Berkshires' Best Employers, Fall 2019

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A special publication of The Berkshire Eagle, Wednesday, September 25, 2019

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Wednesday, September 25, 2019 | Berkshires’ Best Employers

Our People.

Our Investment.

The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com

Apply now on Indeed or on our website at www.hillcrestec.org. Call Gayle for more information at 413-499-7924 ext 113.

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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 Reimbursement for Child Care

Direct Care salaries starting at $14.35 per hour. Make more with shift differential.

Hillcrest Educational Centers is a nationally accredited human service organization that has provided specialized services and care to youth and their families for over 35 years. We are one of the areas largest employers and have more than 540 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.

Visit our website at www.hillcrestec.org for available openings and to complete an application. Apply in person at 788 South Street, Pittsfield. Search us on Indeed. For more information, call Gayle Murphy at 413-499-7924 ext. 113.

Additional Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance. 403B retirement plan.

Wellness program insurance premium reduction and enhanced compensation through career ladders.

Professional Development: Two week orientation, monthly on-going training, unlimited access to online learning library, paid CEU’s and PDP’s, conferences and seminars, RCYCP national direct care certification, ParaPro prep/assessment on-site, and RBT in-house program.

The decision to pursue an advanced degree requires careful consideration. Such a pursuit requires a considerable investment of time and money, and while those are two important factors to consider before making a decision (more on that below), they're not the only things women must think of as they try to make the best decision.

TIMING Timing and time are two different things. While many people considering graduate degrees think about how much time they'll need to complete their degrees, timing also merits consideration. Newly minted graduates may want to take a break after expending so much effort to earn their undergraduate degrees. Taking time between degrees can provide the opportunity to recharge, and it also can give young graduates a chance to get some professional experience. That experience can inform their future grad school decision, perhaps reassuring them they're on the right career path or compelling them to pursue other avenues. But enrolling right after completing your undergraduate studies can be beneficial as well.

That's especially so for recent grads

who hope to start a family soon after graduation. The longer you delay enrolling in a graduate program, the longer you may delay starting a family, which can have a lasting impact.

CAREER PROSPECTS While it's easy to assume an advanced degree will greatly enhance your career prospects and increase your earning potential, it's not necessarily that simple. When considering the pursuit of an advanced degree, try to determine if you'll be in the workforce long enough to benefit from the increased earnings. Women who are mid- to late-career might not benefit considerably or at all from the extra earnings if they're paying for their advanced degrees themselves, as the cost of tuition and other fees might be higher than the extra earnings. In addition, some advanced degrees won't necessarily lead to considerably higher salaries than you're likely to earn with a bachelor's degree. That will depend on your profession.

TIME The time required to pursue an advanced degree merits strong consideration. Many students pursuing a master's degree full-time can earn

now hiring from entry level to profess(onal sta 413.585.1300 servicenet.org/jobs

their degrees in two years, while those who attend part-time will need more time to complete their degree programs. Doctoral programs take considerably longer.

COST The cost of an advanced degree varies widely depending on the program.

Some programs may cost $20,000 or less, while others will cost more than $100,000. Many doctoral candidates receive financial aid from their schools or lenders, but the cost of a Ph.D. is still considerable, especially when considering the potential lost earnings during the years while the degree is being pursued.

The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com

grow with us

METRO CREATIVE

Berkshires’ Best Employers | Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Factors to consider before pursuing an advanced degree

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Wednesday, September 25, 2019 | Berkshires’ Best Employers

METRO CREATIVE

Learn how to be more assertive in the workplace

The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com

Assertiveness in the workplace can help female professionals achieve their goals and showcase their value.

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Gender equality in the professional arena has come a long way in the 21st century. But while great strides have been made over the last two decades, women still face challenges unique to females as they look to establish themselves professionally and advance their careers.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women still earn roughly 80 percent of what men are paid in the same positions. Professional women often must walk the thin line between being too nice or too aggressive, a pressure not often faced by men. Assertiveness is an art for both genders, and women can take steps to be more assertive without giving the impression they're ruffling feathers.

• Be confident in your speech.

It is easy to fall into "weaker language" habits when advocating for an idea. If unsure about the reaction to a proposal, you might say, "I think this is a good idea" or "I believe this will impart change." More assertive language is to simply stand behind the point: "This is a good idea." Confidence can go a long way.

• Allow people to disagree. It is acceptable for others to disagree with you. This can lead to discussion and an opportunity to present evidence why something should be done in a certain way. It also enables you to point out the strong points in their argument. Listening to all ideas can sway people in your favor, even if they don't necessarily agree with all you believe in.

• Be proactive and future-oriented. This is expecially pertinent when asking for raises or promotions. Explain to a boss how you respect yourself and that your work merits the right compensation. Point out clearly defined future goals and successes you've had that warrant consideration for higher pay.

• Don't fear conflict. Conflict doesn't have to be confrontational, especially when respectable language is used and everyone is allowed to voice their opinions. Conflict can inspire great change. And remember, while you need to have solid relationships with coworkers, they do not have to be your best friends.

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to empowering people and communities to realize their full potential through the wisdom and practice of yoga. The most established retreat center for yoga, health, and holistic living in North America, Kripalu has been teaching skills for optimal living for more than 40 years. You don’t need to be a yogi to work at Kripalu—we’re looking for individuals who are interested in challenging and inspiring work!

WE ARE SEEKING FULL- AND PART-TIME POSITIONS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

Dining and Food Service • Baker • Dining Room Server Guest Services • Guest Services Associate (Front Desk) Housekeeping • Housekeeping Supervisor • Housekeeping Lead • Housekeeping Associate

Production • AV Associate • Production Associate Registrations • Registrations Associate (Reservationist) • Registrations Housing Coordinator

WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: • Competitive starting wages • Vacation and paid holidays • Paid sick leave • Medical and dental insurance • Company-paid group life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance • Optional benefits such as vision, 403B retirement accounts, and Flexible Spending Accounts • Use of our facilities and program benefits

• Employee Assistance Program • Employee Referral Bonus Program • Healing Arts and Kripalu Shop discounts • Discounts for meals in our Dining Hall • A smoke- and tobacco-free campus • A great work environment, and so much more…

For a full list of our job openings, please visit kripalu.org/humanresources

We develop advanced solutions to support the U.S. Navy’s latest ships and combat systems – and we’re growing!

This is your opportunity to work with some of the most experienced and talented professionals on projects that are essential to national security.

Our Culture

Opportunities available in: • Engineering • Technical Management • Project Management • Business Support ...and more!

Berkshires’ Best Employers | Wednesday, September 25, 2019

About Us

Collaboration: We have an open door, collaborative environment where you can be heard, learn, and lead.

Commitment To Excellence: We’ve been trusted with building mission critical systems for over 60 years.

These systems need to work. Every. Single. Time. Our team of experienced professionals consistently deliver on this promise and commitment to excellence.

Our Community

Many of our employees are active volunteers in our community, supporting charitable organizations and educational initiatives such as the Berkshire United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Soldier On, 3rd Thursdays, and numerous STEM programs for local students.

Benefits We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose.

Learn more and apply at gdmissionsystems.com/PittsfieldMA

The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com

We are proud to closely partner with our community and local organizations to support development and growth in the Berkshires.

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Wednesday, September 25, 2019 | Berkshires’ Best Employers The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com

UNSPLASH

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Opportunities abound in the field of engineering

The field of engineering can be rewarding and lucrative. Becoming a professional engineer requires years of schooling, but the rewards of such a pursuit can be well worth the effort.

Engineering is a vital component of many industries. Engineers affect nearly every aspect of daily life, and a career in engineering can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

According to PayScale.com, degrees in the STEM fields, which focus on science, technology, engineering, or math, continue to be at or near the top of the site's College Salary Report.

Engineering seems to be an especially lucrative degree to have. In fact, the 2018 report found that three of the top four highest paying jobs for people with a bachelor's degree were in the field of engineering.

A high salary is certainly enticing, but many professional engineers feel their jobs are more than just a paycheck, as overcoming the challenges posed by a career in engineering can lead to great personal satisfaction.

The various disciplines within the field of engineering attract students from all walks of life, making engineering an attractive career path for young people with an array of skillsets and interests. The following are just some of the many potential career opportunities for students who earn degrees in engineering.

• Electrical and electronics engineer: Technology is vital to daily life in the 21st century, and electrical and electronics engineers play an integral role in making the connected world a reality. Electrical engineers work on

FALL INTO THE CAREER YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR! Berkshire Family & Individual Resources We are a large, non-profit, human service agency located in Berkshire, Hampden & Hampshire counties.

BFAIR is in your backyard with opportunities for full/part time/relief employment in our Residential, Day and Homecare Departments. Great opportunities for college students, anyone looking for hours while the kids are in school, and those looking to make a difference in the lives of others.

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.

AA/EOE

Berkshires’ Best Employers | Wednesday, September 25, 2019

UNSPLASH

everything from computers to wireless networks to automobiles and aircrafts.

• Chemical engineer: Combining the principles of biology, chemistry, economics, mathematics, and physics, chemical engineers strive to convert chemicals, energy and other materials into useful products. Chemical engineers work in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, petroleum, energy, and manufacturing.

Some chemical engineers focus on research, while others may work on quality control or safety procedures.

• Computer engineer: Whether using their smartphones, tablets, laptops,

or desktops, few people now go a full day without using some type of computer. They have computer engineers, who create and improve existing computer technologies, to thank for that.

Computer engineers may focus their efforts on wireless networks, the internet or other systems that businesses and people rely on every day.

• Mechanical engineer: Mechanical engineers are involved in the research, design and development of machinery. Such machinery may include medical devices, appliances people have in their homes that they use every day or turbines.

Community Health Programs (CHP) believes that the quality of the services we provide comes from the commitment and dedication of our qualified staff.

Full-time

Part-time

Great benefits

Miss Hall’s offers: • competitive salaries • excellent benefits • professional development • tuition remission

Founded in 1898, Miss Hall’s School currently enrolls 217 talented and ambitious girls, representing multiple states and 20-plus countries. In addition to a rigorous collegepreparatory curriculm, Miss Hall’s offers students the real-world experiences of Horizons, the groundbreaking work of the Girls’ Leadership Project, and a diverse and engaging community in which to learn.

Learn more about Miss Hall’s School, including open positions, at misshalls.org/employment.

Job Descriptions: CHPBerkshires.org/careers

492 Holmes Road Pittsfield, Massachusetts

413-443-6401 hr@misshalls.org

The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com

10 locations

Join a community dedicated to providing girls with an exceptional education. Miss Hall’s School, a nationally recognized independent secondary school, seeks to fill positions, immediately and for the 2020-2021 academic year.

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The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com

Wednesday, September 25, 2019 | Berkshires’ Best Employers

Change jobs without burning bridges Changing jobs can be stressful and awkward, but it can be done in a way to ensure good relations with an existing employer for years to come. communicate your intent and future plans, highlighting when changes are expected to take place.

• Choose the right time. Timing is everything, and some times are better for leaving a job than others. Project Management, a consultant group, says to wait until important projects are finished, rather than bailing out in the middle of crucial work.

• Keep an open mind. Some employers may be blindsided by an employee's desire to leave, particularly in cases when said employee never communicated with a supervisor about the desire for more responsibility or to discuss something that may not be working. A boss who respects your work and values you as an asset may make a counter-offer.

Hear him or her out and weigh your options.

• Give plenty of notice. While two weeks' notice is the norm, leaving more time for an employer to find your replacement, and helping to train this individual, is a sure sign of respect for your current employer.

Our benefits include Health, Dental and Vision – with instant enrollment – No waiting period! In addition, we offer Disability and Life Insurance Plans; Health Reimbursement and Flexible Spending Accounts; Tuition Assistance and Discounted Home and Auto Insurance Rates.

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.

The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com

People look for new jobs for a variety of different reasons. One of the primary motivators to look for a new job is to earn more money. Others are interested in trying a new field.

The employment recruiting and networking resource The Balance: Careers indicates that the average person now changes jobs 10 to 15 times in their professional lives. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that most people now spend 4.2 years in a current job, which is down from 4.6 years in 2014.

Although some people may be tempted to leave a job with a bang, they should exit with class and professionalism. No one knows what the future brings, and it's best to leave a job on solid terms. With this in mind, here's how a person can change jobs successfully.

• Draft a letter of resignation.

Clearly communicate your decision to leave the organization. Follow the proper chain of command and show respect by addressing the person to whom you directly report. Clearly

We are recruiting driven and compassionate individuals to join our dynamic team of over 500 employees, including Residential, Outreach, Social Workers and Mental Health Clinicians.

Berkshires’ Best Employers | Wednesday, September 25, 2019

MARTEN BJORK/UNSPLASH

The Brien Center is a community-based, non-profit agency with over 90 years of history of providing a continuum of care for children, adolescents, adults and families who are living with serious behavioral health disorders.We are guided by the belief that everyone in Berkshire County benefits when people are emotionally healthy. Serving over 10,000 annually, we are the leading provider of mental health and addiction treatment services.

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Wednesday, September 25, 2019 | Berkshires’ Best Employers The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com 10

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.

METRO CREATIVE

How biking to work can benefit your overall health Commuting is a fact of life for millions of professionals. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the average person in the United States spends 26.1 minutes getting to work, while Statistics Canada notes the average Canadian spends 26.2 minutes getting to the office.

Few people enjoy commuting. In fact, a 2004 study published in the journal Science found that female commuters cited commuting as their least satisfying daily activity, ranking it below housework. Perhaps that's because commuting, whether commuters recognize it or not, tends to have adverse effects on their overall health. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Urban Health found that longer commutes are associated with behavioral patterns that may contribute to obesity and other negative health conditions.

Commuters who live close to work can counter some of the negative effects of commuting by cycling to work. Cycling is a healthy activity that the Harvard Medical School notes can help people build muscle and increase bone density, which naturally decreases with age. And there are additional benefits to cycling to work that might compel some commuters to pedal their way to the office.

• Biking can help you meet minimum exercise guidelines. The latest Physical Activity Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that adults

get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. Biking to work can help people meet and exceed those weekly guidelines, providing a strong foundation for a long, healthy life.

• Biking to work can lower your risk of chronic disease. Regular physical activity like cycling can lower your risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Adults who can't find the time to exercise outside of work may find that exercising during their commutes by biking to work is their best and most effective means to lowering their risk for chronic disease.· Biking to work can improve cognition. The American Heart Association notes that regular physical activity like cycling has been linked to improved cognition, which can positively affect memory, attention and processing speed.

• Biking to work may help reduce stress. A 2017 study from researchers at Montreal's Concordia University attempted to investigate the impact of various commuting modes on workers' stress levels upon arrival to their workplace. The study found that such levels were lower among cyclists than they were among people who drove or took public transportation to the office.Biking to work may not help people reduce their commute times, but it might make those commutes less taxing on their overall health.

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)

• Company sponsored pension plan – you might not care now but you will when it matters

• Tuition Reimbursement – up to $3,600 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

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 | Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Join Our Team!

It’s fast and easy to apply

berkshireeagle.com/apply

local matters The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com 11

Wednesday, September 25, 2019 | Berkshires’ Best Employers The Berkshire Eagle | BerkshireEagle.com 12

Berkshire Physical Therapy & Wellness has been assisting people with their outpatient physical therapy needs since 1998. 21+ years!

Exercise is medicine and Wellness not illness have long been our mottos.

The company has 3 convenient locations in the Berkshires, in Pittsfield, Dalton and Lenox. The company employs 12 staff who are all Berkshire County residents.

Their team of physical therapists works with gener-y al physical therapy h needs along with rehabilitation tha at includes total kneee, They work with high school sport teams to get hip and shouldeer injured athletes back on the field of play safely. rehabilitation, necck ms, and back problem They are partners with the Dalton CRAand Lenox alsports injuries, ba Fit for community health and exercise prescriptions. ng ance issues alon Berkshire Physical Therapy & Wellness thanks the with senior and geericommunity for having confidence in our programs. atric needs.

The company has been involved in the community supporting area high school students with scholarships who are interested in attending college for physical therapy.

They are affiliated with both local and regional colleges for internships with area college students who are in physical therapy programs.

They are affiliated and work with BCARC for 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

Dalton Office 400 Main Street Dalton, MA 01226 413-684-9783

Lenox Office 90 Pittsfield Road Lenox, MA 01240 413-637-2810