Every night there is a story on the local and national news about COVID, so much so, many question if we have become “immune” to COVID information. However, one story related to COVID is something that we cannot ignore, that of staffing shortages across the country, in New York State and right here in our Rochester community.
There are multitudes of reasons for staffing shortages from lack of day care for children, concerns about consistency of children attending school, to health decisions over vaccines. Whatever the reasons, it’s important to note that it is real, it’s the current state of employment and economy experts say this situation may be around for some time.
I understand and accept the current reality of the job market and I know Mary Cariola Center would gladly accept more job applicants for Direct Support Professionals in our residences and Teacher Aides in our classrooms. But I am also an optimist at heart. I believe that once a person sees and understands the services that Mary Cariola Center provides, that there are people who truly want to be of service to others and part of something bigger than themselves.
With my firm belief in mind, I write this blog today in order to request your assistance. Everyone knows someone who goes above and beyond in his or her personal and professional lives. People who can be counted on and sees the rewards of assisting a child, youth or young adult reach their potential, to meet milestones that were once thought impossible. If you know people like this, frankly we want them.
Working at Mary Cariola Center provides a sense of personal accomplishment coupled with a competitive pay structure, benefits, generous time off, flexible hours and even scholarships and tuition assistance to achieve a person’s career goals. Our jobs are not easy, I admit that, but I also know that working at Cariola provides the satisfaction of receiving a paycheck while balancing your home life and improving the lives of others.
With the upcoming holidays, extended families are reconnecting, some in person, some via electronic communication. Not everyone may know about the Mary Cariola Center, please tell them. Others may have questions about working here, which YOU as our employees are in a great position to engage them! Have them answer some key questions; Are they compassionate? Do they enjoy seeing daily successes with students and residents? Do they believe in achieving career growth while earning a paycheck? If they answer yes to one or all these questions, have them visit our website and click on “employment.” Once someone has seen who we are and what we do—they are “all in.” We have a place for them!
The successes taking place at Mary Cariola are amazing as are the people who work here. The holidays and New Year are a time of reflection. COVID has prompted people to evaluate what is really important in life. Some are contemplating if they are working in a career that is meaningful. In my 9 years of being part of the Cariola Community, I have often reflected that Cariola is good for my soul!
If you are reading this, please share the Cariola story with those you know and invite them to become part of the Cariola Community.
