, “Can-do” Crews, and business staffing.

The first Business Solution offered at WACOSA’s Sauk Centre location is contract packaging and assembly work. Our sales and production staff strive to have a complete understanding of your project, whatever you needs happen to be. Some services include inventory control, pre-operational checklists and training, re-work, and quality checking. Outsourcing to WACOSA can benefit your company in many ways; cutting your costs, boosting your revenue, easing labour shortages and much more.

Our “Can Do” Crews are another option to help your local businesses. Our crews consist of five to seven people and we offer cleaning services, product tear-down, assembly, packaging, labelling, and quality checking and re-work. With a 97% satisfaction rating, it’s easy to see why our “Can Do” Crews are so popular around the St. Cloud region.

Staffing your business is another service of WACOSA’s Sauk Centre location. When set to staff your business, we are committed to the highest standards in job training, coaching, and support. We work diligently with each client to get teams trained until they feel comfortable to produce their own work. We also find it important to have follow-ups with our staffing clients to keep in touch and ensure success within their business.

Although Sauk Centre does not have a thrift store, we do still accept donations at the location. Docu-Shred is also only available at the Waite Park Location, but the Waite Park location works with customers at Sauk Centre to shred their documents.

Our vision at WACOSA is that individuals of all abilities are empowered to reach their full potential. Our vision is made possible through the array of services we offer the community. To get updates about WACOSA, like us on Facebook.

WACOSA is seeking FT & PT Training Specialists

WACOSA, a non-profit organization in the St. Cloud area, dedicated to providing services to adults with developmental disabilities, is seeking a FT & PT Training Specialists to join our Waite Park team.

Job Duties

• Responsible to develop skills of adults w/disabilities so they may live & work in the community at their greatest potential
• Supports Consumers’ behavior needs by assisting in development & follow-through of adaptive behavior programs, protocols, & de-escalation procedures; while adhering to WACOSA’s Guiding Principles
• Carries-out respectful assistance with personal care needs for Consumers; including bathroom support, meal-time assistance, positioning, & administering medications & medical needs
• Completes all Consumer programs & related data collection, maintain a computer proficiency of 30 wpm, accessing/creating/modifying data files, printing, & savings docs. & accessing Internet resources
• Adheres to all WACOSA safety policies & procedure, acts as a role model for others, & holds self/ others accountable
• Other duties as assigned
• 2nd Shift; M - F; Approx. 1:00pm to 8:30pm (schedule may vary upon business needs)

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED required
• People skills, patience, organization, ability to convey information/ ideas so others can understand, & the ability to maintain confidentiality are a must
• Knowledge of word processing, data entry, & accessing the Internet
• Must be 20+ y/o, possess a valid MN Driver’s License & insurable driving record; driving is required
• Must be willing to submit to a Health Card Physical (if applicable), Motor Vehicle Check, Criminal Background Check, & Drug Screen (post offer)
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. & assist with adult lifts & transfers
• Experience working with disabled or special needs groups preferred

How to Apply
FT Positions includes competitive benefits pkg. Fill out a completed application on our website -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

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 membership on a local rights commission

www.WACOSA.org

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

Hiring: Part-Time CNA

WACOSA, a non-profit organization in the St. Cloud area, dedicated to providing services to adults w/developmental disabilities, is seeking a Part-time CNA (Direct Support Prof.) to join our Waite Park team. Pay is $11.60 hr., PTO & Holidays.

Job Duties

• Responsible to develop skills of adults w/disabilities so they may live & work in the community at their greatest potential
• Supports Consumers’ behavior needs by assist. in development & follow-through of adaptive behavior programs, protocols, & de-escalation procedures; while adhering to WACOSA’s Guiding Principles
• Carries-out respectful assist w/personal care needs for Consumers; including bathroom support, meal-time assist., positioning, & administering medications & medical needs
• Completes all Consumer programs & related data collection, maintain a computer proficiency of 30 wpm, accessing/creating/modifying data files, printing, & savings docs. & accessing Internet resources
• Adheres to all WACOSA safety policies & procedure, acts as a role model for others, & holds self/ others accountable
• Other duties as assigned
• 1st Shift; M - F; 27.5 hrs. approx.. 8:30 – 2:00pm (schedule may vary upon business needs).

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED req’d, Current CNA Certificate required.
• People skills, patience, organization, ability to convey information/ ideas so others can understand, & the ability to maintain confidentiality are a must
• Knowledge of word processing, data entry, & accessing the Internet
• Must be 20+ y/o, possess a valid MN Driver’s License & insurable driving record; driving is req’d
• Must be willing to submit to a Health Card Physical (if applicable), Motor Vehicle Check, 
• Criminal Background Check, & Drug Screen (post offer)
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. & assist w/adult lifts & transfers
• Exp. working w/disabled or special needs groups preferred

How to Apply
Position is PT & includes 401k, Holidays & PTO. Send a completed appl. (avail. at www.WACOSA.org under ‘Contact Us') -OR- complete in-person at:

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

**NO phone calls**

WACOSA is an EOE/M/W/Vet/Disability/AA Employer

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 membership on a local rights commission

www.WACOSA.org

Hiring: Full Time Training Specialist - 2nd Shift (Waite Park)

WACOSA, a non-profit organization in the St. Cloud area, dedicated to providing services to adults w/developmental disabilities, is seeking a FT Training Specialist (Direct Support Prof.) to join our (Waite Park) team. $11.08 per hour plus .60 shift differential for second shift.

Job Duties

• Responsible to develop skills of adults w/disabilities so they may live & work in the community at their greatest potential
• Supports Consumers’ behavior needs by assist. in development & follow-through of adaptive behavior programs, protocols, & de-escalation procedures; while adhering to WACOSA’s Guiding Principles
• Carries-out respectful assist. w/personal care needs for Consumers; including bathroom support, meal-time assist., positioning, & administering medications & medical needs
• Completes all Consumer programs & related data collection, maintain a computer proficiency of 30 wpm, accessing/creating/modifying data files, printing, & savings docs. & accessing Internet resources
• Adheres to all WACOSA safety policies & procedure, acts as a role model for others, & holds self/ others accountable
• Other duties as assigned
• 2nd Shift; M - F; 1 - 8:30pm (schedule may vary upon business needs)

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED required.
• People skills, patience, organization, ability to convey information/ ideas so others can understand, & the ability to maintain confidentiality are a must
• Knowledge of word processing, data entry, & accessing the Internet
• Must be 20+ y/o, possess a valid MN Driver’s License & insurable driving record; driving is required
• Must be willing to submit to a Health Card Physical (if applicable), Motor Vehicle Check, Criminal Background Check, & Drug Screen (post offer)
• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. & assist w/adult lifts & transfers
• Exp. working w/disabled or special needs groups preferred

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

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

**NO phone calls**

WACOSA is an EOE/M/W/Vet/Disability/AA Employer

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 membership on a local rights commission

www.WACOSA.org

Hiring: Full-Time Client Manager

WACOSA, a non-profit organization in the St. Cloud area, dedicated to providing services to adults with developmental disabilities, is seeking a FT Client Manager to join our Waite Park team. M-F, 12:30 – 8:30pm, $ 14.11 per hour.

Summary

• Responsible for client case management and to coach and train staff in skills necessary to assure clients are successful and independent in the workplace environment

Qualifications

• QDDP status with 1-2 years experience working with adults with developmental disabilities in a vocational setting
• Must have 4 year degree in Human Services
• Possess good communication, organizational and computer skills 
• Physical requirements
• employee is regularly required to talk or hear
• Intermittent bending/twisting/reaching
•  Use of hands to finger, handle or feel 
•  May need to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
•  Must be able to stand/walk up to extended periods of time while training clients
• Occasional lifting up to 40 lbs
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Implement behavioral holds on clients as needed
• Travel regionally and to work sites to train clients

Essential Functions

Case Management & Consumer Services & Outcomes

• Conduct all admissions in coordination with the program director
• Oversee all admissions and discharges in coordination with the program director
• Maintain working knowledge of all consumer programs and supervisory needs
• Interaction with consumers and mentoring of staff that results in:
• Independence in all areas of their day
• Healthy social interactions
• Self regulated behaviors
• Opportunities to use skills in decision making
• Work opportunities to use skills in decision making
• Opportunities for consumer Self Advocacy
• Be responsible for the development, management and implementation of each consumer’s service plans assuring that they include outcome-based goals
• Develop behavior management programs when necessary, getting approval from your Site Coordinator and/or Lead Client Manager
• Complete all appropriate paper work and reports required by WACOSA policy, licensure and county, CARF and other accrediting bodies
• Maintain positive and ongoing communication as one of WACOSA’s primary contact to interdisciplinary team members
• Obtain approval from your supervisor prior to changes in consumer service needs

How to Apply

• Position is FT & includes competitive benefits pkg. Send a completed appl. (avail. at www.WACOSA.org under ‘Contact Us') -OR- complete in-person by: Oct. 30, 2014

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

**NO phone calls**

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

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 membership on a local rights commission

www.WACOSA.org

Meet Kris

Meet Kris - Once struggling with mobility due to weight, Kris can now stand and move around while working all day long. Before coming to WACOSA, Kris says he used to sit at home and eat snacks. Support provided by WACOSA has not only helped motivate Kris to lose weight, but also increased his quality of life by building self-esteem through meaningful work and a steady paycheck.