Careers, Uncategorized
Becoming a Leader
Adam loves his job. He looks forward to going to work every day because he knows that what he does makes a difference: to the people he serves, to his staff, and to himself.
As a manager in a home living option with Communitas, Adam has found his calling. It’s a career that has allowed him to truly develop his gifts and invest in other people, which is what gives him utmost satisfaction.
“I learn something every day, from the people we serve and from my staff,” Adam says. “Communitas really is a great place to be.”
As a young man, he’d begun to develop his leadership skills by working at his church and getting an education at a local Bible college. He thought his career was going to be in church ministry.
But a conversation with a friend in his care group changed the course of Adam’s life.
“My friend Zeph knew that I was looking for work and told me about Communitas. Zeph loved working here and thought I would too,” Adam says. “I visited the website and found that I really resonated with the mission, vision, and values of Communitas. So I applied.”
Adam’s career with Communitas began in 2012 as a support worker. Since then he has grown to become a manager and is now training others to become managers through the organization’s Manager in Training (MIT) program.
The MIT program is for staff who are interested in learning the ins and outs of managing a home. This mentorship model gives staff the opportunity to explore the practical aspects of management in a safe and nurturing environment.
Communitas also offers a Leadership Development program that is open to those staff who want to explore their leadership potential in any role within the organization.
These mentorship opportunities resonate strongly with Adam. It’s something he experienced from his first day on the job.
“Louise was our manager and she embodied servant-leadership for us,” Adam says. “She never asked us to do anything she wouldn’t do first. She listened well and recognized our strengths. She encouraged us in areas of growth. It was the most amazing learning opportunity.”
Adam took that learning with him when he became a manager himself. He was given the opportunity to work in several different home living options within Communitas. This experience also increased his knowledge as he came to see that each home has its own unique personality and culture. He came to understand that if a staff team is well-managed, then the people who live in the home are best served.
“Some of our support workers know the people we serve better than anyone else,” Adam explains. “They become strong advocates and often have the best ideas. I truly trust my staff team.”
For someone considering a career with Communitas, Adam has this to say: “If you want to serve others, to give yourself to something where you can make an impact and know that your contribution is valued, then come work with Communitas.”
Adam notes that Communitas offers competitive wages, a great benefits package, on-the-job training, and opportunity for growth.
“The leadership here is very supportive and you’ll be doing something with purpose every day,” Adam says. “This is a place where you can grow.”
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