OhioMeansJobs Lorain County is doing its part to help fill healthcare job openings in the Northeast Ohio.
The nonprofit presented a healthcare-specific job fair June 12 at its office in Elyria Township that featured numerous local employers.
Tonya Ringer, a human resources specialist with The Nord Center, was at the fair sharing information about openings with the Lorain agency.
The Nord Center is in need of case workers who go out into the community and make sure clients are connected with the resources they need in person, Ringer said.
There are a few characteristics employers specifically look for with case workers, she said.
“We’re definitely looking for compassion and patience,” Ringer said. “We like individuals that have a friendly attitude and remember that our clients are adults.
“We also want them to remember they are visitors in their homes.”
Ringer said there also are other positions open like front desk receptionists, and some roles in nursing and psychiatry that may require more training and education.
“I like to talk, so I like to hear what people are looking for and how our positions can help them,” she said. “Sometimes, people aren’t sure or think they aren’t qualified.
“But, once we have a conversation, they can say, ‘oh yeah, I think this is something I want to try.’”
The Welsh Home, 22199 Center Ridge Road in Rocky River, also had representatives at the event.
Kelly Lynn Michaels, human resources director at the Welsh Home, said a benefit of working at a nonprofit nursing home like the Welsh Home, is that employee voices are taken seriously.
“Not for profit means that you’re not just a number,” Michaels said. “We hear your feedback, and if we can implement it, we want to do that because they’re the ones working the frontline.
“If there’s something we can do, we’ll do it; and if not, we’ll explain why we can’t.”
Michaels said there are home state tested nurse aid (STNA) openings, which are roles centered around assisting residents with daily living tasks.
These roles require hard work and a passion for helping people, she said.
“It’s work and you have to have a certain mindset with empathy and compassion to take care of the elderly,” Michaels said. “Some don’t have that, but we’re looking for people with good work ethic.”
Britanny Ostoich, human resources manager for Home Instead, an in-home senior care services company with several locations in the Cleveland area including North Ridgeville, had a table at the job fair.
“We’re always hiring; we need caregivers all the time,” Ostoich said. “People are going to keep getting old, and it’s never not going to be a field.”
What makes these jobs unique, is that they are not considered healthcare because most of the tasks are with assisting elderly clients in day-to-day activities, she said.
“A lot of our clients just have us for companionship and getting them out of the house,” Ostoich said. “Some of them need more than that, but it just depends.”
Home Instead is looking for dependable and compassionate workers, she said.
“We would like it if they are outgoing because the elderly love to talk about their lives.” Ostoich said. “Being punctual is important because they wait at the window for them all the time.
“It’s really just about having a big heart and caring for them as if they were your grandparents.”
Those interested in learning more about local healthcare job openings, can reach out to OhioMeansJobs Lorain County through the contact information on its website.
