Benevilla is highlighting its benefits in an effort to attract new employees.

Benevilla is a Northwest Valley nonprofit providing vital support services for older adults, adults with disabilities, children and the families who care for them. Their services and programs range from child care services to adult life enrichment day programs for members with varying stages of dementia, Parkinson’s and stroke survivors to numerous free, educational, caregiver support and volunteer home services. Demand for the services Benevilla offers has soared during the pandemic, straining already thin staffs.

The nationwide labor shortage remains a top challenge for employers across the country, and at nonprofits the scramble for workers is especially challenging. As the pandemic works its way into a third year, Benevilla finds itself, as many businesses are, struggling to hire for open and newly created positions throughout the agency.

“Unfortunately, this is a crisis effecting both businesses and consumers.” said Benevilla President and CEO Joanne Thomson. “If we can’t hire enough employees, we cannot meet the increasing needs of the community we serve. It’s not easy for us to increase the cost of care we offer to our community to offset needed wage increases. The people we service in our community cannot bare added financial pressure.”

Currently, Benevilla officials are searching for qualified candidates to fill 14 positions throughout its programs. In the Wirtzie’s Preschool and Childcare program there are openings for lead teachers and teachers’ assistants. The Family Resource Center needs a community resource specialist and family support coordinator. The Benevilla FRC offers free, bilingual services and programs to families with young children throughout the Northwest Maricopa region. In the award-winning adult life enrichment day programs, Benevilla needs enrichment partners, enrichment specialists, nurses, transportation (van/bus driver) specialists and an intergenerational program coordinator. In the newly opened Benefitness Adaptive Gym there is an opening for A fitness exercise coach.

“Throughout the pandemic many people decided to take warehouse jobs or work from home so they would not have to interact with the public.” said Benevilla Human Resources Director Tricia Smith. “Now that the pandemic is entering its third year and the COVID rates are lower we hope people will want to come back and serve the community. Our culture here at Benevilla is amazing and staff, volunteers and everyone we serve are part of the Benevilla family.”

To attract top candidates, Benevilla offers paid personal time off and paid sick time separately. There is a strong culture of professional development and employees are encouraged to experience all aspects of the agency by working in other programs and applying for school and professional certifications through a scholarship program. Benevilla also offers highly competitive health, medical, dental, vision and pet insurances as well as life insurance. There is a 403(b)-retirement plan with employer match. There is even free and discounted childcare for those needing it (based on classroom availability) as well as discounted adult care services.

Currently, there are substantial sign on bonuses available.

Benevilla officials pride themselves on its employee work/life balance and offers part-time and flexible work schedules and no weekends to attract young families and the retired community looking for a work schedule fitting their lifestyles. There are even annual merit reviews and a retention bonus.

Those interested in joining the Benevilla team can visit benevilla.org/jobs-surprise-az/.

Jay Lickus is Benevilla marketing director.