Hab Center to host job fairs

The Nevada Habilitation Center will be hosting job fairs in several area communities during the months of May and June to recruit qualified employees for several different positions. Uncertainty about the center's future and a shortage of applicants have created the need for the center to hold the job fairs, according to Superintendent Chris Baker.

"What prompted this is we're still battling rumors that we're closing," Baker said, "that's made it difficult to retain good employees." Baker said that even though the facility is going from a campus-based provider to a community- based provider, it has been part of the community for more than 100 years and will remain part of Nevada for "many, many years to come." Baker also said that he "can understand people thinking that we're closing, but that misconception has made recruiting difficult."

Baker said that the initial plans were to reduce the center's workforce by about 50 employees, but he did not know how those numbers would look right now. He also said that when the facility does cease operations, as they exist now, in 2013 "those still here will stay here."

Most of the positions that are available are for "direct care," but Baker said that there are some positions open, like that of a registered nurse, that do require a degree. He also said that some of the positions that come open between now and the closing date will not be filled.

"The last thing I want to do is get to the end of 2012 and have to lay people off," he said. Letting some of the positions go through attrition keeps him from having to do that.

The Hab Center and its predecessor, the state hospital, have been a mainstay of Nevada employers for many decades and people came from many miles to work there and retire there. That is still possible even though people change jobs more frequently now.

"The turnover rate is still pretty respectable, but it has gone up some," because of the uncertainty, Baker said.

Baker said that the center is looking for employees who have "a good, strong work ethic, want to help others, get satisfaction from helping others, are dedicated and want to make a career out of working for us."

The the fairs will begin in Nevada on May 11 at the Franklin P. Norman City/County Community Center. All times will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Following events will be in Fort Scott, Kan., on May 17, Rich Hill, Mo., on May 18; El Dorado Springs, Mo., on May 24; Stockton, Mo., on June 2; and in Lamar, Mo on June 14.

For more specific event locations call the Hab Center switchboard at (417) 667-7833.

Baker recommends that in order "to streamline things" those attending the job fairs come ready to list all of their past employment for the past five years, have references and their addresses. Prospective employees must be tax compliant, pass a drug test, a background check and not be listed on the family care disqualification registry.

Baker urges everyone to come out and get an employment packet. Hab Center employees are state employees. Baker said the wages are competitive and "when it comes to the benefits, it'd be hard for anybody in the community to match us."

Employment packets can also be picked up and filled out or taken home and returned to the Hab Center during regular business hours Monday through Friday. For information, call (417) 667-7833.