By Laura Waskiewicz, MPA Student
Foundations of Public Administration, Professor Wolf
Nonprofit Employment
A nonprofit organization is structured to benefit the people being served and does not distribute profits to private individuals. The term “nonprofit” is used to describe agencies or organizations that meet certain IRS tax code requirements. The main difference between “nonprofit” and “for-profit” organizations is purpose. Nonprofit agencies typically exist to serve charitable, social, educational, or religious causes. For-profit agencies try to gain a profit for their owners or stakeholders. Examples include Target, Walmart, and Apple.
Here is a list of nonprofit organizations with openings
in the Greater Westfield Area:
• YWCA
• Healthcare Services Group
• Sunshine Village
• Guidewire, Inc.
• Work Opportunities Center
• West Springfield Boys and Girls Club
• Behavioral Health Network
• ServiceNet
• WayFinders
• Nonotuck Resource Associates, Inc.
• Baystate Health
• Dakin Humane Society
Networking
After having the pleasure of speaking with many leaders in nonprofit organizations in the area, I was able to gather some helpful information for anyone interested in pursuing a career within a nonprofit organization. Here are some examples:
NONOTUCK
Nonotuck was first started in 1972 as a group living home for individuals with disabilities. As the ideal models of care have evolved, so have Nonotuck’s services, with a giant shift from group homes to shared living.
Career Opportunities
At Nonotuck, the positions that are typically open are Care Manager, Shared Living Provider, and sometimes a part-time Direct Support Professional (DSP), which is often used as a respite staff for the Shared Living Provider. The salary range for a Care Manager is $55,000-$74,000 depending on education and experience. There is often a sign-on bonus for some positions. Shared Living Providers’ salary is not posted because it depends on how many individuals live in the home and is often income-based.
If someone is interested in becoming a Shared Living Provider, the applicant starts by filling out the online application at Nonotuck.com. Once the application has been reviewed and received, the placement specialist will contact the applicant if they qualify and set up a home visit with a family, start the screening process, complete an interview, home study, home safety inspection, CORI, fingerprint, and then complete a reference check. This is a very rewarding experience and provides people with disabilities a choice and the opportunity to live authentic lives.
Work Opportunity Center
Work Opportunity Center, Inc. (WOC, Inc.) was first started in 1969 and is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Westfield, Massachusetts. WOC, Inc. provides training, employment opportunities, and Community Based Day Services to individuals with physical and/or developmental disabilities. WOC has several locations across Western Massachusetts including Springfield, Westfield, and West Springfield.
Career Opportunities
Employment Specialist
The Employment Specialist’s primary responsibility is to manage an active caseload in the Supported Employment Program at Work Opportunity Center, Inc. The Supported Employment Specialist will focus their efforts on finding community employment for the individuals on their caseload. The Employment Specialist will advocate and support the individuals on their caseload in whatever capacity necessary to maintain their caseload at single Supported Employment placements in the community.
Education Requirements for this position include:
• An associate’s degree in human service or a related discipline. (The Executive Director of Work Opportunity Center, Inc. can, at their discretion, waive the educational requirements, based on experience).
• Two (2) years of experience working in the Human Service Field.
CBDS Program Coordinator
The CBDS Coordinator’s most important responsibilities are to structure the individuals’ day in programming in a meaningful way, provide support in the areas of Employment, ADLs, Social Growth, Health & Nutrition, Education and Skill Development, and provide training on job tasks following the Individuals Service Plan (ISP).
Education requirements for this position include:
• Associate’s degree in human service or a related discipline. (The Executive Director of Work Opportunity Center, Inc. can, at their discretion, waive the educational requirements based on experience).
• Two (2) years OF experience working in the Human Service Field.
Salary range for these positions is anywhere from $52,000 to 79,000, depending on education and experience.
Applicants can apply at https://www.wocinc.org/
Guidewire, Inc.
Guidewire, Inc. is a non-profit human service agency that provides residential, and day supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and other psychiatric conditions throughout Western Massachusetts.
Guidewire started in 1982 and has maintained an environment where acceptance is the only option.
Career Opportunities
• With 40 programs located throughout Western Mass including the The Greater Springfield area and Berkshire County there are part and full-time positions that can accommodate a variety of scheduling needs.
• Guidewire, Inc. appreciates the dedication and talents of their staff as the source of our success. They support their staff by offering professional development opportunities, rewarding and engaging work, and recognition of accomplishments. They are committed to promoting from within.
• They offer entry-level opportunities for candidates interested in exploring opportunities in the field of human services. They offer a comprehensive Direct Support Training Program to help jumpstart this new experience.
• Openings at Guidewire include positions for Program Managers and Direct Support Professionals.
• A Program Manager is typically the supervisor of a residential group home and supervises the DSPs of that house. The Program Manager oversees all aspects of care for the individuals living in the home, including medical appointments, medication, staffing, cleanliness of the home, and all aspects of daily living. The salary range for this position is $50,000 to $72,000, depending on experience.
Direct Support Professionals are responsible for caring for the individuals in the home, medication administration, activities, transportation as needed, meal preparation, and any other aspects of daily living.
• DSPs are unionized and receive annual wage increases.
• Having a secondary degree does not apply to these positions.
• Interview, CORI, RMV record, phone screening, and site visit are part of the interview process. New employees must complete a 2-week New Employee Orientation once they have been hired.
Guidewire, Inc. offers 24/7 care to their clients and their positions can accommodate a variety of scheduling needs.
Applicants can apply at https://guidewireinc.org
A career in a nonprofit is a rewarding choice not for just yourself because you are helping people and it feels good, but for the impact your work will have on those people.
References
Nonotuck Resource Associates
Program Director
https://www.nonotuck.com
413-586-5256
Guidewire, Inc.
Vice President of Operations
413-733-6100
www.guidewireinc.org
Work Opportunity Center
Program Manager of CBDS
(413) 786-8830 x26
http://wocinc.org/
