The Importance of a Balanced Work Life

Not only do we like to keep you up-to-date with the happenings at WACOSA, we also like to explain the values and goals that WACOSA keeps and strives to achieve. This month, Executive Director Steven Howard writes about his experience over the last nine years at WACOSA and the importance of balancing your work life.

At WACOSA, we daily commit ourselves to helping those we serve overcome employment barriers. WACOSA’s name actually includes the tagline, “Works”, below it. Our mission “to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work and live in their community” places work first, signifying the importance of pursuing work that is meaningful, fulfilling and pays a wage in proportion to ability and productivity.

The focus on hard work and perseverance is taught to many of us from an early age and is often passed down from generation to generation. The recent initiatives by our state and federal governments – including Employment First, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and changes in Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) spending and discussions of elimination of the special (sub) minimum wage – all have, at their heart, a focus on competitive, integrated employment as the first, best option for those we serve. This philosophy is developed in the American “work ethic” that emphasizes work satisfaction and the value of all citizens participating in their communities to express their unique abilities for the betterment of all.

This intense focus on work is often viewed as a priority for all Americans and strongly influences where we live and spend the majority of our lives. Former baseball player, Sam Ewing, once remarked, “Hard work spotlights the character of people; some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, some don’t turn up at all”.

While it may not be politically correct to say these days, I sometimes wonder if our focus on work isn’t too out of proportion. When helping individuals prepare for and/or locate work, we emphasize work outcomes, pay, benefits, hours, essential functions, status and maintaining appropriate work relationships. Rarely, either locally or in my travels nationally, have I seen any significant focus placed on constructing a balanced work life that considers the importance of having fun where we work. It is important to remember that, for many Americans, a work environment where having fun is important may be a deciding factor in whether or not a job placement is an appropriate fit.

While I recognize that many of us derive satisfaction and enjoyment from our jobs, having fun in our day-to-day duties likely means more than just feeling good about the outcomes we produce. A light-hearted, fun environment that is focused on comradery and free from micro management and intense scrutiny can make the day pass faster and keep our attitudes and morale stronger. Such an environment fosters genuine staff and client team building, encourages natural supports and improves productivity and efficiency.

One question I am almost always asked when I interview for a new leadership position is about my style of leadership. In my early years as a leader, I could not have imagined emphasizing the critical role “fun” plays in the ultimate success of any operation and the durable bond it creates as a platform to attack future challenges. Having observed team dynamics at WACOSA and other organizations over the past 32 years, I am convinced more than ever of the indispensable nature of having fun to promote a balanced work life. Fortunately, the staff and clients throughout my career have tended to agree with my views.

In the past 3 decades, staff and clients of organizations in which I have worked have shown their love in many ways. They have wrapped my entire office in tin foil, flipped my office upside down, left dummies in my chair on Halloween and are never at a loss to give me a good ribbing when I’m out on the work floor.

A few years ago, I dressed as a pirate at the request of the WACOSA staff and clients, to promote United Way giving. When I stepped onto the work floor to greet WACOSA clients and staff, I shouted out, “Hello WACOSA”, in my best pirate voice. One client yelled back, “Screw you”, followed by a chorus of laughing by both WACOSA staff and clients for the now famous client who had the guts to say to WACOSA’s Executive Director what everyone else often wished they could say. I chuckled to myself and walked away thinking, “Now that was really funny”.

Enjoy Your Job and Make A Difference at WACOSA

Are you looking for a meaningful job that will provide a positive impact on the lives of others? Does working in a fun team environment with health insurance options interest you? Consider a rewarding career with WACOSA!

Below, you’ll find a testimonial by Ann Kennedy, who is the Sales, Marketing and Communications Manager at WACOSA, and you’ll learn how she finds fulfillment in her job:

One of the reasons I started working at WACOSA was, simply, I needed a job. Even more than that, though, I was ready for a change. I had spent my life working in for-profit businesses. I had great jobs and not-so-great jobs. The reality is that I didn’t have any passion for my work.

Ann and Rachel

In 2008 I started at WACOSA. I knew it was a nonprofit that helped individuals with disabilities to work and live in their community. I didn’t know much more than that. About a week into my employment everything changed. At WACOSA, the shift change is a busy time. I was looking out the window watching the people we serve during the shift change when it dawned on me. I was responsible for helping all these people with disabilities break down barriers and find meaningful employment. With that employment comes purpose, pride, and a greater sense of self. It was that very moment I realized what I had was much more than a job. I had found a truly meaningful career.

Lance and Ann

Now, when I go home at the end of the day, I take joy in knowing I am serving the greater needs of our community. I am helping really good people and I am working with a dedicated team of professionals. You see, WACOSA changed the definition of what rewarding work is for me. Now I make a difference in the lives of others. The biggest surprise, however, is how the people we serve made a difference in me.

If you want to make a difference, please contact us to learn more about our current employment opportunities.

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.

5 Services Your Donations Support at WACOSA

Your donations to WACOSA help support and make a difference in the lives of adults with disabilities, but have you ever wondered how? Your donations are greatly appreciated and make it possible for us to support our WACOSA clients with various services. These are just a few:

1. Activity Books

A $50 donation will provide one set of assorted activity books. Included in the set is four books, each with a different theme of puzzles, games, and trivia. Instead of having information read to them, our clients love to learn with activities like crossword puzzles and trivia questions.

2. Chairs

A $90 donation provides one chair for the WACOSA Senior Program at the Whitney Senior Center in St. Cloud. These chairs are made with sturdy metal and vinyl upholstery. Plus, they are very comfortable and easy to clean. These chairs are great for our seniors when they need to sit or stand.

3. Speaker System Upgrade

A $300 donation will help us to get one iPod to update the speaker system at our Waite Park site. Right now, we are in need of an iPod for each of the three program areas.

4. Refrigerator

A $500 donation will supply us with one under the counter refrigerator unit. This will help to improve meal preparation. Along with this, it will help improve our clients medication administration.

5. Washing Machine or Dryer

A $1,000 donation allows us to purchase one commercial grade washing machine or dryer for our Sauk Centre site. This is used to wash and dry materials used by the Can Do! Cleaning Crews. Since the crews are cleaning at various local businesses, more than 550 towels and 25 mop heads are washed every day.

Through your generous donations, you make WACOSA’s mission possible - to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work and live in their community. We are in need of multiples of almost every items. To learn more about how you can help, visit our donation page.

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