Saturday, February 29, 2020 | Berkshires’ Best Employers
In this issue Proofreading in the digital age The right way to leave a job Avoid financial peril after a job loss What is occupational wellness? How to be a better mentor Tech careers continue to boom The different fields of engineering
On the cover: Photo by LUM3N/UnSplash Berkshires’ Best Employers is a special advertising publication of The Berkshire Eagle
GEORGIE COBBS/UNSPLASH
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Spring into the career you’ve been looking for!
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BFAIR is in your backyard blooming with opportunities for full/part time/relief employment in our Residential, Day and Community Living Departments. Great opportunities for college students back in town for the summer, those looking to make a difference in the lives of others or if you are looking for a career in human services that you can grow in. Check out our openings at: www.bfair.org where you can apply right online! We offer enhanced wages, excellent benefits, generous time off and the opportunity to grown and learn. Questions? Call 413.664.9382 AA/EOE
Berkshires’ Best Employers | Saturday, February 29, 2020
Proofreading in the digital age METRO CREATIVE
Proofreading is essential whether one is writing a term paper, marketing statement or text message to friends.
Reread everything you plan to send, no matter how minor you believe it to be. Never assume that something is perfect the first time around. Reread things several times before sending to make sure you're sending the right message. Proofread by reading things aloud. Your brain may gloss over typos, particularly in documents you write. Reading something aloud may reveal mistakes you previously missed. Ask a friend to serve as your editor. Enlist a second party to look at what you've written and serve as a second set of eyes, particularly for important messages. Slow down. Multitasking and writing while in a rush can increase the likelihood of making mistakes. Do not write when short on time. Instead, wait to send important messages until you can devote your full attention to the task.
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Many people recognize the importance of proofreading important assignments or business proposals. But what about proofreading in less formal circumstances? Who hasn't blamed a typo or another error on autocorrect or "fat fingers." Taking the extra time to reread an email, text or social media post can help people appear more professional in various instances. Proofreading can help people avoid embarrassing mistakes and may even help people keep their jobs. It is all too easy to fire off a text or email without giving it a reread. All it takes is one misspelled word to dramatically alter the message a sender was trying to convey. Autocorrect also can give the false impression that someone is unprofessional and hasty. Before you find yourself in a position where you need to backtrack to save face, it may help to pause and proofread.
Turn off autocorrect functions. Find the settings for your particular device or program and opt out of autocorrect or autofill options. This can cut down on the number of errors made by rushing.
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Saturday, February 29, 2020 | Berkshires’ Best Employers
The right way to leave a job When leaving a job, professionals should always be courteous and considerate toward their current employers.
According to a 2018 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person changes jobs between 10 and 15 times during his or her career. In addition, many workers spend five years or less in each job. When leaving a job, it is important that professionals exhibit a certain measure of grace and etiquette. Leaving a job with dignity and mutual respect can benefit professionals in the short- and long-term.
Speak with a supervisor first. Make sure your boss or immediate supervisor learns of your plans to leave the job first. Do not gossip or suggest to coworkers that you're ready to leave. It's unprofessional if a supervisor hears of your impending departure from others.
Provide ample notice. Even if it is time to move on, ensure that your current employer has plenty of time to interview potential replacements and train someone to take your place. This ensures an easy transition for all involved, and can show your employer that you
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Williams
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Established in 1793 Williams is the second oldest institution in Massachusetts and consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges. Williams has built its reputation on outstanding teaching and scholarship, the academic excellence of its students, and the exceptional loyalty of its alumni. Williams is a special place to work and grow in a career, rich in opportunity, experiences and rewards. We encourage you to share your knowledge, diversity, and creativity within our community. Visit the Employment page on our website for details about these exciting opportunities and more currently available.
https://employment.williams.edu/ Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive.
have the company's best interests in mind. While two weeks' notice is the standard, if you have held a professional position for some time, extend the courtesy to three.
Check company policy. The employment firm AG Careers suggests reviewing company policy if you will be leaving to work for a direct competitor. There may be strict rules in place and protocol to follow.
Don't shirk responsibilities. It can be tempting to slack off when another job awaits. The popular job-hunting site Monster.com
says it can be human nature to do less when long-term accountability is removed. However, you never know when you might need a referral or even a new job. Leaving a bitter taste in the mouth of your employer at the end of your work history can put a black mark on your employee record.
Take coworkers' feelings into consideration. Be open and honest with coworkers, but do not gloat that you are leaving the company and they are not. And if anyone has strong feelings about your departure, accept their point of view and do not react outwardly. Take things in stride as much as possible.
A job loss can come as a shock. However, with level-headedness and smart planning, many people can avoid dire financial situations in the wake of a layoff. Losing a job can be devastating. Even in a strong market, companies can go out of business or reduce payroll. Being let go can initially tug at one's pride, and after a layoff sets in, it may cause individuals to start
worrying for their financial futures. While many people can survive and may even enjoy a few weeks of rest and relaxation after a job loss, financial concerns may surface soon thereafter. A 2017 GOBankingRates survey found that more than half of American adults have less than $1,000 in their savings accounts. Financial planners typically advise people to have at least three month's worth of earnings socked away for emergency situations, like a medical issue or a job loss. Even though the survey also found more than a quarter (27 percent) of respondents have
$10,000 or more saved, that might not be enough to survive a job loss for six months or more. These strategies can help professionals who recently found themselves out of work avoid financial difficulties. Get references. Leave on amicable terms and ask your former employer for a reference. You should not burn any bridges, as a good reference can be invaluable as you look for your next opportunity. Assess your budget carefully. You naturally will have to make concessions that impact finances, particularly as it pertains to spending. Cut back on non-necessities like dining out, gym memberships, streaming subscriptions, and other luxuries. Avoid adding other new debt. Live off of cash reserves first. Before cashing in investments or retirement accounts, tap your emergency fund first. If you have any tangible assets, like an unused car or a boat sitting idle, sell these items for cash to tide you over.
Contact your credit card company. Many companies have programs designed to help customers facing financial hardships. Reach out promptly to let them know you may be anticipating missed payments. It is better if you initiate contact rather than going into default. The same tactic can be used for mortgage or rent payments. Apply for aid benefits. There may be government benefits, such as low-cost healthcare or food subsidies, that can help you get through financial difficulties until you get back on your feet. Involve the entire family. It can be embarrassing to lose a job, but look to family for support. Children may not need to know every detail, but they can have a cursory awareness of family finances and understand they may have to cut back until Mom or Dad is working again.
Berkshires’ Best Employers | Saturday, February 29, 2020
Avoid financial peril after a job loss
Prioritize saving. Lightning may not strike twice, but plan ahead for another job loss by prioritizing savings in the future.
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KATE SADE/UNSPLASH
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Saturday, February 29, 2020 | Berkshires’ Best Employers
METRO CREATIVE
What is occupational wellness? Supporting people. Enriching lives.
The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com
We Are Hiring
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Quality Assurance Specialist Habilitation Specialists Speech Language Pathologist Community Care Providers Employment Specialist RN for Day Program Manager of Evaluation & Placement
Site Managers for Developmental Disabilities Asst. Site Managers for Developmental Disabilities Residential Direct Care Staff for Developmental Disabilities On-Call Direct Care Staff-Day, Evenings or Weekends
Residential Direct Care Staff for Brain Injuries
Apply online at bcarc.org/careers Paid trainings, advancement, health insurance, paid time off All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.
Wellness is a broad term that can refer to various aspects of daily life. Disciplines like yoga and meditation might be the first things to come to mind when people think of wellness, but focusing on wellness at work can have positive, lasting effects on overall well-being as well. Occupational wellness is not necessarily a familiar term, but it's something that most professionals strive for. According to the Student Health and Counseling Services at the University of California, Davis, occupational wellness inspires people to find work from which they will gain personal satisfaction and find enrichment. Occupational wellness promotes the exploration of various career options and the pursuit of those opportunities that most appeal to each individual. While it may seem like common sense to aspire for an engaging, enjoyable career, the effect that finding such a career can have on overall well-being might not be so apparent. In an analysis of a recent Gallup World Poll, a survey that asks hundreds of thousands of workers across the globe about their jobs and their job satisfaction, Harvard Business Review found there is a correlation between job satisfaction and life evaluations. People who report
being satisfied with their jobs seem to be happier overall. So how can one embrace the concept of occupational wellness? UC Davis offers individuals the following suggestions as they begin their journeys to occupational wellness. Perform some self-reflection. Reflect on yourself and what you need out of a job. Are there certain occupational tasks you enjoy? Are there some you find burdensome? Identifying those you enjoy and those you feel are onerous can help you narrow down your options to careers you will find engaging and rewarding. Consider unpaid work and volunteer opportunities. Even though they don't pay, unpaid work and volunteer opportunities can still enrich your life and provide personal satisfaction. Such opportunities should not be overlooked. Practice open communication and proper conflict management with colleagues. Negative working environments can be stressful, leading to dissatisfaction on the job. Openly communicating with colleagues and resolving conflicts in a proper, professional way can foster a positive working environment, potentially contributing to greater job satisfaction.
Berkshires’ Best Employers | Saturday, February 29, 2020 JOSHUA NESS/UNSPLASH
How to be a better mentor Emphasize learning
Be a good and active listener
Set expectations
Mentors help mentees navigate the tricky waters of life but will not solve all problems. Mentors need to listen to what mentees say, meaning good listening skills are an essential trait for prospective mentors. After listening, mentors can provide a host of solutions, though ultimately it is up to the mentee to find his or her own path.
It is one thing to provide support, but mentors also should inspire their mentees to work hard. Once mentees cite their goals, good mentors will share their own expectations and goals for their mentees, even going so far as to offer advice as to how to achieve those goals.
Meld with the mentee
Good mentors will not sugarcoat feedback in order to stay in their mentees' good graces. A mentor should aspire to be both a critic and a coach. Even though mentees may want to garner praise, mentors know it is important to say what others may not be willing to say. With the right feedback, mentees can flourish.
Mentors and their mentees need to be close and compatible. A good mentor will not try to manipulate or influence decisions, but realize that support and guidance are the best ways to get messages across. Asking a lot of questions and truly getting to know the mentee can set a strong foundation for the relationship.
Mentors realize that continuing education is vital to success. Good mentors tend to be lifelong learners who share the lessons they've learned with the people they mentor. Even though they may not always be experts, mentors try to be as informed as possible on topics that relate to the mentorship.
Deliver honest feedback
Berkshire Physical Therapy & Wellness hass been assisting people with their outpatient physi-cal therapy needs since 1998. 22+ years! Exercise is medicine and Wellness not illnesss have long been our mottos. The company has 3 convenient locations in thee Berkshires,inPittsfield,DaltonandLenox. Thecom-pany employs 12 staff who are all Berkshire County y residents. Their team of physical therapists works with general physical therapy needs along with rehabilitation that inThey work with high school sport teams to get includes total knee,, jured athletes back on the field of play safely. hip and shoulderr They are partners with the Dalton CRA and Lenox rehabilitation, Fit for community health and exercise prescriptions. neck and back problems, sports Berkshire Physical Therapy & Wellness thanks the injuries, balance community for having confidence in our programs. needs issues along with senior and geriatric needs. The company has been involved in the communi-ty supporting area high school students with schol-arships who are interested in attending college forr physical therapy. They are affiliated with both local and regional colleges for internships with area college studentss who are in physical therapy programs. They are affiliated and work with BCARC forr n physical therapy evaluation and services when required. They are a resource for local companies for ergonomics and safety in the workplace along with assisting companies with return-to-work injuries.
Pittsfield Office 740 Williams Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 413-447-8070
D Dalton lton Office 400 Main Street Dalton, MA 01226 413-684-9783
Lenox Office 90 Pittsfield Road Lenox, MA 01240 413-637-2810
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Mentors can have profound impacts on the lives of the people they mentor. A mentor is often a source of wisdom and support over the course of months or even years. The relationship between mentor and mentee can endure as long as each person desires. Serving as a mentor can be rewarding. Certain traits and practices set mentors apart. Those who want to be mentors can follow these tips.
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Saturday, February 29, 2020 | Berkshires’ Best Employers
The Brien Center, celebrating 100 years in 2020, is a community-based, non-profit agency providing a continuum of care for children, adolescents, adults and families who are living with significant and persistent behavioral health needs. We are guided by the belief that everyone in Berkshire County benefits when people are emotionally healthy. Serving over 10,000 persons annually, we are the leading provider of mental health and addiction treatment services.
We are recruiting driven and compassionate individuals to join our dynamic team of over 500 employees, including Residential, Outreach, Nurses, Social Workers and Mental Health Clinicians.
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Our benefits, which include Health, Dental and Vision – with instant enrollment – No waiting period!
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Plus – our exceptionally competitive leave pool accrual – with new, full-time employees earning over 7 weeks of paid time off! As a major supporter of Continuing Education, The Brien Center is proud to work with over a dozen educational institutions to provide internships in all programs. Also, The Brien Center now offers multiple opportunities for licensed clinicians to earn credit hours throughout the year.
Visit our website at briencenter.org/careers for more information on our open positions and how to apply to one of Berkshire County’s largest non-profit employers. A pre-employment criminal background check is required for all positions. The Brien Center is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
Tech careers continue to boom No matter the position, working with tecnology involves finding creative solutions in a fastpaced, ever-growing environment. Technology has changed the world in numerous ways, including creating entirely new industries and a vast array of career options that didn't exist as recently as two decades ago. In its CyberstatesTM report, CompTIA, which publishes a steady stream of new research on IT topics, recently shared some key findings that's news for those who work in tech. • Around 11.8 million people are employed in tech in the Unites States, and 261,000 new jobs were
added in the past year. • Software and web developers make up the largest and fastestgrowing segment of tech jobs. • The estimated direct economic output of the tech industry equals $1.8 trillion. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts technology careers are on the rise, with expected growth of 12 percent between 2014 and 2024. Specific fields within the tech industry are expected to experience even stronger growth, as high as 27 percent. There's never been a better time to work in tech, particularly for those who have a knack or affinity for computer operations and networks. Here's a look at some of the promising tech careers, including some of the more lucrative, courtesy of U.S. News' "Best Technology Jobs of 2019" report. These jobs boast low employment rates and high salaries.
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Berkshires’ Best Employers | Saturday, February 29, 2020
ALARMS
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5. Database administrator A database administrator sets up databases. These highly trained individuals use specialized software to store and organize data. Some key roles include planning, installation, configuration, design, as well as migration. DBAs also will troubleshoot and enhance database security. Median pay is $87,020.
Concerns about security breaches continue to grow as criminals become ever more savvy. Information security analysts find the best security solutions and carry out measures to protect a company's networks and systems. The professionals maintain systems by updating software and recommending security updates to management. Median pay is $95,510.
3. IT manager IT managers are in high demand thanks to increasingly digital workplaces. These individuals coordinate all computer-related activities for an organization. Some jobs include
2. Computer systems analyst A computer systems analyst helps organizations utilize computer technology efficiently and effectively. They make suggestions on new technology. Sometimes called systems architects, computer systems analysts often study existing computer systems and design more efficient options. Median salary is $88,270, lower than some other IT jobs, but there are 54,400 projected jobs in this area.
1. Software developer A software developer has the highest rate of projected new jobs, and at a median salary of $101,790, it can be a secure career in the tech field. These developers write new code, fix software bugs, find solutions to outdated programs, and must be both creative and technical. Some developers may specialize in one area of computers or serve as generalists who write code for various types of software.
grow with us now hiring from entry level to profess(onal staff 413.585.1300 servicenet.org/jobs
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4. Information security analyst
recommending software and hardware needs, securing networks, and searching for new technologies. Median salary is $139,220.
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Saturday, February 29, 2020 | Berkshires’ Best Employers
BERKSHIRE MEADOWS
has been named as one of the top places to work by The Boston Globe! Berkshire Meadows provides residential and family supports to individuals with severe intellectual disabilities and complex medical needs in homes that provide the staffing support to enhance quality of life.
Looking for a rewarding and exciting career?
Avg. Starting Rate:
15/hr
$
(potential for additional compensation and weekend shift differential)
We offer the following Benefits: • To positively make a difference in the lives of others
• Get paid for an 8-hour day but only work 7.5 hrs (1/2 paid break)
• Work hard, play hard – generous Paid Time Off (plus 11 paid holidays) – starting within the first year (over 150 hrs)
• Low cost health insurance (BCBS). Over 76% covered health or an additional $1/hr for alternative option participation.
• 100% dental insurance (including family plan) – no cost to you • Vision plan
• 401k or Roth IRA (match up to $800 per calendar year) The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com
• Company sponsored pension plan – you might not care now but you will when it matters
• Tuition Reimbursement – up to $4,000 per year
• Life insurance, STD/LTD, Supplemental Life/AD&D
View available shifts and apply online at: https://berkshiremeadows-jri.com/ Or e-mail us a resume to bmwjobs@jri.org Or stop by to fill out an application: 249 North Plain Road (Route 41) Housatonic, MA • (413) 528-2523
Berkshire Meadows 10
The different fields of engineering Engineering can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. With so many disciplines, there’s likely something for everyone with an interest in and aptitude for engineering. Engineering has many disciplines that can be an ideal fit for a career. Engineering is an exciting profession that encompasses many different subfields. Engineers are professionals who invent, analyze, design, test, and build anything from machines to structures to complex systems. They are often pushed to work within parameters of safety, cost, regulations, and even practicality. According to Southern New Hampshire University, engineering is divided into four main categories: chemical, civil, mechanical, and electrical. However, there are dozens of subtypes of engineering. As problems are encountered, engineering disciplines are developed to train highly specialized individuals to solve issues. As the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics points to strong job growth outlooks, and salaries starting in the high five-figures to low six-figures, engineering is a fine career to pursue. The following is a breakdown of the various fields of engineering, courtesy of the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, TypesOfEngineeringDegrees. org, and SNHU.
Aerospace These engineers design, analyze, model, simulate, and test various aircraft, rockets, satellites, and other craft. Aerospace engineers may help develop space mission protocol or design aircraft for the military.
Biomedical These engineers combine knowledge of biology and medicine to develop technologies related to healthcare. Diagnostic machines, artifical organs, joint replacement components, and medical instruments are just the tip of the iceberg.
Chemical Chemical engineers discover and manufacture medicines, fertilizers, plastics, paints, and the various chemicals used at home and for commercial purposes.
Civil Civil engineers study and design infrastructure. Projects span the design of bridges, roads, dams, water systems, earthquake-proof buildings, and much more.
Computer hardware Thanks to the digital age, computer hardware engineers are in high demand. These professionals research and develop components like memory devices, networks, routers, circuit boards, and other device-related hardware.
Electrical The design, testing and manufacturing of electrical components is key to this field. Electrical engineers work on motors, navigation systems, communication technology, and much more.
Agricultural
Mechanical
These engineers study science and biology to develop efficient measures to grow and maintain plant life. Many agricultural engineers now focus on protecting resources and the environment.
This field involves the design of mechanical systems in industries like manufacturing, nuclear power production, HVAC, and nanotechnology. There are many other applications as well, making mechanical engineering one of the broadest fields in engineering.
The Berkshire Eagle is a multifaceted media organization that requires a variety of talents to get the jobs done. Our many departments are staffed by local residents with a diversity of skills and experience. Chances are, you have the skills we are looking for. There’s never been a better time to join the Eagle.
Berkshires’ Best Employers | Saturday, February 29, 2020
Join Our Team!
It’s fast and easy to apply
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local matters The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com 11
Saturday, February 29, 2020 | Berkshires’ Best Employers
Hey, we just met you and this is crazy, but here’s our number… 413-499-7924 Tuition Reimbursement Student Loan Paydown Paid CEU’s & PDP’s Paid Life, STD, and LTD 30 Day Benefit Eligible Free Teladoc– No Copay Career Ladder Increases Birth Recovery Leave Child Care Reimbursement Apply now on Indeed or on our website at www.hillcrestec.org. Call Gayle for more information at 413-499-7924 ext 113.
So call us maybe
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Full-Time and On-Call Direct Care Positions Available, as well as Clinicians and Teachers
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Hillcrest Educational Centers is a nationally accredited human service organization that has provided specialized services and care to youth and their families for 35 years. We are one of the areas largest employers and have more than 550 dedicated staff working together at our therapeutic residential and day school programs to positively impact families and communities one child at a time. Join us for a purpose-driven career. Check us out on our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.
Work with an incredible team of caring professionals. Learn more about their experiences on our blog at hillcresteducationalfoundation.workpress.com.
Additional Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance. 403B retirement plan with employer contributions. Wellness program insurance premium reduction and annual HNE $200 wellness reimbursement.
Professional Development: Two week orientation, monthly on-going training, unlimited access to our online learning library, professional development days, conferences and seminars, RCYCP national direct care certification, ParaPro prep/ assessment on-site, and an RBT in-house program.
We recognize our employees with monthly and annual awards, incentive staff referrals with a $1000 bonus, listen to what our staff have to say with surveys and focus groups, and celebrate by hosting free staff events and family gatherings.