Kenora and area residents will have a unique opportunity to apply and interview for meaningful employment at Lake of the Woods District Hospital’s 'hire-a-thon' on Monday, November 7.
From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Seven Generations Education Institute’s Auditorium (240 Veterans Drive), lake region job-seekers can meet with hospital personnel, interview for available positions, and even receive same-day employment offers. It’s all part of LWDH’s commitment to building a locally-focused community of care.
“The ‘hire-a-thon’ will give us the chance to meet face-to-face with people and explain why the hospital is such a fantastic community,” explains Danielle Hawes, the facility’s Human Resources Manager.
“It’ll be an opportunity for people to come and ask questions and see what their career paths could look like. There’s a lot of really exciting opportunities and doors that can be opened when you start working at the hospital.”
Upon arrival at the Auditorium, candidates can learn more about careers as Clinical Information Clerks, Unit Attendants, Housekeeping Aides, Janitors, Laundry Extractors and Dietary workers.
Support staff from both the LWDH and the Lake of the Woods Employment Action Project (LEAP) will then assist in the application and interview processes. They look to welcome new members to the hospital community.
“You can apply for a job online before the event,” says Hawes. “But if you don’t have time, or if you’re not able to, we’ll also have applications available onsite.”
One of the 'hire-a-thon' highlights is sure to be the 'Day in the Life' booth, where current employees will describe what’s all involved in a typical workday at the hospital. Jaca, for example, is a Clinical Information Clerk, and can’t wait to talk about her experience at LWDH.
“It’s fulfilling to be the first person to help and guide patients when they come to the hospital,” she says. “I’ve always liked interacting with people. It makes me happy to see the appreciation and smiles on their faces after I’ve helped them.”
Kayla, who has served in several capacities at the hospital, enjoys learning about the many different ways people live in the community.
“Every job is important to keep the hospital going,” she says. “I like when I can help our community members get back to their everyday lives, or make the transition to new ones.”
Of course, one of the draws of hospital work is the compensation and benefits package, which includes extended health, dental, and short- and long-term disability plans. Also, all employees – whether casual, part-time or full-time – are able to enrol in the pension plan.
“It gives you guaranteed retirement income without any questions or concerns,” says Hawes. “It’s a great way to set yourself up for success in the future.”
Adds Jaca: “From life insurance to the pension plan and insurance for me and my kids, LWDH values employees, and that boosts our morale. It’s a place where people value responsibility, respect and teamwork.”
It’s a circle of support, explains Hawes, that has only been underlined by the pandemic.
“If COVID has taught us anything, it’s the importance of having a support system around you,” she says. “Now that we’re able to return to in-person events, the ‘hire-a-thon’ will be an opportunity for some face time with community members.”
Those interested in employment are welcome to schedule an appointment with LEAP, which can help in the drafting of resumes and interview preparation, but everyone is welcome to simply show up at Seven Generations Auditorium between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on November 7.
“You’ll be able to do the actual interview on the spot and even leave the Auditorium with a letter of offer,” says Hawes. “It’ll be a very exciting day for people to come.”